George Katt: Working Actor

All Photos: Alan Mercer

Born and raised in New York City, George Katt is quickly making his mark as a versatile actor in film, television, and theatre working steadily in all fields and on both coasts. He is an actor, musician, and writer of Greek and Native American (Cherokee) descent. 

He is recognized as one of the best and most versatile young actors in the independent film scene today. George is also known for his in-depth and exhaustive preparations for his roles and a passionate commitment to his work by his peers and fellow filmmakers.

His film credits include Miramax's "The Pallbearer", "Locomotive" with Carmine Giovinazzo (CSI NY), "Hitman's Run" with Eric Roberts, "The Diplomat" and is also starring in the films "Crimes Against Charlie", "A Killing on the Riviera", the upcoming comedy "Sweetzer" with Jorge Garcia , and he recently won the Best Breakthrough Actor 2007 award at the New York International Independent Film Festival for his starring role of Zeus in the feature film "Valley of Angels" with Danny Trejo. George Katt also won 1st place in the Life Through Art Foundation monologue competition performing a piece from Kenneth Lonergan's "This is Our Youth".

He received rave reviews for his work in the film "Crimes Against Charlie" (Grand Prize Winner Worldfest)and for his performance as Zeus in "Valley of Angels":

On Television, George played the hilarious recurring role of Zack on Showtime's "Rude Awakening" with Sherilyn Fenn and Lynn Redgrave and has guest starred in CBS "The Agency" with Gil Bellows, CBS' "Brooklyn South", WB's "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" with Melissa Joan Hart, WB's "Popular", Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia" with Kevin Farley, ABC's "All My Children" and NBC's "Passions".

Partial Theatre credits include: Val in Tennessee William's "Orpheus Descending" at La Mama, Treplev in Chekhov's "The Seagull" at Pulse Ensemble, Polo Pope in "Hatful of Rain" at the Mazer Theater, Eddie in "Hurlyburly" at the Coronet Theatre, John Bender in "The Breakfast Club 2006", as well as "Great Kills" a play he wrote and performed at the Coronet Theatre.

In addition to acting, Katt also plays guitar and sings.  George Katt is one devoted actor.  He is also a wonderful person.  I became a fan after seeing his performance in 'Valley of Angels' and I have loved everything he has done since.  We took these photos in Los Angeles right before George made the move to live in his hometown of New York City.  I talked with George over the phone this past Saturday.

AM:  George you are so perfect for this blog!

GK:  Awesome!  Fantastic!

AM:  Aren't you finishing up a play in New York right now?

GK:  Yes I am doing a limited run of a couple of one acts.  We have three performances left.

AM:  What else have you been doing since leaving Los Angeles?

GK:  I started the Indies lab in New York City which is a group of filmmakers, actors and writers.  I began that in November and it's really taken off.  I gathered together a group of really talented and passionate people.  We meet once a week and develop work through the lab.

AM:  What a great idea!

GK:  Some great things have been happening.  It's become a support system.  Everyone is developing new work.  We even made a feature utilizing the actors called 'Miracles of the Misfitted' and that was amazing. 

AM:  You have been working non-stop.

GK: I've wrapped up a lot of features that will be out later this year.  I have a variety of different works coming out. 

AM:  You have worked more since leaving Los Angeles.

GK:  I know.  It's interesting because the whole industry has shifted. 

AM: There is a lot less work in Los Angeles now.

GK:  I know.  I have so many professional actor friends who are having a difficult time in LA.  Now they are shooting projects all over the place.  In New York there is a lot of work with the independent film scene and television.  It was a good move for me but I do miss LA. 

AM:  Do you get back to Los Angeles much?

GK:  I went back last Spring when I filmed 'Delta Zulu' in San Diego so I came to LA.  If there's work I'll come out there.  I've been up for several pilots. 

AM:  Have you been doing any television?

GK:  Yeah I've done some TV. 

AM:  I think of you more as a film actor. 

GK:  I think the work you gravitate to is what you attract.  A lot of the films I've been doing are really poignant.  They are all very different.  I have done a lot of guest starring roles on television.  It's also a different venue now.  I see A-listers on television now.  Things have really changed. 

AM:  Are you still working on your music?

GK:  The music has been more private.  I've been working on it in my personal time.  When I'm so busy with the acting I have to set it aside.  I have to put all my focus into what I'm working on in the moment.  The music becomes better as it's a work in progress. 

AM:  I like seeing all your videos on You tube. 

GK:  I like to put my work on there.  There's a bunch of things that haven't come out yet that I'm really proud of.  The more you grow as an actor the better your work becomes.  Because I have been playing so many different characters I am not labeled as one thing.  I'm talking about doing a comedy this summer.  I'm venturing into different things.

AM:  What kinds of characters are you playing?

GK:  I play a character in a love triangle in a dramatic film called 'In Montauk.'  I'm also really proud of this film 'Conquering The Rose' where I play an art professor in this small town who obsesses over a girl's death.  I put a lot of work into that. 

AM:  You're a rare breed being a constantly working actor.

GK: The thing is...the place where I have gotten the most respect isn't the studio or television system, it's been the independent film industry.  In some ways I appreciate that a lot.

AM:  Why is that?

GK:  These people that put their money in it care about their work.  For me it's more of a compliment as an actor to be cast, and to carry, these films.  These people are putting their hearts and soul into it.  They pay more attention to the work and they cast the films very carefully.  I'm a big supporter of Indie films at this point. 

AM:  I think you are an Indie King!

GK:  (Laughing) Thanks!  I hope these films that I'm really proud of get around.  Most of my films are all at a similar stage where they are almost ready to be screened.  There will be trailers coming out for these films soon. 

AM:  So you've got several films all coming out before the end of this year?

GK:  Yes 'Delta Zulu,' 'Conquering The Rose,' 'In Montauk,' 'Humdinger,' and a fairly dark film called 'Red Sheep.'  I'm excited! 

AM:  I really love seeing you on the big screen.

GK:  Thanks Alan.  Hopefully we will be able to catch up when I get to LA. 

AM:  I know we will and we can update our photos too!

GK:  I just saw a couple of grey hairs when they were editing one of the films.  I am embracing getting older. 

AM:  Well that's good since there is no choice!

GK:  I'll let you know when I'm out in LA.  Thanks for connecting. 

To learn more about George Katt visit his web site http://www.georgekatt.com/