Henry Thomas – Biography, Net Worth and Complete Career Guide
Henry Jackson Thomas Jr., widely known as Henry Thomas, is an American actor whose career spans more than four decades. Born on September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas, he first captured global attention as a child star. His portrayal of Elliott in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) remains one of the most beloved performances in cinema history.
From that iconic debut, Thomas built a diverse body of work that ranges from major Hollywood productions to independent films and acclaimed television series. In recent years, a collaboration with filmmaker Mike Flanagan has introduced his work to a new generation of viewers. This article provides a comprehensive look at his life, career, filmography, and financial standing based on verified sources.
Who Is Henry Thomas? Biography and Background
Key Facts at a Glance
- Full Name: Henry Jackson Thomas Jr.
- Born: September 9, 1971 (age 53)
- Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Profession: Actor, Musician
- Famous For: Elliott in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Active Years: 1981–present
Essential Insights
- Thomas is best known for his iconic childhood role as Elliott in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982).
- He has maintained a steady acting career for over four decades, appearing in more than 60 films and numerous TV shows.
- Thomas is also a musician and has contributed to soundtracks for some of his projects.
- After his early E.T. fame, he focused on school before returning to acting full-time.
- His work with Mike Flanagan on Netflix horror series has led to a notable career resurgence.
- He received a Young Artist Award for E.T. and Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Saturn Award nominations for the role.
Snapshot Facts About Henry Thomas
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 53 years old (as of 2025) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million (2025 estimate) |
| Notable Film | E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) |
| Notable TV | The Haunting of Hill House (2018) |
| Children | 2 |
| Siblings | 1 brother, 1 sister |
| Parents | Henry Thomas Sr. and Carolyn Thomas |
| Spouse | Annalee Fery (2009–present) |
Thomas was born in San Antonio, Texas, to parents Henry Thomas Sr. and Carolyn Thomas. He began his acting career at a very young age. His first film role was in Raggedy Man (1981) when he was eight years old, a performance that caught the attention of director Jack Fisk, who later suggested him for the role of Elliott in E.T.
What Is Henry Thomas’s Net Worth?
Reliable net worth figures for actors are often difficult to verify with certainty, as they are typically estimates from non-authoritative outlets. This is the case for Henry Thomas. Based on the available sources, no official or independently confirmed net worth figure exists. Estimates from various online sources range from $2 million to $6 million, but these cannot be attributed to a reliable source.
Because net-worth figures for actors are often estimates from non-authoritative outlets, it is not possible to provide a verified number for Henry Thomas. The figures that circulate online are speculative and should be treated as such. His wealth is likely derived from his long career in film and television, but the exact amount is not publicly known.
How did Thomas earn his wealth? His primary income source has been his acting career, which he has sustained since 1981. In addition to his film work, he has had steady television roles, particularly in high-profile Netflix series. Some sources note he also worked as a musician, playing guitar and writing songs for a Celtic rock band, which may have contributed to his income.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Henry Thomas Starred In?
His Most Famous Role: Elliott in E.T.
Henry Thomas’s most famous role is undoubtedly that of Elliott Taylor in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film became one of the biggest box office successes of all time and made Thomas an instant star. For his performance, he won a Young Artist Award and received nominations for the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Saturn Awards. This role remains the defining performance of his career and the one for which he is most widely recognized.
What Was Henry Thomas Like as a Young Actor?
As a young actor, Thomas demonstrated remarkable natural ability. His first role at age eight in Raggedy Man led directly to his casting in E.T. After the massive success of E.T., he continued acting in films such as Cloak & Dagger (1984). However, he later focused on his education before returning to acting full-time in the 1990s. His early work established him as one of the most talented child actors of his generation.
Is Henry Thomas Still Acting?
Yes, Henry Thomas is still very active in the entertainment industry. He has been working consistently, especially since 2016, in a series of high-profile horror and drama projects. His partnership with director Mike Flanagan has been particularly fruitful. Thomas has appeared in several Flanagan productions, including Ouija: Origin of Evil, Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and the Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Key films in Thomas’s career include Legends of the Fall (1994), Gangs of New York (2002), All the Pretty Horses (2000), Fire in the Sky (1993), and Dear John (2010). His television work includes Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1997), for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination.
Where Can You Find His Complete Filmography?
For a comprehensive and regularly updated list of all his movie and television credits, the most authoritative source is his page on IMDb. This database includes every role he has played, from his debut in Raggedy Man to his most recent projects. Other reliable sources for his credits include TV Guide and Letterboxd.
Rotten Tomatoes describes his career as moving from child-star fame into a mix of television, independent films, and mainstream productions. He has also guest-starred on shows like Without a Trace.
What Is Henry Thomas’s Career Timeline?
- 1971: Born in San Antonio, Texas.
- 1981: Makes his film debut in Raggedy Man at age eight.
- 1982: Stars as Elliott in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, earning global fame and multiple award nominations.
- 1984: Stars in the film Cloak & Dagger.
- 1993–1994: Returns to major film roles with Fire in the Sky (1993) and Legends of the Fall (1994).
- 1997: Stars in Suicide Kings and the TV film Indictment: The McMartin Trial, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
- 2000–2003: Appears in All the Pretty Horses (2000), Gangs of New York (2002), and 11:14 (2003).
- 2010–2011: Stars in Dear John (2010) and The Last Ride (2011).
- 2016–Present: Begins a frequent collaboration with Mike Flanagan, appearing in Ouija: Origin of Evil, Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and the Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Henry Thomas?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| He was born on September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas. | Exact net worth figures vary; estimates range from $2 million to $6 million. |
| He played Elliott in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. | Details about his current marital status are not widely publicized. |
| He has two children: Hazel Thomas and Evelyn Thomas. | Specific details about his siblings’ professions are not publicly available. |
| He has been acting consistently since 1981. | The exact number of his children from all marriages is not definitively confirmed by all sources. |
What Is the Context of Henry Thomas’s Career Trajectory?
Henry Thomas’s career is a classic example of a child actor successfully transitioning to adult roles. After his breakout role in E.T., he took on diverse projects in both film and television, avoiding typecasting by choosing character-driven roles. He worked in major studio films like Legends of the Fall and Gangs of New York, as well as independent projects.
His portrayal of Elliott remains one of the most beloved performances in cinema history. The film’s cultural significance continues to introduce new generations to his work. In recent years, Thomas has experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to his roles in Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House and other horror/drama projects, introducing him to a new audience.
Beyond acting, sources note he also worked as a musician, playing guitar and writing songs for a Celtic rock band. This multifaceted approach to his career has allowed him to remain relevant and active in the entertainment industry for over 40 years.
What Do Authoritative Sources Say About Henry Thomas?
“Henry Jackson Thomas Jr. is an American actor. He began his career as a child actor and had the lead role of Elliott Taylor in the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982).”
“Henry Jackson Thomas Jr. is an American actor. He began his career as a child actor and had a lead role in the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982).”
— IMDb
“Birth Name: Henry Jackson Thomas. Birth Place: San Antonio, Texas, United States. Profession: Actor, Soundtrack.”
— TV Guide
A Summary of Henry Thomas’s Life and Work
Henry Thomas is an American actor who achieved global fame as a child star in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he has successfully transitioned into adult roles in both film and television. His recent work with Mike Flanagan on Netflix series has brought him renewed attention. While many details of his personal life and finances remain private, his professional legacy as Elliott is secure. For a look at another actor with a similarly diverse career, read our guide on Norman Reedus Movies and TV Shows: Complete Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Henry Thomas’s height?
Henry Thomas is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall.
Is Henry Thomas married?
Henry Thomas has been married and divorced; he currently keeps his personal life private. He is married to Annalee Fery as of 2009.
What other movies is Henry Thomas known for?
Besides E.T., he is known for Legends of the Fall, Gangs of New York, Fire in the Sky, All the Pretty Horses, Dear John, and Doctor Sleep.
Does Henry Thomas have social media?
Henry Thomas does not maintain a highly active public social media presence.
What TV shows has Henry Thomas been in recently?
He is best known for his roles in Mike Flanagan’s Netflix series: The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Did Henry Thomas win an award for E.T.?
He won a Young Artist Award for his performance and was nominated for Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Saturn Awards.
What was Henry Thomas’s first movie role?
His first film role was in Raggedy Man (1981) at the age of eight.
Who are Henry Thomas’s parents?
His parents are Henry Thomas Sr. and Carolyn Thomas.
Is Henry Thomas also a musician?
Yes, sources note he worked as a musician, playing guitar and songwriting for a Celtic rock band.
Where was Henry Thomas born?
He was born in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
For more biographical profiles of actors, see our article on Kirby Howell-Baptiste: Biography, Roles & Facts.
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