Nicky Katt, Star of Boston Public and Dazed and Confused, Dies at 54

Nicky Katt, a talented character actor known for his intense roles in both television and film, has passed away at the age of 54. His death, which reportedly occurred on April 8 in Burbank, California, was confirmed by friends and his attorney, John Sloss.

Born in South Dakota, Katt began his acting career young, landing early roles in Gremlins, The ‘Burbs, and even the Herbie, the Love Bug TV series. As he grew older, his career evolved into one marked by edgy, memorable performances—often playing the villain or the unpredictable outsider.

One of Katt’s most recognizable performances came in Richard Linklater’s 1993 cult classic Dazed and Confused, where he played the menacing Clint Bruno. That role launched a string of “tough guy” characters, cementing Katt as a go-to for gritty, offbeat roles.

He collaborated multiple times with Linklater, appearing in SubUrbia, Waking Life, and School of Rock. He also worked with major directors like:

• Steven Soderbergh (The Limey, Full Frontal, Behind the Candelabra)
• Christopher Nolan (Insomnia, The Dark Knight)
• Joel Schumacher (A Time to Kill, Batman & Robin)
• Kathryn Bigelow (Strange Days)
• Quentin Tarantino (Death Proof)
• Robert Rodriguez (Sin City)

In The Way of the Gun (2000), directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Katt was particularly praised for his role as a wounded bodyguard in a brutal shootout.

Katt reached a wider audience with his role as Harry Senate on Boston Public, a charismatic but troubled high school teacher known for working with the school’s most difficult students in “the dungeon.” His character was written out after three seasons to allow Katt to return to film full-time.

Gamers may recognize Katt’s voice as Atton Rand from the beloved Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords. His final screen credit was on Hulu’s Casual in 2018.

In a 2008 interview about his role in David Gordon Green’s Snow Angels, Katt offered insight into his approach:

“I kind of am notorious for bringing a lot of humor to stuff, and not in a scene-stealing way… especially if something is really heavy, I’m kind of like oxygen for a drowning man.”

He acknowledged the fun of playing bad guys but appreciated the range he was given over the years:

“I’ve definitely gone through streaks where that’s all people wanted me to play… but I’ve been really lucky because I get to play all different types of guys.”

Nicky Katt may not have always been in the spotlight, but his work left a lasting impression across genres, from indie dramas to blockbusters. His ability to elevate every role—no matter how big or small—earned him a loyal following and deep respect among peers.