HOLLYWOOD star Nicky Katt’s cause of death has been revealed after his body was discovered by his landlord when he was late on rent.
Katt, who acted in cult classics like Dazed and Confused, suffered a mental health battle before he was found dead on April 8, his heartbroken family said.
The actor’s family said he fought his battle with depression “bravely but quietly.”
“This is a pain no family should endure, yet far too many do. Mental illness is real, it is powerful, and it is often invisible,” Elise Ravenscroft, Katt’s sister, told Deadline.
“We hope that by sharing this, we can help break the silence and stigma that so often surrounds mental health struggles.”
Ravenscroft asked for compassion from the public, not just for her family but “for every person who is silently struggling.”
“If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, please reach out. You are not alone, and help is available,” she added.
“Let us honor my brother’s memory by approaching one another with greater understanding, kindness, and care.”
The Los Angeles County medical examiner listed his cause of death as suicide by hanging.
The actor had been dead for at least a day before his body was found and left no note, Deadline reported.
Ravenscroft called out TMZ, which first reported her brother’s death earlier this morning, for reporting it without her consent.
KATT’S LEGACY
Katt was born in South Dakota in 1970 and began acting early, earning his first roll in 1980 for the TV series Fantasy Island.
Only Fools and Horses & Miami Vice star dies aged 78 after long illness
His first credited role came just a year later, when he appeared an episode of the popular TV show CHiPs.
He was best known for his role as the bully Clint Bruno in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused.
In the iconic high school film, Katt stands out for his line: ” I only came here to do two things, man: kick some ass and drink some beer.
“Looks like we’re almost out of beer.”
Elsie Ravenscroft’s full statement
Personal Statement on the Loss of My Brother
I am deeply saddened that the details of my brother’s passing were made public without my consent at a time when our family was still trying to process the shock and grief of his loss.
Today, with the heaviest of hearts, I share the devastating news of my brother’s passing. 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. 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.
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.
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.
Thank you.
Elise Ravenscroft
One year before his breakout role, he portrayed a waiter in Whoopi Goldberg’s hit movie Sister Act.
Katt starred alongside Jack Black in School of Rock and performed in the Woody Allen play A Second Hand Memory.
He’s also made dozens of guest appearances in television shows such as Friends, King of the Hill, Monk and Law & Order.
Katt first began his television career in the 1980s, starring in shows such as Father Murphy and Herbie, the Love Bug.
The actor truly made his mark on television as the teacher Harry Senate in the show Boston Public which ran from 2000-2004 on Fox.
His most recent TV credit was in 2018 for the Hulu original series Casual.
“Heartbroken to learn about the way too early passing of the seriously talented actor Nicky Katt – God bless you my friend,” Beau Flynn, CEO of Flynn Picture Company, wrote in a tribute.
“What a privilege to know you and work with you on my first movie in 1995 – ‘johns’. Rest in peace brother.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
