Hocus Pocus star opens up on ‘beating’ Leonardo DiCaprio to role before quitting acting.Cau

Omri Katz, a star of the iconic Halloween movie Hocus Pocus, has opened up about why he decided to step away from his successful acting career.

Katz, who began acting at the tender age of three, played Max Dennison in the 1991 Disney hit alongside Sarah Jessica Parker. He also had roles in popular series like Dallas and Eerie, Indiana before deciding to call it quits.

In a candid interview with his Eerie Indiana co-star Justin Shenkarow, Katz revealed why he left showbiz and why he attempted to make a comeback for the wrong reasons. Interestingly, Katz shared that he was up against Leonardo DiCaprio for the role of Max, jokingly claiming he “beat” him to the gig.

Speaking on the Bronx Buds YouTube Channel, Katz quipped: “I don’t know this for a fact, but I’m pretty sure it’s true that Leonardo DiCaprio was up for the role, but he declined. But I guess I got some bragging rights again, I beat out Leo for Hocus Pocus.”

At just 16, Katz starred in the film which follows Max as he tries to thwart three resurrected witches (played by Bette Midler, Sarah, and Kathy Najimy) from taking over Salem, Massachusetts. Max is joined by his younger sister Dani and his crush Allison, portrayed by Thora Birch and Vinessa Shaw respectively, reports the Mirror.

Omri revealed to Justin that he stepped away from Hollywood due to his early start and demanding schedule, seeking a break from the industry. He confessed, “I left the industry not too long after Hocus Pocus and kind of never really looked back.”

Following his departure, Omri spent five years following the Grateful Dead and later became a snowboarder in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. However, after depleting his funds, he reluctantly returned to Los Angeles and acting, citing “the wrong reasons” for his comeback.

Upon his return, Omri realized that acting was no longer his passion and had even developed stage fright during his time away. He went on to explore alternative careers, including waiting tables and working as a hairdresser for eight years.

Eventually, Omri ventured into the cannabis industry, launching his brand, The Mary Danksters, which describes itself as “exotic craft cannabis cultivators” promoting “positivity, herb, and unity.” Notably, the brand’s website and Instagram do not mention Omri Katz or his connection to the 90s Disney film.

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