E.T. Screenwriter Melissa Mathison Has Died

Melissa Mathison, who wrote the screenplay for E.T., has passed away, according to THR.

Mathison, who was 65, scored a best screenplay Oscar nomination for the Steven Spielberg-directed classic in 1983 and worked on a sequel with Spielberg shortly after the film's release. Luckily for all involved, the sequel never materialized.

"Melissa had a heart that shined with generosity and love and burned as bright as the heart she gave E.T.," Spielberg said in a statement.

Mathison is survived by two children she had during a 21-year marriage to Star Wars and Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford.

She has a new film with Spielberg, The BFG, now in post-production and expected to see release in 2016.