E.T.'s Unexpected Voice

The unforgettable voice that brought the extraterrestrial E.T. to life in Steven Spielberg's beloved film had an intriguing origin. It stemmed primarily from the vocal cords of Pat Welsh, an elderly woman whose distinctive, raspy timbre was precisely what sound designer Ben Burtt was seeking. Welsh's unique vocal quality was, in part, a consequence of her two-packs-a-day smoking habit, which naturally lent a deeper, gravelly resonance to her speech. This unusual choice provided the foundational elements for one of cinema's most recognizable alien (Review) voices.

Sound designer Ben Burtt, known for his innovative work on films like *Star Wars*, meticulously crafted E.T.'s final voice by taking Welsh's recordings and layering them with a surprising array of other sounds. He manipulated her voice to give it a more childlike and otherworldly quality, then blended it with various animal noises, including those of raccoons, sea otters, and horses. Further human contributions were also integrated, such as vocalizations from director Steven Spielberg, actress Debra Winger, and even a burp from Burtt's USC film professor and the sounds of his sleeping wife with a cold. This complex tapestry of sounds resulted in a voice that was both alien and deeply empathetic, allowing audiences to connect with the character on an emotional level.

From a physiological standpoint, heavy smoking can significantly alter the vocal cords. The constant irritation from tobacco smoke causes inflammation and swelling of the vocal folds, a condition often referred to as smoker's laryngitis. Over time, this can lead to the development of polyps or nodules, which further thicken the vocal cords. These physical changes prevent the vocal cords from vibrating smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a lower pitch, a hoarse or raspy quality, and a reduced vocal range. This scientific explanation sheds light on how Welsh's lifestyle naturally produced the very vocal characteristics that proved ideal for E.T.'s iconic speech.