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Matthew DeMeritt, the performer who helped bring the title character to life in Steven Spielberg's 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial... De Merritt was reportedly 11 years old and undergoing physical therapy at a California hospital after being born without legs when he was contacted to do a screen test. . . . Born without legs, he never let his physical condition limit his life, choosing to move using his hands rather than relying on a wheelchair. Matthew De Merritt was just thirteen years old when he got a role in one of the most famous movies in history without an agent or any previous acting background. In 1981, while he was doing physical therapy at UCLA Medical Center, director Steven Spielberg was struggling with the animatronics for his movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, as the mechanical alien looked too stiff and artificial on camera. A physical therapist saw Matthew moving effortlessly on his hands and contacted the production crew, leading Universal Studios to invite the young teenager for an audition. Inside a heavy rubber costume, Matthew walked on his hands, giving the alien a realistic, clumsy sway that perfectly captured a creature exploring Earth. Spielberg hired him to perform alongside Tamara De Treaux and Pat Bilon, using Matthew specifically for scenes that required delicate movement, such as E.T. falling over in the kitchen. Matthew later shared his memories of working on set, saying, "It was hot and it was hard work, but everybody was nice to me." He also admitted that his favorite part of filming was falling over because it meant he could finally rest inside the heavy costume. When the film became a worldwide success, Matthew was credited under Special E.T. Movement rather than as an actor. After filming wrapped, he returned to school, went to college, became a teacher, and played wheelchair basketball, stepping away from Hollywood entirely. Today, at fifty-six years old, Matthew remains largely unknown to the public, but his physical performance provided the genuine warmth and movement that made E.T. feel alive to millions of viewers. #drthehistories