Actor Nicky Katt has died by suicide at the age of 54, according to law enforcement sources cited by TMZ. Katt was found deceased on April 8 in his Los Angeles-area apartment. He was best known for his work in Dazed and Confused, Boston Public, and School of Rock.
His body was reportedly discovered by his landlord, who had visited the apartment to remind him about rent the week prior. When they returned five days later, the door was open and Katt was found dead in his bedroom. Authorities say Nicky Katt died by hanging and no suicide note was found at the scene.
His attorney, John Sloss, confirmed the news to TMZ over the weekend.
Katt’s acting career began early, he made his screen debut at just 10 years old in an episode of Fantasy Island. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he steadily appeared in TV shows like CHiPs, Father Murphy, Herbie, the Love Bug, and Law & Order, before breaking through in 1993 as Clint Bruno in Richard Linklater’s cult classic Dazed and Confused.
He went on to earn praise for gritty roles in A Time to Kill (1996), Boiler Room (2000), and School of Rock (2003), where he starred alongside Jack Black. He also voiced Atton Rand in the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords, and had a small part in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight.
Known for playing edgy and sometimes unlikable characters, Katt often reflected on the challenges of being typecast. In a past interview with IGN, he talked about the downside of being “too versatile,” saying, “It’s a double-edged thing… I’ve always looked up to people like Gary Oldman and Lee Marvin and Warren Oates – these guys who don’t really fit into one thing.”
He also spoke candidly about the frequency with which he was asked to play antagonists: “I’ve definitely gone through streaks where that’s all that people wanted me to play – the bad guy, especially after Dazed and Confused. But I’ve been really lucky because I get to play all different types of guys.”
Katt worked with major stars and directors throughout his career, including George Clooney, Whoopi Goldberg, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Nolan.
He is remembered by fans for his sharp on-screen presence, versatility, and the depth he brought to his roles across film, TV, and video games.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
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