'CHiPs' Actor Nicky Katt Dies – Details

The 54-year-old actor, whose career spanned from the late 1970s to the 2000s, was found dead, according to a media report citing law enforcement sources.

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner has confirmed that actor Nicky Katt, known for his roles in "CHiPs," "Dazed and Confused," and "Boston Public," died at the age of 54.

His family publicly addressed the news on April 14, through a statement shared with Deadline. "Today, with the heaviest of hearts, I share the devastating news of my brother's passing," said Katt's sister, Elise Ravenscroft. "He died by suicide after battling with depression—one that he fought bravely but quietly."

Ravenscroft called for increased awareness of mental health struggles. "This is a pain no family should endure, yet far too many do," she explained. "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."

According to TMZ, law enforcement sources said Katt's landlord discovered his body on April 8 in his Los Angeles-area apartment. The landlord had visited the apartment about a week earlier to remind Katt that his rent was due.

When he returned five days later, he found the door open and walked in to find Katt lifeless. Officers said the actor had been dead for more than a day. They found no suicide note at the scene.

Katt began his career as a child with a guest role in an episode of "CHiPs." He later gained recognition for his performances in "Boston Public," "Boiler Room," "The Way of the Gun," "School of Rock," and "Sin City." His portrayal of Clint Bruno in "Dazed and Confused" remains one of his most memorable roles.

In addition to those roles, Katt appeared in various film and television projects that showcased his versatility. He played Detective Vitale in "The Brave One," starred in the ensemble horror thriller "Planet Terror," and delivered scene-stealing turns in Quentin Tarantino’s "Death Proof" and the joint feature "Grindhouse."

Katt also had roles in "Snow Angels," "The Sitter," and Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center." On television, he made guest appearances in shows like "Monk," "Law & Order," and "Casual." Though uncredited, he briefly appeared as a SWAT officer in Christopher Nolan’s "The Dark Knight."

His performance as Mr. Y in Steven Soderbergh's "Behind the Candelabra" and as Nathan Kitt in the series "Love Monkey" added to a long résumé of eclectic roles.

Following his death, tributes emerged from colleagues who had worked with him. Director Robert Rodriguez reflected on Katt's creative spirit, praising his preparation and instinct. "You could always count on Nicky Katt for many things," he wrote on Instagram.

Rodriguez described how Katt would arrive on set "incredibly prepared for a role with costumes and props" and consistently deliver performances that felt spontaneous, even when he was sticking to the script.

He called Katt "a true artist" and "an absolute joy on and off the camera," adding, "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."

The official Facebook page for "Dazed and Confused" acknowledged Katt's ability to bring depth to every character he played. They also appreciated his unforgettable performance as Clint Bruno. "His intense performances and unique presence left a lasting impact on all of us," the post read.

Actor Jamie Kennedy recalled working with Katt on a late-night film shoot and remembered him as one of the most naturally funny people he had ever met.

In a post on X, Kennedy expressed regret for not having shared his admiration sooner, calling Katt a "true artist" and celebrating his distinctive presence with phrases and references meaningful to their shared experience on set.

In a 2002 Los Angeles Times profile, Katt spoke candidly about his approach to acting, calling himself a chameleon. "That happened with 'A Time to Kill,'" he said. "People said, 'I'm sorry you got cut out of the film.' I said, 'No, I was the fat guy!'"

He embraced improvisation in Soderbergh's "Full Frontal," where he created his own character wardrobe and even contributed childhood tap dance steps to a scene.

"Once I got the sense we could do whatever we wanted, I started to go off on this tangent," he remarked of his costume — a blend of martial arts gear and historical accessories he jokingly called a "Ninjazi."

Reflecting on life in Hollywood, Katt spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the industry. "There's so much desperation in the air, in Los Angeles especially," he reflected. "It eats away at you at some point."

Katt referenced ideas from artists he admired to articulate his view of the creative process. He mentioned a quote by choreographer Agnes DeMille about how artists rarely feel satisfied with their work, describing this ongoing dissatisfaction as part of what drives them to continue creating.

A little over a month earlier, the entertainment world was also shaken by the loss of another familiar television figure. Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, the former wife of David Hasselhoff, died at 62 on March 5. Authorities found her dead in her Los Angeles home.

According to TMZ, Bach-Hasselhoff died by suicide. Law enforcement sources said that after family members became concerned when they hadn't heard from her, they went to check on her home. They found the house locked and, upon entering, discovered her inside.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after 10 p.m. on Wednesday following a report of an unconscious woman. Bach-Hasselhoff was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) also responded to the scene.

Authorities later stated that no suicide note was found. Hasselhoff addressed the loss in a statement on X, expressing his family's sorrow over the actress's passing. The 72-year-old actor thanked everyone for their support and requested privacy as they mourned.

Bach-Hasselhoff's representative, Sharon Kelly, also expressed her heartbreak, "I am in shock and still processing the loss of my dear client Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff. Pamela was a 'Force of Nature' ... She will be missed."

Kelly also highlighted the TV star's deep love for her family, adding, "Pamela often talked about how very proud she was of both her daughters and what they have blossomed into. She was a 'Proud Mama'!"

Bach-Hasselhoff was born on October 16, 1963, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She built a successful career in television and film and was best known for playing Kaye Morgan on "Baywatch" (1991–2000), appearing in multiple episodes throughout the 1990s.

The hit series, starring her ex-husband, Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and Yasmine Bleeth, became a global sensation.

Beyond "Baywatch," Bach-Hasselhoff had roles in several well-known TV shows, including "The Fall Guy" (1986), "T.J. Hooker" (1985), "The Young and the Restless" (1973), "Sirens" (1994–2005), and "Knight Rider" (1985). She also appeared in films such as "Castle Rock" (2000), "More Than Puppy Love" (2002), and "Mansion of Blood" (2015).

Bach-Hasselhoff and her ex-husband tied the knot in 1989 and divorced in 2006, with legal battles over spousal support lasting until 2017. She is survived by their daughters, Taylor and Hayley, and her granddaughter, London.

Family was central to Bach-Hasselhoff's life, and in the months leading up to her passing, she shared heartfelt moments with her loved ones. Shortly before her death, Bach-Hasselhoff left a heart-eyed emoji on Hayley's Instagram post, which featured her in a black outfit.

Weeks earlier, in February, Bach-Hasselhoff shared a touching Instagram tribute for her granddaughter.

She wrote, "Happy 6 month Birthday to my precious, sweetest and beautiful Granddaughter - 🩷London 🎀who has my whole heart ♥️ and lights up our life with her magic- Gigi Loves you so so much❤️ You've brought so much joy into our lives. I'm also so very proud of you @tay and @madison_fiore – You're wonderful first-time parents!! ❤️"

A month earlier, as she welcomed the new year, Bach-Hasselhoff reflected on her gratitude for family, especially her granddaughter, "Watching her grow and seeing her smile light up my world is truly the greatest blessing."

She continued, "My wish for all of you this year is health, happiness, and an abundance of love. May 2025 be filled with beautiful moments, laughter, and all the blessings your hearts can hold. Here's to a year of making cherished memories, spreading joy, and embracing every precious moment!"

Bach-Hasselhoff's final posts captured her deep love for her family, making her sudden passing even more heartbreaking for those who knew and loved her.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.