Nicky Katt

Nicky Katt, a child actor turned tough guy character actor best known for gruff turns in shows like "Boston Public" and films like "Dazed and Confused," died by suicide April 8, 2025, in Burbank, California at the age of 54.

Katt debuted as a child actor in the 1980s on shows like "Fantasy Island," "CHiPS," and the TV miniseries "V." He fully came into his own as an often rough character actor in the 1990s, where roles in "Dazed and Confused," "A Time to Kill," and others made him an imposing screen presence. He is perhaps best known for his long run on the show "Boston Public," where he played the rule-breaking teacher Harry Senate. He was also in the Christopher Nolan film "Insomnia," the Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino collaboration "Grindhouse," and many others.

Rodriguez paid tribute to Katt on the social media platform X, saying, "You could always count on Nicky Katt for many things. He'd come in incredibly prepared for a role with costumes and props. He'd come full of inventive and creative ideas that would make his characters pop off the screen and consistently have an audience howling. He'd deliver lines that would constantly sound as unexpected as an ad lib, yet it was the text. And if he did adlib, it was always gold. Even his physical comedy and timing was truly on another level. Nicky was an absolute joy on and off the camera. A true artist. A friend. It's very sad to lose Nicky Katt. But I can only be grateful I got to know him, work with him, and watch him create his own truly original brand of magic that will live forever in his favorite medium."

(Image: Everett Collection)

If you or someone you know is experiencing warning signs of suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, calling 800-273-8255, texting HOME to 741741, or accessing the online chat service. Formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the network provides free, confidential support for people in crisis or emotional distress, 24/7 year-round. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for more information.