Dee Wallace: From Child Performer To Hollywood Icon
You might know her from her unforgettable performances in E.T., Cujo, and The New Lassie. But did you know that Dee Wallace was a child performer herself? Her journey into show business began much earlier than you'd expect, and it’s a story that’s as captivating as the roles she’s played on screen. Let’s dive into how this legendary actress started her career and what keeps her going today.
Dee Wallace, now 70, shared her incredible story exclusively with Closer Weekly. "Oh, I was born into it!" she laughed, recalling her early days. Growing up in Kansas City, KS, Dee faced a challenging start in life. "When I was just four years old, my family was extremely poor," she explained. "I looked like Shirley Temple, and I knew I had to help my family make ends meet." That determination led her from modeling gigs and appearances as the "Dell Comic Queen" to starring roles in 1970s television shows and eventually Hollywood blockbusters. Reflecting on her diverse career, Dee said, "Today, I go from family films to horror films and everything in between. It’s been an incredible ride!"
View this post on InstagramThere was a flying friend at the party last night! 🐥
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Currently, Dee can be seen in two new Lifetime Christmas movies, Every Other Holiday and Jingle Belle. Off-screen, she cherishes her time with actress-filmmaker Gabrielle Stone, her 30-year-old daughter from her second marriage to frequent co-star Christopher Stone. We sat down with Dee to talk about motherhood, overcoming the loss of her husband, and the unforgettable moments behind her most iconic roles. Keep scrolling to read our exclusive Q&A with Dee!
Staying Busy: Dee’s Exciting Upcoming Projects
Dee Wallace is as busy as ever, and her upcoming projects are a testament to her versatility. "There’s Jingle Belle and Every Other Holiday, two beautiful movies that I absolutely love," she shared. "And I just wrapped filming on 3 From Hell, a zombie movie that’s going to be wild! It’s like two sides of Dee Wallace — the heartwarming holiday films and the thrilling horror adventures. I love it all!"
Memorable Moments from the Set of E.T.
One of Dee’s most famous roles is as the mom in E.T., a film that became a cultural phenomenon. But what was it really like working on set? "We were filming on Halloween, so the whole crew was supposed to dress up," she recalled with a laugh. "Steven Spielberg walked in dressed exactly like the kids dressed E.T. in the movie — hat, pearls, the whole thing. The kids lost it! That moment stayed with them forever. He had their hearts right there and then."
Her Favorite E.T. Memory
When asked about her favorite memory from E.T., Dee didn’t hesitate. "Hands down, it’s the connection I had with the kids," she said warmly. "We really became a family. While I didn’t feel the need to take care of Robert [MacNaughton], I felt a huge responsibility toward Henry [Thomas] and especially Drew [Barrymore]. Those relationships were so special."
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Watching Henry Thomas Grow into a Dad Role
After playing Henry Thomas’s mom in E.T., Dee couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride watching him portray a dad in Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House. "I’m so proud of him," she said with a smile. "Now I’m playing grandma roles! Time marches on, but it’s exciting. Henry’s such a genuine actor, and we’ve maintained that real connection over the years. There’s something truly special about working with kids and animals — even if it can get a little wild sometimes!"
Dealing with Danger: The Cujo Experience
Despite the chaos, Dee never felt in danger while filming Cujo. "The dogs were incredibly well-trained," she explained. "Their tails were wagging the whole time because it was all a big game to them. The only time I got a little nervous was during the scene where Cujo was supposed to die on top of me. The dog had been sedated, but not enough, so I ended up bench-pressing this 140-pound St. Bernard while it was growling! It was definitely an adrenaline rush!"
Adrenaline-Fueled Moments in Show Business
Actors often face unexpected challenges, and Dee’s no exception. "There’s this incredible power of adrenaline in acting," she said. "During Cujo, they told me, 'Don’t worry, Dee, you can’t break the glass.' But guess what? I hit that car window three times, and it shattered! It just goes to show how intense the experience can be."
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