Sean Murray, born November 15, 1977, in Bethesda, Maryland, began acting at a young age and gained early recognition for his role as Thackery Binx in the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus. In the film, Murray plays the teenage boy cursed by the Sanderson sisters to live as a black cat—a role that became iconic despite the film’s initial box office struggles. Interestingly, while Murray portrayed the human Binx, the voice of the cat was dubbed by another actor, Jason Marsden.
Although Hocus Pocus did not perform well in theaters upon release, it grew into a beloved Halloween classic over the years. Murray has reflected on the film’s legacy, noting the joy of seeing a new generation discover it: “It’s really cool seeing the second generation discover Hocus Pocus and be like, ‘This is the greatest Halloween movie ever made.’”
Beyond Hocus Pocus, Murray has built a long and steady career, best known for his role as Special Agent Timothy McGee on NCIS. Despite his success on television, the memory of Thackery Binx has remained a special part of his career and the hearts of fans.
Regarding the franchise’s sequels, Murray has expressed support for Hocus Pocus 2’s approach of focusing on the Sanderson sisters and introducing new characters, rather than relying solely on the original cast. He views it as a natural continuation of the story that respects both nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
Murray’s reflections reveal not only his connection to Hocus Pocus but also the lasting impact of a film that continues to enchant audiences decades later. From a young actor in Salem to a television mainstay, his career shows how early roles can leave a lasting cultural footprint while shaping a lifelong path in entertainment.
