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Nicky Katt, the character actor who had a talent for dark, unpredictable performances in movies like Dazed and Confused and in his cult-favorite role as teacher Harry Senate on Boston Public, has died. He was 54.
Katt passed away on April 8 in Burbank, California. Friends and lawyer John Sloss confirmed his death. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Born in South Dakota, Katt began acting as a child, landing early bit parts in Gremlins and The ‘Burbs, before going on to appear in television shows including V, Quincy M.E., Father Murphy, and Law & Order. But it was his breakthrough as the rebellious and charismatic Harry Senate on David E. Kelley’s Boston Public (2000–2004) that brought him widespread acclaim. His character, a maverick high school teacher, resonated with audiences and critics alike. He was written out of the series in its third season so that he could restart his film career.
Katt made an unforgettable impression as boorish bully Clint Bruno in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused (1993), a part that cemented his chops for dark, typically menacing characters. He worked with Linklater once more in SubUrbia, Waking Life, and School of Rock. Katt also voiced Atton Rand in the video game blockbuster Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords.
He had a long list of film credits, with numerous villainous or morally dubious characters to his name. Some of the highlights include roles in The Limey (as Stacy the hitman), Full Frontal, Behind the Candelabra, A Time to Kill, The Brave One, and The Way of the Gun. Christopher Nolan cast him in both Insomnia and The Dark Knight, where he played a SWAT team officer.
Known for injecting dry humor into heavy material, Katt once said in a 2008 interview, “Especially if something is really heavy subject matter, I’m kind of like oxygen for a drowning man.”
Though he never attained mainstream stardom, Katt built a reputation in Hollywood as a reliable, compelling presence—a guy who brought depth to every scene, no matter how minor. His last screen role was an appearance on Hulu’s Casual in 2018.
Katt split his time between California and Austin, Texas, working with directors like Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. He is remembered for his biting screen presence, acidic wit, and dedication to craft.
