Although I have not pulled out my old VHS copy yet this year, most years around Halloween I try to watch 'Hocus Pocus'. The 1993 flick starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy' also stars Omri Katz as Max an actor I crushed over briefly in the early 90's. Omri is close to my age and he is one of those actors I grew up with watching as he aged along with me. 'Hocus Pocus' is not the best movie in the world by far, but it has a 'feel good' feeling and is one of few non horror themed Halloween movies that can be watched by the whole family.
Omri Katz became well known in the 80's for taking over the role of John Ross on the hugely popular prime time soap 'Dallas'. 'Dallas' wanted to age the character a bit so recast the role in the 1983 season. John Ross was not a major character, but he was the son of the shows main couple, J.R. and Sue Ellen Ewing. The couple were usually fighting over something, often for custody of John Ross. Omri stayed with the show through the remainder of the shows run as well it's two reunion movies.
Below: Bette singing 'I put a spell on you' from 'HOCUS POCUS'
Omri had a string of critically received projects post 'Dallas' that unfortunately did not take off. 'Eerie Indiana' (1991) was a fan favorite which became well known to fans of cult tv. Unfortunately it only lasted 19 episodes. Omri followed up Eerie with roles on 'The John Laroquette Show', 'Hocus Pocus' and the John Goodman, Cathy Moriarty movie 'Matinee'. Since then, Omri's only notable credits are guest shots on 'Freaks and Geeks' and 'General Hospital'. Since then he has virtually disappeared from acting. At last years Fan Source Dallas reunion, Omri said he had left the business and now divides his time between Los Angels and Israel, which is the birthplace of his parents. His last job is reportedly that of a hairdresser. Maybe the new Dallas television show being produced by TNT might have Omri take another stab at acting.
DALLAS
Many People know Omri from his years on Dallas. During Omri's first season on the show his main storyline involved working through some of his issues at a summer camp where is counsellor was none other than Christopher Atkins. Fortunately for many, Atkins spent much of the early part of his time on Dallas in a speedo.
Omri has a Facebook fanpage which you can find and join HERE:
Below: Omri in Hollywood last summer with the Dallas cast at a fan source reunion.
Above: With Christopher Atkins (Peter Richards)
Above: Omri Katz, Linda Gray, Larry Hagman, Deborah Rennard, Chris Atkins, Charlene Tilton.
Below: Omri and Christopher Demetral from Dallas: War of The Ewings.
Several Years ago Omri participated in the short film below, 'Perfect Girl' directed by Yehuda Gladen.
