Dee Wallace, Horror Film Icon and Mom in E.T., Celebrates Her Birthday

During a career that’s spanned four decades – and counting – Dee Wallace has waged war with cannibalistic mutants, a rabid dog, and carnivores aliens. She’s played enviable mothers and the occasional psychopath. And she has emerged as a true icon in both the horror and science fiction genres – a feat worthy of celebration. And now, this talented lady is about to celebrate a very special milestone.

Happy Birthday, Dee Wallace!

And that’s because she was born on December 14, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas, which means that this genre giant is turning 72 years old today! Wallace initially served as the head of a high school’s drama department before deciding to pursue an actual career in the subject she taught.

Wallace made her professional debut in an episode of the drama series Lucas Tanner (1974). In 1975, she appeared in her first film: the science fiction thriller The Stepford Wives.

Her next few roles were all on the small screen and included episodes of The Streets of San Francisco (1975), and Ellery Queen (1975). In 1977, Wallace landed a starring part in the horror film The Hills Have Eyes (not to be mistaken with Schitt’s Creek’s Moira Rose film, The Crows Have Eyes).

Four years later, she starred in another horror film: The Howling. In that project, Wallace worked opposite her second husband, Christopher Stone – the two would later be reunited in Cujo (1983), a film based on the same-titled Stephen King novel.

But her place in pop culture would soon be cemented when she appeared in Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction blockbuster, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), which also introduced the world to a very young Drew Barrymore.

She also appeared in the horror-comedy Critters (1986) – and its 2019 sequel, Critters Attack! – and a plethora of other horror gems including The Frighteners (which counted Michael J. Fox and John Astin amongst its cast; 1996), Boo (2005), Halloween (2007), and The House of the Devil (2009).

Among Wallace’s other acting credits are main roles in the sitcom Together We Stand (1986-1987), the family drama The New Lassie (1989-1992), and guest appearances in The Twilight Zone (1985), JAG (1997), Nash Bridges (1999), and Felicity (2001).

In 2015, Wallace briefly joined the cast of ABC’s General Hospital in the personage of the previously mentioned, though never seen Patricia Spencer, sister of series stalwarts Luke (Tony Geary) and Bobbie (Jacklyn Zeman). For her work, Wallace was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Guest Performer category.

Outside of her acting, Wallace is known for her authorship of three self-help books, her motivational speaking, and the call-in radio show that she hosts. She has also penned a memoir about her film work. Wallace is a mother to Gabrielle Stone, an actress and singer.

Entertainment Hub would like to wish Dee Wallace a very happy birthday, and you can too by clicking on the Twitter link below.