Tuesday Textures: The Voice of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
Pat Welsh provided the distinctive, raspy voice of ET in Steven Spielberg ’s 1982 film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.
Sound designer Ben Burtt discovered her by chance after overhearing her speaking in a camera shop in Marin County, California, and invited her to audition.
Welsh reportedly smoked two packs of cigarettes a day, which contributed to the gravelly voice that made her perfect for the character.
She did nine and a half hours of recording, helping create one of cinema’s most recognizable voices.
