How Harrison Ford Helped ‘E.T.’ Get Started

“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” may not have been made without Harrison Ford!

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Ford’s then-girlfriend Melissa Matheson was visiting Ford in Tunisia.

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He was filming “Raiders of the Lost Ark” at the time.

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Steven Spielberg, who directed both films, approached her with her idea for “E.T.”

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However, Matheson turned him down, saying she was retired.

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Spielberg turned to Ford and begged her to change Matheson’s mind.

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Ford talked to Matheson and convinced her to give Spielberg a second chance.

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Spielberg said she got “really emotional” hearing the story the second time.

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He added, “she committed right in the middle of the Tunisian desert” and the rest is history!

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