Hocus Pocus is one of the most spirited Halloween movies ever to be made. It’s got everything you could want: creepy candles; vengeful witches; vacuums for brooms; an epic mix of “I Put a Spell on You,” sibling rivalry and a first-love story featuring sarcastic teenagers.
Released in 1993, it paired household names like Bette Midler with up-and-comers like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy to give us the iconic Sanderson sisters. But other than a reunion in 2013 for the 20th anniversary, we don’t hear much from some of the rest of the cast. What happened to the other stars of the movie — candle-lighting virgin Max, Allison and her “Yabbos,” zombie oral-hygiene neglecter Billy?
We checked in to see what the actors who played some of our favorite Hocus Pocus characters were up to.
Vinessa Shaw as Allison
Vinessa Shaw, who played love interest and not-here-for-your-magic-denying-BS Allison, went on to star in several successful movies after Hocus Pocus, including Eyes Wide Shut, 40 Days and 40 Nights and The Hills Have Eyes. Most recently, she’s had a recurring role as Kate McPherson in Ray Donovan.
Omri Katz as Max Dennison
Omri Katz, who played candle-lighting virgin Max, acted through 2002, starring in Dallas: J.R. Returns, Freaks and Geeks, General Hospital and a short film called Journey Into Night, but otherwise retired from the acting scene.
Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson
Doug Jones, who played Winifred’s bitter zombie ex-boyfriend Billy Butcherson, has primarily made his name in television since Hocus Pocus. His most recent big role has been as Saru in Star Trek: Discovery. He also had recurring roles in Research, Falling Skies, and The Neighbors.
Thora Birch as Dani Dennison
Thora Birch, who played Max’s actively embarrassing and super-clever little sister, is still an active actor, starring in American Beauty, indie classic Ghost World and most recently, the horror movie Deadline. She has four movies that are currently in post-production.
Larry Bagby as Ice
Larry Bagby, who played the sneaker-stealing bully Ice, continues to work in Hollywood with small roles in series like Malcolm in the Middle, ER, and Ray Donovan. He also had a running stint as Frank Ellis in The Young and the Restless in 2008.
Sean Murray as Thackery Binx
Sean Murray, who played the star of your teenage dreams Thackery Binx, is a successful television actor. If you’re an NCIS fan, then yep — dollfaced Thackery is also cybersecurity specialist Timothy McGee. Murray has also had roles in JAG, Touched by an Angel and ER.
Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
Kathy Najimy, who played the goofy vacuum-riding Mary Sanderson, went on to star in dozens of films and TV shows, including Dumb and Dumber, Desperate Housewives, WALL-E, Veep and Younger.
Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
Sarah Jessica Parker, who sang the creepiest song in the movie as Sarah Sanderson, became the über-celeb we know her as today thanks to Sex and the City five years after Hocus Pocus was released. Since then, she’s starred in several other comedic roles, such as The Family Stone, Failure to Launch and most recently, her HBO series Divorce, where she also had the role of producer.
Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
Bette Milder, who played the leader of the Sanderson sisters, Winifred, went on to be, well, Bette Midler. She’s starred in dozens of TV and movies over the years as both a dramatic and comedic actor and won multiple Grammys for her music. But Midler says that Winifred Sanderson remains her favorite role.
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