Griffin Dunne’s romantic fantasy comedy movie “Practical Magic” had its fair share of detractors back when it was released. However, its celebratory nature, the fact it’s female-centric (rare in films of its kind back then), and the inclusion of a few very sharp scenes mean it’s grown to be quite loved in the modern day.
Based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel of the same name, it stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, descended from a long line of witches. Having been raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, following their parents’ deaths from a family curse, they battle prejudice and must use their powers to destroy the evil spirit of Gillian’s abusive, alcoholic, serial killer boyfriend before it kills them.
“Practical Magic” was released on October 16, 1998. That means it turns 28 years old this year, if you can believe it. With a sequel due out this year, wouldn’t it be great to compare the original core cast as they looked back in 1998 to how they look now?
That’s exactly what we’re going to do here…
Sandra Bullock (Sally Owens)
GettyActress and producer Sandra Bullock played Sally Owens in “Practical Magic.” Sally is the more cautious and practical of the two sisters, who has tried to live a normal life away from magic. She is widowed with two young daughters.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 34.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: Demolition Man (1993), Speed (1994), A Time to Kill (1996).
GettyAge now: 61.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: The Prince of Egypt (1998), Miss Congeniality (2000), The Lost City (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Nicole Kidman (Gillian “Gilly” Owens)
GettyAustralian-American actress Nicole Kidman played Gillian “Gilly” Owens in “Practical Magic.” Gilly is the more free-spirited and rebellious younger sister of Sally. She is far more impulsive and magic-oriented sister, and often gets into trouble in her relationships.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 31.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: Dead Calm (1989), Days of Thunder (1990), Batman Forever (1995).
GettyAge now: 58.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: Eyes Wide Shut (1999), The Stepford Wives (2004), The Northman (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Stockard Channing (Frances Owens)
Above is a social media post showing Stockard Channing in “Practical Magic.”
Academy Award-nominated actress Stockard Channing played Frances Owens in “Practical Magic.” Frances is the somewhat eccentric, wise, and rather mischievous older aunt of the sisters who raised them and taught them about their family’s magical legacy.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 54.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: The Fortune (1975), Grease (1978), Six Degrees of Separation (1993).
GettyAge now: 81.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: Where the Heart Is (2000), The Business of Strangers (2001), Anything Else (2003).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Dianne Wiest (Bridget “Jet” Owens)
Above is a social media post showing Dianne Wiest (R) in “Practical Magic.”
Academy Award-nominated actress Dianne Wiest played Bridget “Jet” Owens in “Practical Magic.” Jet is the gentle, nurturing, more soft-spoken but equally powerful younger aunt. She runs the family home and greenhouse along with Frances.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 50.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), The Lost Boys (1987), Edward Scissorhands (1990).
GettyAge now: 77.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: The Horse Whisperer (1998), Robots (2005), Apartment 7A (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Goran Visjnic (James “Jimmy” Angelov)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Goran Visnjic (L) with Nicole Kidman in “Practical Magic.”
Croatian actor Goran Visnjic played James “Jimmy” Angelov in “Practical Magic.” Jimmy is Gilly’s dangerous and abusive boyfriend whose death sets off the central conflict of the movie.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: The Peacemaker (1997), Welcome to Sarajevo (1997), Rounders (1998).
Above is a social media post by Goran Visnjic showing him receiving an award in December 2024.
Age now: 53.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: Elektra (2005), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), Hellraiser (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Aidan Quinn (Gary Hallet)
Above is a social media post showing several pictures of Aidan Quinn in “Practical Magic.”
“Elementary” star Aidan Quinn played Gary Hallet in “Practical Magic.” Gary is a kind and handsome detective who investigates the disappearance of Gilly’s boyfriend, Jimmy, and becomes romantically involved with Sally.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), The Handmaid’s Tale (1990), Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994).
GettyAge now: 66.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: Song for a Raggy Boy (2003), Wild Child (2008), Unknown (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Evan Rachel Wood (Kylie Owens)
GettyThe then-child actress Evan Rachel Wood played Kylie Owens in “Practical Magic.” Kylie is Sally’s young daughter, who is beginning to show signs of her inherited magic powers.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 11.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: Digging to China (1997).
GettyAge now: 38.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: The Wrestler (2008), Whatever Works (2009), The Ides of March (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Mark Feuerstein (Michael)
Getty“Royal Pains” star Mark Feuerstein played Michael in “Practical Magic.” Michael is Sally’s loving husband who tragically dies early in the movie after getting hit by a truck.
Age when “Practical Magic” released: 27.
Selected movie credits before “Practical Magic”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 54.
Selected movie credits after “Practical Magic”: What Women Want (2000), In Her Shoes (2005), Defiance (2008).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s great to see the stars of “Practical Magic” doing so well. With the sequel on its way this September — and Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest reprising their roles for it — it’s the perfect time to revisit the original.
