A child star of early 1980s Hollywood, Henry Thomas had receded into occasional foreign films and TV-movies in his teens before returning as a character lead in the '90s. Thomas gained stardom in America's most popular feature, "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" (1982). As Elliot, he was the little alien's earthly guide, protector, and friend in one of the most affecting juvenile performances in film history. Extremely effective as an audience surrogate, Thomas proved more than equal to the task of acting opposite a wondrous special effect.

A native of San Antonio, TX, Thomas knew he wanted to act