William Katt captured 1980s pop culture as the reluctant superhero Ralph Hinkley in The Greatest American Hero, but his footprint in Hollywood extends far beyond a red suit and a malfunctioning instruction manual. Born to acting royalty—classic film and television stars Barbara Hale and Bill Williams—Katt carved out a distinct path across horror, surf drama, television movies, and character acting.
Instead of fading away when early teen-idol momentum slowed, he transitioned into a durable career as a working character actor. This retrospective examines how William Katt evolved from a fresh-faced 1970s newcomer into a recognized cult icon, navigating the changing tides of television and film.
Roots in Hollywood and Early Breakthroughs
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley with parents deeply embedded in the studio system, Katt understood the practical realities of the entertainment industry early on. He attended the Army and Navy Academy before studying at Orange Coast College, initially exploring a path in music before acting took hold.
His professional breakthrough arrived with a role that remains a cornerstone of horror cinema history. In Brian De Palma's 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie, Katt played Tommy Ross, the sweet, unsuspecting prom date of Carrie White.
"Carrie gave me an entry point into studio filmmaking that I couldn't have replicated anywhere else. Working with De Palma set a high standard for craft early in my life."
Following Carrie, Katt showcased his athletic versatility in John Milius's classic surf film Big Wednesday (1978), playing Jack Barlow alongside Jan-Michael Vincent and Gary Busey. The film bombed initially upon release but evolved into a celebrated cult classic. He also played the Sundance Kid in Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979), proving his ability to anchor major studio period pieces.
The Super Suit Era: The Greatest American Hero
By 1981, producer Stephen J. Cannell cast Katt in the role that defined his career: Ralph Hinkley in The Greatest American Hero. The premise centered on an ordinary high school teacher given a super-powered suit by extraterrestrials, only to promptly lose the instruction booklet.
The series relied heavily on Katt's physical comedy and everyman charm, contrasting sharply with traditional invincible comic book heroes. Paired with co-star Robert Culp, who played FBI agent Bill Maxwell, Katt generated instant chemistry that powered the series through three seasons on ABC from 1981 to 1983.
- The Theme Song Phenomenon: Joey Scarbury's theme song, "Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)", rocketed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing the show in pop culture history.
- Music crossover: Capitalizing on the show's massive youth audience, Katt even released a soft-rock album titled Secret Smiles in 1982.
- Real-life legacy: Katt later authored comic book continuations of the property, keeping the character alive for devoted fans decades after the final episode aired.
Shifting Gears: Perry Mason and Cult Horror
When The Greatest American Hero ended abruptly in 1983, Katt avoided being permanently typecast by pivoting into diverse genre work and television revivals.
In 1985, he starred in the haunted-house horror-comedy House as Roger Cobb, a troubled Vietnam veteran turned novelist. The film became a profitable box office hit and spawned multiple sequels, with Katt returning to direct or star in later iterations.
Simultaneously, Katt embarked on a deeply personal professional chapter. Between 1985 and 1988, he appeared in a series of nine Perry Mason television films alongside his real-life mother, Barbara Hale. Hale reprised her legendary role as legal secretary Della Street, while Katt played private investigator Paul Drake Jr.
According to historical coverage in outlets like Variety, these telefilms performed exceptionally well in the ratings, proving that audiences embraced Katt not just as a comedic sci-fi lead, but as a reliable dramatic presence within classic mystery frameworks.
Transition to Character Acting and Indie Cinema
As television production shifted into the 1990s and 2000s, Katt smoothly transitioned into a prolific character actor. He made guest appearances across mainstream prestige television, including roles on House, JAG, Numb3rs, and Heroes.
He also embraced independent cinema. Notably, he delivered a compelling performance in Jerome Bixby's acclaimed science-fiction drama The Man from Earth (2007), a film shot in a single room that relied entirely on heavy dialogue and philosophical debate among academics.
Review archives on sites like The Hollywood Reporter frequently note how Katt's willingness to step outside major studio machinery allowed him to build a respected second act as an indie utility player. He also stepped behind the camera to direct projects like The Clean and Narrow (2000) and River's End (2005).
Common Misconceptions About William Katt's Career
- Did he almost play Luke Skywalker? Yes. Katt was among the final group of young actors seriously tested for the role of Luke Skywalker in George Lucas's Star Wars before the part ultimately went to Mark Hamill.
- Is he related to other actors named Katt? No. His professional surname comes from his father's paternal German heritage, though his mother Barbara Hale gave him deep, lifelong connections to classic Hollywood networking.
- Did he quit acting after the 1980s? Not at all. While his peak commercial leading-man era was in the 1980s, Katt has maintained a steady, uninterrupted acting and voice-acting career spanning over five decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was William Katt's breakout movie role?
His breakout film role was playing Tommy Ross in Brian De Palma's 1976 horror adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie. This performance brought him immediate visibility within the major studio system.
Why did The Greatest American Hero get cancelled?
Despite solid ratings and a massive merchandising footprint, shifts in network leadership at ABC combined with rising production costs led to the show's cancellation after three seasons in 1983.
How many Perry Mason movies did William Katt make with his mother?
William Katt starred alongside his mother, Barbara Hale, in nine Perry Mason made-for-television movies between 1985 and 1988, playing private investigator Paul Drake Jr.
Does William Katt still act today?
Yes. Katt continues to work in film and television, occasionally taking on supporting roles in indie features, voice acting for animated projects, and making guest appearances on network television.
