William Katt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Katt
Katt in 2024
Born	William Theodore Katt (1951-02-16) February 16, 1951 (age 74) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other names	Billy Katt
Occupation	Actor musician
Years active	1970–present
Spouse(s)	Deborah Kahane ​ ​ (m. 1979; div. 1992)​ Danielle Hirsch ​ (m. 1993)​
Children	3
Parents	Bill Williams (father) Barbara Hale (mother)

William Theodore Katt (born February 16, 1951) is an American actor and musician. He is famous for playing Ralph Hinkley on the TV show The Greatest American Hero from 1981 to 1983.

Katt first became known for his role as Tommy Ross in the 1976 movie Carrie. He also starred in films like First Love (1977) and Big Wednesday (1978). From 1985 to 1988, he appeared in nine Perry Mason TV movies. In these movies, he acted alongside his real-life mother, Barbara Hale. She played her famous role of Della Street from the original Perry Mason TV series.

Early Life and Family

William Katt was born in Los Angeles, California. His parents were both actors, Bill Williams and Barbara Hale. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley.

As a teenager, he started acting. Sometimes, he even appeared in shows with his parents. He finished school at Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California.

William Katt's Acting Career

William Katt, 2008, at San Diego Comic-Con

Before acting, Katt went to Orange Coast College. He first wanted to be a musician. But his father inspired him to try acting. He started with small roles in TV shows and plays.

Early Film Roles

His first big movie role was as Tommy Ross in the 1976 horror film Carrie. This role helped him become well-known. In 1978, he played Barlow, a young surfer, in the movie Big Wednesday. His mother in that film was also his real mother, Barbara Hale. The next year, he played the Sundance Kid in the 1979 movie Butch and Sundance: The Early Days.

His role in Big Wednesday made him popular in the surfing world. In 2004, he even presented an award at a big surfing event.

Becoming a Hero on TV

In 1975, Katt tried out for the role of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. He was seriously considered, but the role went to Mark Hamill. Instead, Katt starred in First Love that year.

In 1981, Katt got his most famous role. He played Ralph Hinkley, a schoolteacher who gets a super suit from aliens. This was for the popular TV series The Greatest American Hero. He played this role until the show ended in 1983. The show's theme song, "Believe It or Not", became a hit song. In 1982, because the show was so popular, Katt released a music album called Secret Smiles.

Later Roles and Appearances

After The Greatest American Hero, Katt starred in the movie Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985). He also appeared in the horror-comedy film House (1985). He later returned for the movie House IV in 1992.

From 1985 to 1988, Katt played Paul Drake Jr. in nine Perry Mason TV movies. Paul Drake Jr. was a private detective. Again, he co-starred with his mother, Barbara Hale. She played her role as Della Street.

Katt has continued to act in TV shows and movies. He also does voice acting. He appeared in an episode of House in 2006. He has also been in science fiction shows like Andromeda and Justice League. Other films include Gamers (2006), The Man from Earth (2007), and Alien vs Hunter (2007).

In 2008, he appeared in Heroes as a reporter. He also played Jack Matheson in the thriller film Mirrors 2 in 2010. In 2010, he was a guest star on House of Payne.

Katt has also written a comic book based on The Greatest American Hero. In 2013, he played himself in the movie Paranormal Movie. He appeared in The Unwanted in 2014 and The 2nd in 2020.

Personal Life

William Katt married Deborah Kahane in 1979. They had two sons, Clayton and Emerson. They divorced in 1992.

In 1993, he married Danielle Hirsch. They have a daughter named Dakota. He also has a stepson named Andrew.

Selected Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Video Game Roles

See also

In Spanish: William Katt para niños