Nicky Katt, known for his scene-stealing role in Dazed and Confused and guest starring on Friends, died by suicide, his family has confirmed. He was 54.
Katt was discovered on April 8 in his Burbank apartment by his landlord, who was reportedly attempting to collect overdue rent. Law enforcement sources stated that the actor died by hanging and had likely been dead for several days before being found.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner initially said it had not confirmed a decedent by Katt’s name. However, by early Monday afternoon, the office released a report listing his cause of death as “hanging” and the manner as “suicide,” per Deadline.
“Today, with the heaviest of hearts, I share the devastating news of my brother’s passing,” Katt’s sister, Elise Ravenscroft, told Deadline. “He died by suicide after battling with depression—one that he fought bravely but quietly.”
“This is a pain no family should endure, yet far too many do,” she continued. “Mental illness is real, it is powerful, and it is often invisible. We hope that by sharing this, we can help break the silence and stigma that so often surrounds mental health struggles.”
Katt’s sister also emphasized the need for compassion and privacy during this time.
“In this moment of grief, we kindly ask for compassion—not only for our family as we mourn this unimaginable loss—but for every person who is silently struggling. We also ask for privacy to navigate this tragedy and begin the process of healing,” Ravenscroft said.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, please reach out. You are not alone, and help is available. Let us honor my brother’s memory by approaching one another with greater understanding, kindness, and care,” she concluded.
A familiar face in both film and television, Katt built a steady career as a versatile supporting actor. He’s perhaps best remembered for his turn as the menacing Clint Bruno in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused, delivering the now-iconic lines: “I only came here to do two things, man: kick some ass and drink some beer,” and “Looks like we’re almost out of beer.”
On television, Katt starred as teacher Harry Senate in Boston Public, which ran from 2000 to 2004 on Fox. His film credits include collaborations with celebrated directors like Steven Soderbergh (The Limey, Beyond the Candelabra), Robert Rodriguez (Sin City), and Christopher Nolan (Insomnia). Other notable appearances included The Way of the Gun, SubUrbia, School of Rock, and the Woody Allen play A Second Hand Memory.
He also guest-starred in popular TV series such as Friends, King of the Hill, Monk, Law & Order, and Casual. His last on-screen role came in 2013 in HBO’s Beyond the Candelabra.
News of Katt’s death was first reported by TMZ.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.