Tobias Jelinek and Larry Bagby, who played bullies Jay and Ice in the beloved cult classic Hocus Pocus, share an extraordinary bond that began on set, with Bagby even becoming Jelinek’s guardian. Their friendship has evolved into a powerful platform for youth mentorship and anti-bullying advocacy, resonating deeply with fans of the film.
The magic of Hocus Pocus extends far beyond the Sanderson sisters’ spells, particularly for two of its most memorable teen actors, Tobias Jelinek and Larry Bagby. Known for their roles as the mischievous bullies Jay and Ice, their on-screen friendship blossomed into an extraordinary real-life bond, marked by unexpected guardianship and a shared commitment to youth mentorship.
A Fateful Audition and Instant Chemistry
In 1992, a then 15-year-old Tobias Jelinek, now 48, was living in Santa Barbara, California, when he first auditioned for Hocus Pocus. Initially, he tried out for the lead role of Max, eventually played by Omri Katz. However, his “Red Lobster tee shirt and skater shorts and long hair” look led casting directors to suggest another part: Jay, the leader of the teen bullies.
The pivotal moment came during his callback, where he met Larry Bagby, now 51, who was auditioning for Ice. “With Larry Bagby, we hit it off immediately,” Jelinek recounted in an exclusive interview with People. “I loved his sense of humor and we had great chemistry.” This instant connection laid the groundwork for a friendship that would span decades.
On-Set Shenanigans and an Unconventional Guardian
Filming Hocus Pocus was a formative experience for the young actors, filled with “plenty of hijinks.” A truly unique aspect of their bond emerged when Larry Bagby turned 18 during production. With Jelinek still only 15, they ingeniously convinced Bagby’s mom to make Larry his legal guardian on set. “It was the two of us at Universal Sheraton with per diem, and you can imagine the rest,” Jelinek reminisced, highlighting the freedom and mischief of two young actors in 1992.
Buena Vista
Tobias Jelinek (left) and Larry Bagby maintaining their close friendship decades after filming ‘Hocus Pocus’
The Unexpected Rise of a Cult Classic
Upon its initial release in July 1993, Hocus Pocus did not achieve immediate mainstream success. Jelinek remembers a quiet reception: “Nobody really saw Hocus Pocus in my circle. I remember nobody knew that I’d been in this film and there was no premiere.” He even took only one friend to see it in theaters.
For years, Jelinek didn’t talk about his role in the film. However, the movie slowly but surely amassed a dedicated following, particularly through television airings during the Halloween season. The true extent of its cult status became undeniable in 2015 when Bagby called Jelinek while he was filming Stranger Things. “He said, ‘Did you know we’re trending right now on Twitter?’” Jelinek recalled, adding, “He’s like, ‘Yeah, we’re being called ’90s fashion icons.’” This call marked Jelinek’s discovery of the “myriad fans of the movie,” a phenomenon that “busted it wide open” by the film’s 25th anniversary in 2018.
A Lasting Friendship and Shared Advocacy
Despite periods of less frequent contact, the bond between Jelinek and Bagby remained strong. “We hadn’t talked in some years, but every time we check in, it takes us right back to being 15 and 18,” Jelinek shared. Their renewed connection led to more time together at fan conventions, where their chemistry and stories delighted long-time fans.
Their friendship recently extended to a significant life event: Larry Bagby’s wedding to Veronique Bagby in Salem, Massachusetts. The ceremony was, fittingly, Hocus Pocus-inspired, with costars Jason Marsden (Thackery Binx’s cat form), Vinessa Shaw (Allison), and Omri Katz in attendance. Jelinek, though scheduled to be the best man, was unable to attend due to filming a new project, underscoring the enduring nature of their connection.
Andrew Cooper/Disney
From left: Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker as the iconic Sanderson sisters in ‘Hocus Pocus’
From Bullies to Mentors: A New Mission
Beyond their personal bond, Jelinek and Bagby have channeled their experiences and the film’s renewed popularity into a powerful advocacy mission. They have become youth mentors, focusing specifically on anti-bullying initiatives in schools. This journey represents a remarkable transformation, using their past roles as on-screen bullies to address a critical real-world issue.
As Jelinek explained to The Santa Barbara Independent, “It’s not just about teaching kids to be PC. It’s about giving kids confidence and ways to stay creative and savvy. We want to turn it around: it isn’t about being bullied or being a victim; it’s about making the bullying behavior not cool.” They share personal stories of being bullied in high school, creating a safe space for students to discuss their own experiences and learn to stand up for themselves and others. “Speaking out is an act of kindness,” Jelinek concluded, emphasizing the courage required to confront bullying behavior.
Their work extends to advocating for arts education, which they believe offers students essential emotional outlets and healthy forms of expression. This commitment to fostering empathy and confidence reflects the profound impact their friendship and experiences in Hocus Pocus have had on their lives, turning a cult classic film into a platform for meaningful social change.
