Veteran Character Actor Remembered for His Gritty Roles and Versatility
Actor Nicky Katt, best known for his memorable roles in Boston Public, Dazed and Confused, and The Limey, has died at the age of 54. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Katt died by suicide on April 8 in Burbank, California. His passing was shared by close friends and his attorney, John Sloss.
A Career Defined by Edgy Roles and Iconic Collaborations
Katt built a reputation for portraying complex and tough-edged characters across film and television. He gained widespread recognition playing the unorthodox high school geology teacher Harry Senate in the David E. Kelley-created series Boston Public, where his character taught troubled teens in a makeshift classroom known as “the dungeon.” His performance helped define the early seasons of the show before he was written out to pursue a growing film career.
Over the years, Katt worked with some of Hollywood’s most visionary directors. He collaborated several times with Richard Linklater, appearing in Dazed and Confused as the hot-headed Clint Bruno, as well as in Waking Life, SubUrbia, and School of Rock. His portrayal of violent, unpredictable characters often left a lasting impression, such as his role as the cold-blooded hitman Stacy in Steven Soderbergh‘s The Limey, or as a SWAT officer in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight.
A Fixture in Indie and Genre Cinema
Katt’s filmography is a reflection of late-’90s and early-2000s indie cinema. He appeared in Kathryn Bigelow’s cyberpunk cult hit Strange Days, Gregg Araki’s provocative Doom Generation, and Neil Jordan’s thriller The Brave One. His work with Joel Schumacher included roles in A Time to Kill and Batman & Robin. He also made a memorable turn in The Way of the Gun, Christopher McQuarrie’s directorial debut, as a wounded but resilient bodyguard.
Not limited to film, Katt brought his talent to video games as well, voicing Atton Rand in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords. In later years, he contributed to projects by Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) and Quentin Tarantino (Death Proof), further cementing his status as a favorite among auteur filmmakers.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
In a 2008 interview with critic Todd Gilchrist, Katt expressed pride in bringing subtle humor to dark material: “Especially if something is really heavy, I’m kind of like oxygen for a drowning man.” He acknowledged being typecast at times but appreciated the range of roles he was offered throughout his career.
Born in Los Angeles as Agustin Islas, Katt began acting in childhood. His early TV appearances included Herbie, the Love Bug, Quincy M.E., V, and Father Murphy. He also had small roles in 1980s classics like Gremlins and The ‘Burbs. His last screen credit was a guest role in Hulu’s Casual in 2018.
Remembering a Quiet Talent with a Loud Screen Presence
Katt lived part-time in Austin, Texas, and remained a dedicated figure in the creative world, admired for his fearlessness and authenticity. He is survived by his sister, Elise Ravenscroft.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for support and information.