‘Hocus Pocus’ Star Vinessa Shaw Faces Divorce After Practically a Decade of Marriage
Los Angeles, Might 24, 2025 – Vinessa Shaw, greatest identified for her function as Allison Watts in Disney’s 1993 Halloween basic Hocus Pocus, is navigating a private turning level as her husband, Kristopher Gifford, filed for divorce on Thursday, Might 22. The submitting, obtained by TMZ, cites “irreconcilable variations” as the rationale for the break up, marking the top of their practically decade-long marriage.
A Relationship Timeline
Shaw, 48, and Gifford, a graphic designer, started their relationship in 2007, bought engaged in 2008, and married in 2017. Their bond was celebrated publicly when Shaw introduced her being pregnant in 2017 with a Hocus Pocus-themed Instagram submit, referencing the enduring line, “Winnie, I odor a toddler.” Their son, Jack, now 7, was born on February 20, 2018, weighing 9 lbs., 9 oz. after a difficult labor.
Gifford’s divorce submitting lists October 24, 2023, because the date of separation, indicating the couple has been aside for over a yr and a half. He’s in search of joint authorized and bodily custody of Jack however didn’t request spousal help, conserving monetary particulars minimal within the paperwork.
Shaw’s Profession and Resilience
Shaw’s breakout function as Allison, the quick-witted Salem teen in Hocus Pocus, stays a fan favourite, with the movie gaining cult standing regardless of its preliminary box-office struggles. She has since constructed a various profession, showing in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Extensive Shut (1999), the 2006 remake of The Hills Have Eyes, and TV exhibits like Ray Donovan and Swagger (2023). Just lately, she starred in horror movies like Scientific (2017) and We Must Do One thing (2021), showcasing her versatility.
Regardless of her absence from Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), Shaw has expressed enthusiasm for reprising her function, telling Leisure Weekly in 2022, “It’s such a enjoyable story, and the fondness retains rising.” She hosted a fan occasion with co-stars Omri Katz and Thora Birch in October 2024, reinforcing her connection to the beloved movie.
Public Response and Transferring Ahead
Information of the divorce has sparked sympathy on platforms like X, the place followers have praised Shaw’s heat and professionalism. Whereas the couple has saved particulars non-public, the break up seems amicable, with a give attention to co-parenting Jack. Shaw’s Buddhist religion, rooted in her upbringing, could information her by means of this transition, as she has spoken about its affect on her life and profession.
As Shaw continues to work on upcoming tasks, together with movies in post-production, her resilience shines by means of. The top of her marriage marks a brand new chapter for the Hocus Pocus star, whose followers stay desperate to see her conjure extra magic on display.
