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I *Knew* I Recognized the Dad in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ from Somewhere

The entire time I was watching bingeing Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House, there was something I couldn't put my finger on (aside from the Bent Neck Lady, obvi). Why did Young Dad, aka house-flipper Hugh Craine, look so damn familiar? Naturally, I did a little digging on the old Google machine.

Oh yeah, it's because the actor is the same one who played Eliot in E.T. the Extra Terrestrial 36 years ago. (!!?!?!)

henry thomas et haunting of hill house1
Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images / Netflix

Yep, young Hugh Craine is portrayed by 47-year-old Henry Thomas, who also had roles in popular movies like Gangs of New York and Ouija: Origin of Evil. I've seen both of those films, so I don't have any excuses, really. (He also had some sick sideburns and an earring in the ’90s, but I digress.)

Whew. I feel much better knowing this. Now excuse me while I pick up my wig from across the room.



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Former Senior Food Editor

  • Headed PureWow’s food vertical
  • Contributed original reporting, recipes and food styling
  • Studied English Literature at the University of Notre Dame and Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education