Thora Birch (born March 11, 1982) is an American actress. She was a leading child actor in the 1990s, starring in movies such as Hocus Pocus (1993), Now and Then (1995), and Alaska (1996). Since the 1990s she has moved on to more mature roles, in films such as American Beauty (1999) and Ghost World (2001). Birch was born in Los Angeles, California, the eldest child of Jack Birch and Carol Connors. Both parents (her business managers from the start) are former adult film actors. Carol Connors and Jack Birch both appeared in the pornographic film Deep Throat.
Her family comes from German-Jewish ancestry. She has a younger brother by the name of Bolt Birch. Her name Thora is derived from the name of the Norse God of thunder and lightning, Thor. She is a vegetarian and is trained in karate with a blue belt in particular. From an early age, Birch`s parents encouraged her to audition for commercials. She landed several parts, including advertisements for Quaker Oats and Vlasic Pickles. Her first acting job followed. In 1988, she landed the role of Molly in the short-lived television series Day By Day. She was billed simply as "Thora." That same year she won a part in the movie Purple People Eater opposite Ned Beatty and Neil Patrick Harris. Her performance won her a Youth In Film Award.
Birch has indicated that she aspires to become a director and has recently begun directing short video sketches for a sketch comedy troupe called The Doomed Planet. The sketches can be seen on her official website.