From E.T. to the Mailroom: Alachua County's Robert MacNaughton's Unexpected Career Path

Alachua County residents might recognize Robert MacNaughton from his iconic role as Elliott's older brother, Michael, in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. However, MacNaughton's career took an unexpected turn, leading him from Hollywood sets to sorting mail before a return to acting.

MacNaughton retired from acting in 2002. Following his departure from the film industry, he took on a role as a mail handler. He worked at bulk mail facilities in Phoenix, Arizona, and later in Jersey City, New Jersey, a significant shift from his early life in front of the camera.

After a decade away from acting, MacNaughton returned to the screen in 2013. That year, he appeared in two films: Kamal Ahmed's Laugh Killer Laugh and Damien Leone's Frankenstein vs. The Mummy. In Laugh Killer Laugh, he co-starred with his wife, actress Bianca Hunter.

MacNaughton remains married to Bianca Hunter. While his early career defined him for many, his journey through different professions and his eventual return to acting illustrate a unique path for a former child star.