Return to Oz cast: where are all the gifted actors now?

The Return to Oz cast brought a hauntingly magical world to life in the 1985 cult classic. With standout performances by Fairuza Balk, Nicol Williamson, Jean Marsh, and Piper Laurie, the film left a lasting impression. Decades later, some have passed away, others remain active in entertainment, and a few have chosen to lead private lives.

Key takeaways

• Return to Oz featured a talented cast, with a mix of rising stars and veteran actors.
• After the 1985 film, several actors went on to successful careers in Hollywood and British theatre.
• The film has developed a strong cult following, which has boosted long-term interest in its cast.

Where are the Return to Oz cast members now?

Directed by Walter Murch, Return to Oz presented a much grimmer version of Oz than the 1939 musical. Here is a look at where the gifted actors ended up.

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Fairuza Balk (Dorothy)

• Date of birth: 21 May 1974
• Age: 51 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Point Reyes, California, United States
• Profession: Actress, musician, visual artist

Fairuza Balk played a troubled, enigmatic Dorothy Gale in Return to Oz, showcasing early signs of her iconic intensity. Since then, she has built a varied career in film and TV, with standout roles in The Craft (1996), American History X (1998), and more recently, Paradise City (2021).

She has also ventured into music, performing as Armed Love Militia since about 2010 and releasing an EP. Additionally, Balk exhibits her visual artwork and remains active in creative circles.

Nicol Williamson (Dr. Worley/Nome King)

• Date of birth: 14 September 1936
• Place of birth: Hamilton, United Kingdom
• Date of death: 16 December 2011
• Profession: Actor

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Nicol Williamson gave a commanding performance as the Nome King/Dr. Worley, infusing the dual roles with theatrical menace. His distinguished career included roles like Merlin in Excalibur (1981) before he passed away in Amsterdam on 16 December 2011, from oesophageal cancer.

Despite his death, his legacy lives on through his bold character portrayals. He is remembered for his intense stage presence and screen charisma.

Jean Marsh (Nurse Wilson/Mombi)

• Date of birth: 1 July 1934
• Place of birth: London, United Kingdom
• Date of death: 13 April 2025
• Profession: Actress, writer

Jean Marsh appeared briefly as Nurse Wilson/Mombi, contributing to the eerie and cold atmosphere of Oz. A prominent figure off-screen, she co-created Upstairs, Downstairs, earning an Emmy in 1975 for her on-screen role.

She continued acting and writing into her later years, including a West End show in 2024. Her contributions shaped television history and inspired future period dramas. The British actress passed away on 13 April 2025, at age 90.

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Piper Laurie (Aunt Em)

• Date of birth: 22 January 1932
• Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States
• Date of death: 14 October 2023
• Profession: Actress

Piper Laurie portrayed Aunt Em in Return to Oz, bringing warmth to Dorothy’s home life. She achieved major acclaim later, earning multiple award nominations, such as an Oscar for The Hustler (1961), Carrie (1976), and Children of a Lesser God (1986), plus a Golden Globe for Twin Peaks.

Laurie passed away at 91 on 14 October 2023, concluding a storied career that spanned from 1950 to her last screen role in White Boy Rick (2018). Beyond acting, she pursued baking, painting, and activism.

Matt Clark (Uncle Henry)

• Date of birth: 25 November 1936
• Age: 88 years old (as of July 2025)
• Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United States
• Profession: Actor

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Matt Clark played Uncle Henry in the film, grounding Dorothy’s world with everyman gravitas. A veteran character actor, he has appeared in over 50 films and numerous TV episodes in series like Dynasty, Magnum P.I., and Walker, Texas Ranger.

He also pursued theatre, earning an MFA in performance from London’s East 15 in 2015. Currently based in Boston, Austin, and New York, he continues to act and train across these cities.

Brian Henson (voice of Jack Pumpkinhead)

• Date of birth: 3 November 1963
• Age: 61 years old (as of July 2025)
• Place of birth: New York, New York, United States
• Profession: Puppeteer, filmmaker

Brian Henson was the puppeteer for Jack Pumpkinhead, a role that demonstrated his family legacy. As head of The Jim Henson Company since 1990, he continues to serve as executive film producer on such projects as Puppet Up!, The Muppet Christmas Carol restoration, Dinosaur Train, and Creature Shop Challenge.

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He also co-created the improv puppet show Puppet Up!—Uncensored, currently running in mid‑July 2025 in Los Angeles. His recent efforts include grooming upcoming puppet-based entertainment and preserving his father’s legacy.

Tim Rose (Tik-Tok)

• Date of birth: 17 July 1956
• Age: 69 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Pittsfield, Illinois, United States
• Profession: Actor, puppeteer

Tim Rose puppeteered Tik-Tok in the 1985 film, bringing life to the mechanical man’s unique movements. Best known for performing Admiral Ackbar, he has worked on numerous Lucasfilm and Henson productions, including The Dark Crystal.

He remains active in puppetry and animatronics, sharing insights as recently as 2023 on the Filmumentaries podcast. His continuing contributions span film, TV, and creature effects.

Sean Barrett (voice of Tik-Tok)

• Date of birth: 4 May 1940
• Age: 85 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Hampstead, London, England
• Profession: Actor, voice actor

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Sean Barrett voiced Tik-Tok, infusing the character with warmth and personality. A prolific British voice actor, he has narrated for BBC programmes, audiobooks like Penguin Audio’s Even the Dead, and video games such as Total War: Warhammer.

He has also appeared on-screen occasionally, including roles in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and The Huntsman: Winter’s War. Barrett remains active in the industry, particularly in narration and voice-acting roles.

Lyle Conway (voice of Gump)

• Date of birth: Unknown
• Age: Unknown
• Place of birth: United States
• Profession: Actor, puppeteer, designer

Lyle Conway voiced the Gump creature, providing key animatronic support in the film. He has focused on animatronics and puppetry in British film and children’s television since, though specific credits are less documented.

He continues working behind the scenes in creature effects, maintaining the craft’s tradition. His dedication keeps practical puppetry alive in modern media.

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Michael Sundin (Tik-Tok)

• Date of birth: 1 March 1961
• Place of birth: Low Fell, Gateshead, United Kingdom
• Date of death: 23 July 1989
• Profession: Television presenter, actor, dancer, trampolinist

Michael Sundin also voiced Tik-Tok during his brief time working on the British film. Tragically, Sundin passed away in 1989, roughly four years after the film’s release, cutting short his emerging career.

Before his death, he had worked as a professional dancer and entertainer, making the leap into puppetry. His life and talents significantly influenced the early Oz production.

Stephen Norrington (Gump)

• Date of birth: 1 January 1964
• Age: 61 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: London, United Kingdom
• Profession: Special effects artist, film director

Stephen Norrington, the special effects technician on Return to Oz, helped design the mechanical systems of characters like Tik-Tok. He later transitioned into direction, helming the cult hit Death Machine (1994) and the blockbuster Blade (1998).

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Emma Ridley (Ozma)

• Date of birth: 10 May 1972
• Age: 53 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
• Profession: Actress, producer

Emma Ridley portrayed one of the children in Return to Oz, contributing to the film’s eerie inhabitants. After the movie, she stepped away from high-profile acting, and there is little public record of her later career. It appears the British actress chose a private life, outside of the spotlight. Her early performance remains her most visible screen credit.

Deep Roy (Tin Man)

• Date of birth: 1 December 1957
• Age: 67 years old (as of July 2025)
• Place of birth: Nairobi, Kenya
• Profession: Actor, puppeteer, stuntman

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Deep Roy performed multiple roles in Return to Oz, including some of the eerie little people and background creatures. He is best known for his prolific career in character acting, with roles such as Oompa-Loompas in Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).

Roy continues acting, with recent appearances in TV series like Humans and various guest roles into the 2020s. His enduring career thrives on flexibility and character work.

Fiona Victory (Princess Mombi)

• Date of birth: 1952
• Age: 73 years old (as of 2025)
• Place of birth: Dublin, Ireland
• Profession: Actress

Fiona Victory is an Irish actress best known for playing the sinister Princess Mombi in Return to Oz (1985). After the film, she had a successful career in television and theatre, with roles in Dangerfield, The Hanging Gale, and Shine on Harvey Moon.

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She won Best Actress at the 1990 Dublin Theatre Festival for her role as Kitty O’Shea. Victory has kept a low profile since the early 2000s, with her last known screen role in Heartbeat.

What is Matt Clark doing today?

After the fantasy film, Matt Clark remained active in the film and television industry and currently works in both performance and actor training. He boasts over 100 acting credits.

What role did Brian Henson play in Return to Oz?

The American puppeteer and filmmaker voiced Jack Pumpkinhead. He now leads The Jim Henson Company and produces puppet-based content.

What happened to Fairuza Balk after Return to Oz?

The actress continued her acting career and has appeared in more than 50 films and TV series, with standout roles in The Craft, American History X, and The Waterboy. She is also a musician and visual artist.

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How old was Fairuza Balk in the movie Return to Oz?

Fairuza Balk was just 10 years old when she was featured in the film, though it was released in 1985 when she was 11. The role opened doors to more roles in her acting career.

Why was Return to Oz controversial?

The film was considered controversial due to its dark tone, frightening imagery, and psychological themes, which sharply contrasted with the whimsical style of the 1939 Wizard of Oz film. Many felt it was too scary for kids, leading to mixed reviews.

Who is the mysterious girl in Return to Oz?

The mysterious girl in the film is Princess Ozma, the rightful ruler of Oz. She first appears as a nameless patient in the asylum and later helps Dorothy escape, eventually revealing her true identity and reclaiming her throne.

The Return to Oz cast featured a remarkable mix of young talents and seasoned performers who brought the dark fantasy to life. While some, like Fairuza Balk and Brian Henson, have had impressive entertainment careers, others have since passed but left lasting legacies. Their contributions continue to enchant fans of this cult classic decades later.

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Legit.ng recently published an engaging article about the Mallrats cast—then and now. Many comedy films came out in the 1990s, but few were as captivating as Mallrats, released in 1995. Decades later, it remains unforgettable thanks to its talented ensemble.

For some, it marked the beginning of their acting careers, while for others, it helped solidify their place in the industry. Nearly thirty years on, much has changed in the personal and professional lives of the cast. Read on to discover where the Mallrats stars are today.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng