Actor Nicky Katt, recognized for roles in “Dazed and Confused” and “Boston Public,” was found dead in his Burbank, California, apartment on April 8, 2025. He was 54 years old, and his death was ruled a suicide.
Katt’s attorney, John Sloss, confirmed the actor’s death to the media on April 13. Katt’s family later disclosed he had taken his own life following a protracted battle with depression.
His sister, Elise Ravenscroft, told Deadline that Katt had managed his depression “bravely but quietly” throughout his life. She stated, “This is a pain no family should endure, yet far too many do. Mental illness is real, it is powerful, and it is often invisible. We hope that by sharing this, we can help break the silence and stigma that so often surrounds mental health struggles.”
According to reports, Katt’s landlord discovered his body hanging in the apartment after visiting to collect overdue rent and returning five days later. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office confirmed suicide as the cause of death, estimating Katt had died at least a day before being found.
Born in South Dakota, Katt began his acting career as a child in 1980, making his debut in an episode of “Fantasy Island.” He later held recurring roles in “Herbie, the Love Bug” and voiced a character in “The Get Along Gang.”
As an adult, he was known for portraying complex characters. He played a high school bully in “Dazed and Confused” (1993) and a white supremacist in “A Time to Kill” (1996). His career included 75 credited roles between 1980 and 2018.
On television, Katt was part of “Boston Public” for three seasons, playing Harry Senate, a rebellious teacher. Sources indicate his character was written out to allow Katt to focus on his film career.
Katt worked with many acclaimed directors. Robert Rodriguez, who collaborated with him on “Planet Terror,” praised him as “an absolute joy on and off the camera” and “a true artist.”
His extensive filmography includes appearances in “Love & War,” “Friends,” “Batman & Robin,” “School of Rock,” “Boiler Room,” “King of the Hill,” “Monk,” “Law & Order,” and “Death Proof.” He also appeared in “Full Frontal,” “Solaris,” and “Sin City.”
Katt’s last screen role was a guest appearance on “Casual” in 2018.
In a 2002 interview, Katt discussed his preference for complex characters despite occasionally considering mainstream roles. He remarked, “Sometimes I think if I did more sit-ups and went to the tanning salon, I could have a lot more power than I do now. At the end of the day, you do what your gut tells you to do.”
In another interview, Katt discussed the pressures of acting in Los Angeles, citing a “desperation in the air” and “low-level malevolence” within the industry.
Katt was married to Annie Morse, but they divorced in 2001. He is survived by his sister, Elise Ravenscroft.
Ravenscroft emphasized the importance of addressing mental health openly, encouraging those experiencing depression to seek help, and requesting privacy for the family during their mourning.
Katt’s death has sparked discussions about mental health awareness in the entertainment industry, highlighting the unique pressures faced by its members.
