Meet the Cast of Casper: A Tale of a Kind Ghost and His Teenage Love

Seeing is believing.

Released on May 26, 1995
Comedy Family Fantasy Friends Family Ghosts

"Casper" is a delightful family film that brilliantly combines elements of comedy, romance, and the supernatural. The story revolves around a friendly ghost named Casper, who resides in a stately mansion in Maine. Casper, despite being a spirit, is characterized by his gentle nature and kind heart, which sets him apart from the typical stereotype of ghosts being fearsome entities.

The narrative takes an interesting turn with the arrival of Dr. James Harvey, portrayed by the talented Bill Pullman. Dr. Harvey is a paranormal specialist who has been hired to communicate with Casper and his ghostly uncles residing in the mansion. His character adds an element of humor and warmth to the story, as he navigates through the challenges of dealing with mischievous spirits. Alongside him is his teenage daughter, Kat, played by the captivating Christina Ricci. Kat is a clever and resilient girl who, despite initial apprehensions, learns to embrace the peculiarity of her new surroundings.

The plot thickens when Casper develops feelings for Kat. Their relationship, though heartwarming, is fraught with complications. Casper's transparent state, the mischief caused by his uncles, and the general prejudice against ghosts all serve as obstacles to their blossoming romance. The audience is left to root for the couple, hoping that love will indeed conquer all, even in the face of such extraordinary circumstances. The movie thus offers a unique take on young love, deftly blending it with themes of acceptance, family, and friendship.

Casper is part of the Casper Collection.

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Full Cast of Casper

Malachi Pearson

as Casper (voice)

Malachi Pearson's vocal performance as the titular character in the 1995 film "Casper" breathed life into the friendly ghost with an endearing and nuanced portrayal that resonated with audiences of all ages. His voice resonated with a warmth and innocence that perfectly captured the essence of Casper, a spectral child longing for companionship and a chance at childhood experiences he was denied in life. Pearson's delivery of Casper's lines struck a delicate balance between humor and pathos, infusing the character with a depth that allowed viewers to empathize with his plight, despite his ghostly form. His interactions with the other characters, particularly his burgeoning friendship with Kat (Christina Ricci), were highlighted by a genuine sweetness that made the animated ghost one of the most memorable and beloved characters of '90s family cinema. Pearson's performance anchored the film's emotional core, ensuring that Casper's journey from loneliness to connection transcended the movie's special effects and whimsical premise.

Christina Ricci

as Kathleen 'Kat' Harvey

Christina Ricci delivered a memorable performance as Kathleen 'Kat' Harvey in the 1995 fantasy comedy film "Casper," directed by Brad Silberling. As the introverted and somewhat sullen teenager grieving the loss of her mother, Ricci brought depth and authenticity to the role, expertly balancing the character's melancholy with a burgeoning sense of hope and wonder. Her interactions with the friendly ghost, Casper, allowed Ricci to showcase a range of emotions, from skepticism to a touching and heartfelt friendship, which became the emotional core of the film. Ricci's portrayal of Kat, with her signature expressive eyes and nuanced delivery, resonated with audiences, making her character's journey from loneliness to connection both relatable and endearing. Her performance was a standout among the cast, offering a live-action counterpart to the animated title character, and solidified her as a versatile and compelling young actress in Hollywood.

Bill Pullman

as Dr. James Harvey

In the 1995 fantasy comedy film "Casper," Bill Pullman delivers a heartwarming performance as Dr. James Harvey, a ghost therapist hired to communicate with and exorcise the spirits haunting Whipstaff Manor. Pullman brings a gentle and endearing quality to the role, portraying Harvey as a loving father and a dedicated, albeit slightly quirky, professional. His character's interactions with the friendly ghost Casper and the mischievous Uncles (Stretch, Fatso, and Stinkie) are filled with a mix of humor and tenderness, showcasing Pullman's ability to balance comedic timing with sincere emotion. As Dr. Harvey navigates the challenges of his job, his budding romance with the charming and resilient Kat (Christina Ricci), and his quest to reconcile with his own past, Pullman's performance anchors the film with a sense of authenticity, making Dr. James Harvey a memorable and beloved character in the pantheon of 90s family cinema. His portrayal is pivotal in conveying the film's messages about friendship, forgiveness, and the importance of family, both found and blood-related.

Cathy Moriarty

as Carrigan Crittenden

Cathy Moriarty delivers a deliciously wicked performance as Carrigan Crittenden in the 1995 family-friendly film "Casper." As the cruel and greedy antagonist, Moriarty brings a vivacious energy to the screen, embodying the character with a blend of hauteur and comedic timing. Her portrayal of Carrigan, the malevolent heiress determined to capture the treasure haunting her late father's decrepit mansion with the help of the bumbling ghost therapist Dr. James Harvey, played by Bill Pullman, is both sinister and hilariously over-the-top. Moriarty's ability to convey Carrigan's unquenchable thirst for wealth and her disdain for the friendly ghost Casper is as entertaining as it is impressive, making her a memorable and delightfully detestable presence in this classic ghost story. Her interactions with the cast, both living and spectral, are highlights of the film, as she navigates the supernatural chaos with a mix of terror and tenacity. Cathy Moriarty's performance as Carrigan Crittenden is a testament to her range as an actress, providing a character that both children and adults love to dislike in this beloved supernatural comedy.

Eric Idle

as Paul 'Dibbs' Plutzker

In the 1995 fantasy comedy film "Casper," Eric Idle takes on the role of Paul 'Dibbs' Plutzker, a self-proclaimed expert in the paranormal and the right-hand man to the film's antagonist, Carrigan Crittenden, played by Cathy Moriarty. Idle brings his signature comedic timing and eccentricity to the character, infusing Dibbs with a blend of nervous energy and bumbling ineptitude that provides a consistent source of humor. As a foil to the more serious and sinister intentions of Carrigan, Dibbs is portrayed as a somewhat reluctant participant in the ghost-hunting escapades, often found cowering in the face of danger or comically failing to capture the titular friendly ghost. Idle's performance adds a light-hearted and whimsical element to the film, endearing the character to the audience despite his questionable allegiances. His interactions with the ghostly inhabitants of Whipstaff Manor, including his attempts to communicate with and understand them, are among the film's most entertaining moments, showcasing Idle's ability to deliver both physical and verbal comedy with finesse.

Joe Alaskey

as Stinkie (voice)

Joe Alaskey's performance as the voice of Stinkie in the 1995 film "Casper" was a memorable portrayal that contributed significantly to the film's enduring charm. As one of the three mischievous ghost siblings known as the Ghostly Trio, Alaskey brought Stinkie to life with a distinctive, gravelly voice that perfectly captured the character's comical and slightly sinister personality. His vocal work was nuanced and expressive, highlighting Stinkie's penchant for gross-out humor and his love for causing chaos, all while maintaining an undercurrent of brotherly affection, especially in interactions with his fellow ghosts. Alaskey's Stinkie was not just a source of laughs but also a character with depth, showcasing the actor's ability to balance humor with heart. His performance helped to make "Casper" a beloved family film that resonated with audiences of all ages, cementing Stinkie's place as one of the most iconic on-screen ghosts.