Throughout the 1990s, Thora Birch became one of the decade’s most recognizable young stars, appearing in a string of major films as she transitioned from child roles to more mature performances. She played Harrison Ford’s daughter in Patriot Games, starred in favorites like Now and Then and Hocus Pocus, and later took on standout roles in American Beauty (1999) and the cult classic Ghost World (2001).
Today, Birch is still active in the entertainment industry, continuing to act while also exploring new creative paths. After briefly stepping back in the early 2010s to focus on personal growth and education, she has returned to the screen with renewed momentum. In recent years, she appeared in the critically praised The Last Black Man in San Francisco and had a recurring role as Gamma/Mary in The Walking Dead, along with parts in films like The Etruscan Smile, Above Suspicion, and 13 Minutes.
Birch is also stepping behind the camera, preparing to direct her first feature film — a Lifetime project based on the tragic story of Gabby Petito, in which she’ll also portray Petito’s mother. Directing has long been a personal goal for Birch, dating back to her childhood when she first became fascinated with filmmaking.
In addition to film and TV, she’s ventured into audio storytelling, starring in the thriller podcast Overleaper, where she takes on multiple roles in a genre-blending narrative that combines elements of sci-fi, suspense, and true crime.
On the personal side, Birch married talent agent Michael Benton Adler in 2018 in a ceremony held at San Francisco City Hall.
While fans were excited about the long-awaited Hocus Pocus sequel, Birch did not return as Dani, despite efforts to make it happen. Still, she’s hinted she’d be open to revisiting the franchise in a different role someday.
At 40, Thora Birch continues to evolve — balancing acting, directing, and new creative ventures while remaining a familiar face for fans who grew up watching her on screen.
