Nicky Katt, a versatile character actor recognized for memorable performances in films like “Dazed and Confused” and “Boiler Room,” has passed away at the age of 54. His attorney, John Sloss of Sloss Law, confirmed the news to Fox News Digital without providing further details.
Born on May 11, 1970, in South Dakota, Katt began his acting career as a young boy.
His initial foray into television came with an appearance on “Fantasy Island” in 1980.
Throughout the 1980s, he steadily built his resume with guest roles across numerous television programs:
* “CHiPs”
* “Father Murphy”
* “Code Red”
* “Herbie, the Love Bug”
* “Voyagers!”
* “Quincy, M.E.”
* “V”
* “The Get Along Gang”
* “The Facts of Life”
* “Dear John”
* “Uncle Buck”
He transitioned to film with his debut in “Underground Aces” (1981), followed by roles in “Gremlins,” “The ‘Burbs,” “Martians Go Home,” and “Sister Act.” A pivotal moment arrived when director Richard Linklater cast him in the beloved 1993 comedy “Dazed and Confused.” Katt portrayed Clint Bruno, a high school antagonist known for his memorable scuffle with Adam Goldberg’s character during a party scene.
Linklater would become a frequent collaborator, with Katt appearing in “subUrbia” (1996), “Waking Life” (2001), and “School of Rock” (2003).
Katt demonstrated his range across genres, including a role as a hitman in Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime thriller “The Limey.” He also appeared in Soderbergh’s experimental comedy-drama “Full Frontal” (2001), where he delivered a surprising performance portraying an actor playing Adolf Hitler alongside stars like Catherine Keener, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. Their collaboration continued with the 2013 HBO television film “Behind the Candelabra.”
Another notable role was as stockbroker Greg Weinstein in “Boiler Room” (2000), sharing the screen with Ben Affleck, Vin Diesel, and Giovanni Ribisi. He also contributed to Christopher Nolan’s films, appearing in “Insomnia” (2002) and “The Dark Knight” (2008) as a S.W.A.T. team member.
His filmography boasts an impressive array of credits:
* “A Time to Kill”
* “Batman & Robin”
* “The Way of the Gun”
* “Sin City”
* “Death Proof”
* “Snow Angels”
* “The Sitter”
On television, Katt was particularly memorable as Harry Senate, a passionate and unconventional geology teacher in the first three seasons (2000-2002) of the Fox drama “Boston Public.” He also appeared on shows like “Love & War,” “Friends,” “Monk,” “The Guardian,” “Law & Order,” “King of the Hill” and “ER.”
Katt’s final screen appearance was in an episode of the Hulu series “Casual.”
