Omri Katz, known for his roles in the 1990s cult classics "Hocus Pocus" and "Eerie, Indiana," has transitioned from acting to become a cannabis entrepreneur. Now 50, Katz stepped away from the entertainment industry shortly after his 1993 role as Max Dennison in "Hocus Pocus."
Katz first gained recognition in 1983 at age 11, playing John Ross Ewing III in the television drama "Dallas." Following his departure from that series after eight years, he took on the lead role of Marshall Teller in the science fiction series "Eerie, Indiana," which ran for one season from 1991 to 1993. He also appeared in the 1993 film "Matinee" alongside John Goodman.
Katz's most memorable role was as the teenager who accidentally resurrects three witches in the 1993 film "Hocus Pocus." He has since revealed that he was experimenting with cannabis while filming the movie, a fact that director Kenny Ortega noticed. Katz recalled misremembering lines and cues on set, leading Ortega to question if he was under the influence.
After "Hocus Pocus," Katz pursued other interests, including following the band The Grateful Dead, snowboarding, and hairdressing, before eventually entering the cannabis industry. He explained his decision to leave acting, stating in a YouTube interview, "I left the industry not too long after ‘Hocus Pocus’ and kind of never really looked back. I grew up in the industry, so that’s kind of all I knew. I think I was soul searching and wanted more of a human experience; just see what else is out there, see the world, and be normal. I didn’t really have that growing up."
Katz attempted a return to acting but found he lacked the necessary passion. "I wanted to get back into acting for all the wrong reasons... to make money so I could escape again — and that didn’t work out too well. I had to get a real job, the first one in my life!" he stated. He also described developing a mental "block" when it came to performing, experiencing stage fright and difficulty remembering lines during brief appearances on shows like "Freaks and Geeks" and "General Hospital."
In 2020, Katz launched his cannabis lifestyle brand and cultivation company, The Mary Danksters. The company operates as an exotic craft cannabis cultivator and brand, with a slogan emphasizing "positivity, herb and unity." At the time of the launch, Katz expressed pride in his venture, noting his nearly 20 years of experience within the cannabis community.
