It’s actually wild to think about. When Hocus Pocus hit theaters in the middle of a sweltering July in 1993, it basically flopped. Disney lost millions. Critics weren't just mean; they were confused. They didn't get why a kids' movie featured a hanging scene and jokes about "yabbos." But then, something shifted. Through years of 24-hour marathons on Freeform (formerly ABC Family), the original Hocus Pocus cast became the faces of Halloween itself.
You’ve seen them every October for thirty years. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy created a weird, campy, and slightly terrifying trio that shouldn't have worked, yet it did. But what happened when the vacuum cleaners were put away and the black flame candle was extinguished? The trajectory of these actors is a strange mix of massive superstardom, quiet disappearances from the limelight, and a few people who left Hollywood behind entirely.
Bette Midler: The Divine Miss Sanderson
Bette Midler was already a legend. Let’s be real—she didn't need Winifred Sanderson, but Winifred definitely needed her. Midler has gone on record multiple times saying this was one of her favorite roles she ever played. Since 1993, she’s basically done it all. She’s won Tonys, Grammys, and Emmys, cementing her "EGOT" adjacent status.
She didn't slow down after the 90s. While some actors from that era faded, Midler took over Broadway in Hello, Dolly! and continued releasing platinum albums. She’s been very vocal about her love for the franchise, often being the main driving force behind the 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. If you follow her on social media, you know she’s basically the same high-energy, no-nonsense person she was in the 17th-century makeup. She’s turned into a major advocate for environmental causes through her New York Restoration Project. It's kinda poetic that the woman who played a witch obsessed with youth is now spent her time planting trees and cleaning up parks to preserve the future.
The Evolution of Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy
Sarah Jessica Parker’s career path is probably the most famous of the bunch. When she played Sarah Sanderson, she was the "ditzy" one who ate spiders. Only five years later, she became Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. It’s a total 180. One minute she’s hopping around a graveyard singing "Come Little Children," and the next she’s the global icon of high fashion and New York dating culture. Interestingly, while filming an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, Parker actually discovered that her 10th great-grandmother was accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Life imitates art in the weirdest ways.
Then you have Kathy Najimy. Mary Sanderson was the "barking" sister, the one who tried so hard to please Winifred. Najimy was already a hit after Sister Act, but she used her post-Hocus Pocus fame to become a massive voice in activism. She’s a huge proponent of women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues. You’ve likely heard her voice without even realizing it—she was Peggy Hill on King of the Hill for over a decade. Honestly, her career is the definition of "working actor." She’s always there, always solid, and always making the project better.
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The Kids Who Survived the Night
This is where things get interesting. Usually, child stars from 90s cult classics have a rough go of it, but the original Hocus Pocus cast kids are actually doing okay.
Omri Katz, who played Max Dennison, the virgin who lit the candle (classic 90s plot point), basically retired from acting. He hasn't been in a major production in years. He actually moved into the cannabis industry. He owns a company called The Mary Danksters. It’s a huge shift from being a teen heartthrob in a Disney flick, but he still shows up to conventions to meet fans. He seems totally at peace with his legacy being "the guy who brought the witches back."
Thora Birch, who played Dani, was a different story. She became a massive indie darling shortly after, starring in American Beauty and Ghost World. She was the "it girl" for a minute there. She’s still acting, though she took a break for a while to pursue other interests. She was notably absent from the sequel, which bummed out a lot of fans, but she’s stated it was due to scheduling conflicts with other projects she was filming at the time.
And then there’s Vinessa Shaw (Allison). She’s had a really steady career in films like Eyes Wide Shut and 3:10 to Yuma. She’s also a big practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism. She’s stayed close with her co-stars, often posting throwback photos that make the internet lose its mind.
The Most Famous Actor You Didn't See
We have to talk about Doug Jones. He played Billy Butcherson, the "good" zombie. If you don't know Doug Jones by name, you know his work. He is the master of creature acting. He was the Pale Man in Pan’s Labyrinth, the creature in The Shape of Water, and Saru in Star Trek: Discovery.
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Jones has said that Billy Butcherson was a turning point for him because he had to convey so much emotion through layers of heavy prosthetic makeup. He actually returned for the sequel, proving that even after 30 years, he can still move like a reanimated corpse better than anyone else in the business.
Sean Murray: From Thackery Binx to NCIS
A lot of people forget that Thackery Binx (the human version) was played by Sean Murray. He didn't voice the cat—that was Jason Marsden—but he was the face of the 17th-century boy. Today, he is one of the most recognizable faces on television because he’s played Timothy McGee on NCIS for about 20 years. He looks completely different, obviously, but the fans who grew up crushing on Binx were the ones who followed him to procedural TV.
Why the Original Cast Matters So Much Now
The reason the original Hocus Pocus cast stays relevant isn't just nostalgia. It’s the chemistry. In the early 90s, movies were often cast with whoever was "hot" at the moment, but the producers of Hocus Pocus actually went for theater-trained actors and character performers.
- Midler, Parker, and Najimy spent weeks rehearsing their "walk"—the synchronized movement they do when they enter a room.
- They worked with a choreographer to make sure their flying styles were different (Winifred is regal, Sarah is graceful, Mary is... struggling).
- Most of the dialogue between the sisters was improvised or tweaked during rehearsals to fit their specific comedic timing.
This level of detail is why the movie survived a disastrous box office run. It felt lived-in. When people watch it now, they aren't just watching a kids' movie; they're watching three masterclasses in camp acting.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Casting
There’s a common rumor that Rosie O'Donnell was offered the role of Mary Sanderson. It’s actually true. She turned it down because she didn't want to play a "scary witch" who killed children. While Rosie is great, it’s hard to imagine anyone but Kathy Najimy bringing that specific "crooked mouth" energy to the role.
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Another misconception is that Leonardo DiCaprio was "almost" Max. He was offered the role and a lot of money, but he turned it down to do What's Eating Gilbert Grape. It worked out for everyone. DiCaprio got an Oscar nom, and Omri Katz gave Max that specific "Los Angeles kid stuck in Salem" vibe that grounded the movie.
Practical Ways to Connect with the Cast Today
If you’re a superfan looking to see more of the original Hocus Pocus cast, you don't have to just wait for October.
- Follow the "Official" Trail: Bette Midler is incredibly active on X (Twitter) and Instagram, mostly talking about politics and her charity. Doug Jones is a staple at Comic-Cons across the globe; he is widely known as one of the nicest people in Hollywood to meet in person.
- Support the Indie Projects: Vinessa Shaw and Thora Birch often work on independent films. Following their IMDb pages can lead you to some really high-quality cinema that isn't just blockbuster fluff.
- The NCIS Connection: If you want to see Sean Murray, you have over 400 episodes of television to catch up on. It’s a bit of a departure from the supernatural, but his character development is actually quite good.
- Visit the Locations: If you go to Salem, Massachusetts, you can see the Ropes Mansion (Allison’s house) and the Old Town Hall. While the cast isn't there, the town has embraced the movie so thoroughly that it feels like they might walk around the corner at any moment.
The legacy of the original Hocus Pocus cast is a rare example of a "cult" following turning into mainstream royalty. They didn't just make a movie; they defined an entire holiday for a generation. Whether it's through voice acting, Broadway, or procedural dramas, they've all managed to carve out spaces that prove there was real talent behind those goofy costumes.
To really appreciate their work, go back and watch the original film but ignore the plot. Just watch the way the three sisters interact in the background of scenes. The way they sniff the air, the way they constantly touch each other's hair or capes—it’s a level of physical acting you rarely see in modern comedies. That’s the real magic they brought to Salem.