Omri Katz: Movies & Box Office

Omri Haim Katz (born May 30, 1976 in Los Angeles, California) is an American retired actor best known for his work as a child star during the 1980s and early 1990s. He first appeared on television in the prime‑time soap Dallas, where his performance earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Youth Actor in 1984 and several Young Artist Award nominations throughout the decade. Katz continued to build his résumé with guest roles on cult classics such as Eerie, Indiana and starred in family‑friendly films including Adventures in Dinosaur City, the Wes Craven‑directed comedy‑horror Matinee, and the enduring Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus where he played the mischievous Gary. His on‑screen charisma and earnest delivery made him a recognizable face among a generation of viewers, and his work on Hocus Pocus has maintained a dedicated fan base that still celebrates the film at conventions and reunions. Beyond acting, Katz’s personal background reflects a blend of cultural influences; he is the son of Israeli Jewish immigrants Yoram and Rina Katz and spent a year living in Israel during his childhood, experiences that he has described as shaping his identity. After stepping away from the entertainment industry in 2002, he explored various ventures, including a stint as a hairdresser and later the operation of a cannabis‑related business as of early 2022. Though he keeps his private life largely out of the public eye, reports indicate he remains friendly with former co‑stars from Hocus Pocus and occasionally appears at fan events, such as the 2023 Nightmare Weekend in Richmond. His career, though brief, left a lasting imprint on 80s and 90s pop culture, cementing his status as a beloved former child actor.