The Boy Who Was E.T.: A Disability Triumph

Matthew De Meritt, born without legs and accustomed to walking on his hands, became a key performer for E.T. in the 1982 film 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' His unique physical abilities allowed him to fit inside the E.T. costume and perform crucial stunts, including scenes where the alien raids the refrigerator and reacts to a camera flash.

While animatronics were used for E.T.'s facial expressions, De Meritt was the actor inside the suit for many of the alien's movements. This opportunity was transformative for De Meritt, who has shared that playing the beloved character significantly boosted his confidence as a child and helped him deal with disability-related bullying. The experience marked a significant moment for representation, demonstrating how individuals with disabilities can fill vital and unexpected roles in major productions.

De Meritt's contribution underscores a broader need for greater visibility of people with disabilities in media. With approximately one in six people globally experiencing a significant disability, his role serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential and valuable perspectives that can enrich the film industry when diverse individuals are given prominent opportunities.