Fairuza Balk (born May 21, 1974) is an American actress, musician, and visual artist. Known for her portrayals of distinctive characters—often with a dark edge and "goth-girl" persona —she has appeared in numerous independent films and blockbuster features.
Following a series of television roles, Balk made her feature film debut as Dorothy Gale in Return to Oz (1985), for which she was nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Starring Performance. Her career progressed with parts in films such as Valmont (1989) and Gas Food Lodging (1992), the latter earning her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead. After roles in Imaginary Crimes (1994) and Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995), Balk received acclaim and a cult following for her portrayal of Nancy Downs in The Craft (1996), which earned her an MTV Movie Award. Her other credits include The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), American History X (1998), The Waterboy (1998), Almost Famous (2000), Personal Velocity: Three Portraits (2002), Deuces Wild (2002), Don't Come Knocking (2005), Wild Tigers I Have Known (2006), Humboldt County (2008), and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009).
Outside of film, Balk portrayed Mildred Hubble in the 1986 television adaptation of The...More about Fairuza Balk...
