Tora Berch American actress. One of the leading child actresses of the 1990s. Date of Birth: 11.03.1982 Country: USA

Biography of Thora Birch

Thora Birch is an American actress who gained fame for her roles in children's films during the 1990s. She was born on March 11, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, to Jack Birch and Carol Connors. Birch's parents have Jewish, Italian, and Scandinavian roots, and her name is derived from the Norse god Thor. Originally, the family's surname was spelled as Biersch, indicating their German Jewish ancestry. Both of Birch's parents were actors in adult films, with her mother appearing in the famous "Deep Throat."

At the age of four, Birch began starring in commercials at the behest of her parents, who continue to serve as her managers. She then went on to appear in television series before making her film debut in 1988 in the comedy "Purple People Eater," for which she received the Youth In Film Award. However, her breakthrough role came in the film "Paradise" (1991), in which she starred alongside Don Johnson, Melanie Griffith, and Elijah Wood. Birch won the role after competing against 4,000 other girls. From 1991 to 1995, she portrayed various child characters in films such as "Hocus Pocus" and "Monkey Trouble." She also played Harrison Ford's daughter in the action films "Patriot Games" (1992) and "Clear and Present Danger" (1994). One of her most acclaimed roles was in the film "Now and Then" (1995), alongside Gaby Hoffmann, Christina Ricci, Demi Moore, and Melanie Griffith.

After 1996, Birch took a break from acting and only returned to the big screen in 1999 with the English film "American Beauty," directed by Sam Mendes. The film won five Academy Awards and grossed $340 million worldwide. Birch's parents had to give their consent for her to appear nude in the film, as she was 16 years old at the time. Representatives from the Child Labor Commission were present on set to ensure her safety. Birch received a nomination for the British Academy Film Award for her performance. Following roles in "Dungeons & Dragons" and "The Hole," she landed the lead role in the film "Ghost World," starring alongside Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi. Birch was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for "Best Actress."

In October 2006, Birch starred in the horror film "Dark Corners," directed by Ray Gower.