An Interview With William Katt by Earl B Morris

Filed Under BBT Magazine, RPGs, D20, BBT, Earl B Morris, William Katt, Comic Books, Graphic Novel, From The Desk Of Earl B Morris, Greatest American Hero, interview, star wars audition, Carrie, Gamers dvd, Mythology Wars, Catastrophic Comics, Art Adams, Walden Wong, Steven Furchow

From the desk of Earl B Morris

Last year I wrote an open letter to William Katt detailing complaints I had regarding his lack of communication with our Murfreesboro chapter of his fan club.  Via the miracle of the world widening of the web based telecommunications called "Netting" among those in the know, I recieved a missive from Mr. Katt in which he apologized for his lateness in responding, and agreed to answer a few questions for his fans.

The interview follows:

Earl B Morris: In a recent meeting of our local Murfreesboro chapter of the The Katillacs, our Greatest American Hero fan club, a bit of a tête-à-tête ensued regarding my uniform.
Some members claimed that my “packing” my costume in order to compensate for areas where nature had failed to provide was immoral and probably illegal, to which I responded that this was a common technique among actors and jazz dancers, and in no way undermined the efficacy of the costume. Will you help to settle this unrest?

 
William Katt: Certainly didn’t get in the way of Errol Flynn or more recently Jack Black for that matter.
Hell… if the network wasn’t so prudish when I was doing Greatest American Hero I’m sure the show would have run another 3 or 4 seasons. If boots were made for walking then tights were made for stretching.

William Katt 2



Earl B Morris: It is well known around the internet and on google that you were originally cast to play Lieutenant Skywalker in The Star Wars, a feature film of some repute that appeared on the “Science Fiction” scene in 1977. The role instead was given to Matt Hamil, an unknown, owing probably to the fact that he had been a manservant of director Jim Lucas. Has Mr. Lucas ever sent you a letter of apology?

William Katt: Well… after 30 years he finally called begging me to take the lead role of Itchy – Chewbacca’s father in his new musical version of his art house classic, “The Star Wars Holiday Special.” It’ll be taking Broadway by storm this Christmas! Just kidding… no apology letter yet! But there’s still time! Perhaps you can initiate a letter writing campaign? Better still… have him send a check!

Earl B Morris: Did your training for the episode The 200 Mile an Hour Fastball help you in your recent baseball career? Why the White Sox, and not a team closer to home like the Lakers?

William Katt:  No baseball career for me – although as an actor I’ve been thrown my share of curve balls.

Earl B Morris: Is there talk of a Greatest American Hero feature film, and if so, would you be willing to “Don The Red” again? Do you think the lovely Ms. Selleca would reprise her role?

William Katt:  I’ve been hearing about a big screen ‘Hero’ for a few years now - but word on the street is it’s in limbo over at Disney. Hey… another letter writing campaign!

 

William Katt in Make-up

Mr. Katt is shown here enjoying the latest copy of BBT Magazine while in make-up for his upcoming film.

 

Earl B Morris: Who should be cast to play Bill Maxwell now that Mr. Culp has passed?

William Katt:  As far as I know - Robert Culp has not passed. He just looks that way sometimes.

Earl B Morris: Was Mr. Culp difficult to work with? There is tittle-tattle among the chapters about him knocking over potted palm trees and throwing sandwiches across the set.

William Katt:  Yeah…he did go a little Ozzy Osbourne from time to time. At least he never bit the head off a chicken – only production assistants.

Earl B Morris: On your album Secret Smiles, you recorded a song called “A Girl Like You,” that had been previously recorded by John Travolta, the well known Mormon & actor. There can be no question in anyone’s mind who produced the superior version. Has this caused any animosity between Mr. Travolta and yourself?

William Katt:  Yeah… John’s been jealous ever since. I don’t know why he won’t let it go?

 

Earl B Morris: One of my personal favorite films is Carrie, starring yourself and the delightfully funny Sissy Spacek, however I have never been allowed to watch the entire film as my great aunt controls the television remote-controller and keeps the tape hidden somewhere in her bedroom. How does it end?

William Katt:  Yeah… it was really weird… Sissy and Piper would sit in a corner and tell jokes to each other… John would teach tap dancing to the extras… and our director Brian would constantly be drawing out shots lists on 3 x 5 cards for the cinematographer … it was amazing anything got done. Thank god I was there to keep everybody focused. Oh yeah… the ending of the film… well… doesn’t really matter… I’m dead by then.

Earl B Morris: Was Ms. Spacek difficult to work with? I read somewhere about her knocking over a potted palm and throwing sandwiches across the set.

William Katt:  This is something that has been a reoccurring theme in my life.

Earl B Morris: In an unaired third season episode (episode 10, Wizards & Warlocks, now available on the DVD Boxed set), Bill and Ralph have to learn to play a game that is very similar to Dungeons and Dragons, a game which I have competed in on a national level. Did you take away a love of the game from that episode, and did you ever play with Mr. Culp on set? Would you ever consider playing a game with us here at our local chapter in
Murfreesboro?

William Katt:  I actually appeared this last year in a very funny film call ‘Gamers’ available now on DVD at www.buygamers.com which deals with this very subject. Is that a plug? Shame on me… buy it I get a percentage!

Earl B Morris: What do you have in the works?

William Katt: Believe it or not… do you have any idea how many woman I’ve picked up at bars when that song comes on… Hell, just go ask your great Aunt - I am getting ready to launch a comic book line called ‘Catastrophic Comics’. The first book is called ‘Mythology Wars’. A seven part mini series available this fall 07’. Art Adams is drawing the cover with a contingent of talented icons adding their expertise including Walden Wong and Steven Furchow to mention just a few. Another plug… but hey… you asked! You can pre-order the comic book at www.catastrophiccomics.com.

Earl B Morris: Have you ever worked with anyone who knocked over potted palms or threw sandwiches across the set?

William Katt: To tell the truth… that was me!!!

Earl B Morris: Thanks you so much, Mr. Katt for taking the time to answer our open letter and for taking the time to chat with us. We are honored that you remember your fans. You truly are our Greatest American Hero!

William Katt: Can I get a subscription for free now? Just kidding… give my best to everyone in Murfreesboro.

 

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Comments

31 Responses to “An Interview With William Katt by Earl B Morris”

  1. csaar on June 28th, 2007 10:53 pm

    I really like Mr. Katt’s acting skills, shows and films. (katt is cat I Swedish…) The GAH was my favorite when I was a kid. There for I think it’s ok when he seems to be drooling all over my illustrations. (not because of them that’s for sure)

  2. Pete on June 29th, 2007 5:49 am

    What a thoroughly cool guy he is. And on behalf of BBT, I apologize for you having to talk to our friend Mister Earl.

  3. Gregory Adams on June 29th, 2007 12:28 pm

    Way to make the most of our 100th post, Earl! Good score!

  4. Marci on June 29th, 2007 5:31 pm

    I was wondering where you had written to him? (address) I mailed a sase package to him (and unlike a friend) I have heard nothing. I do congratulate her that she did get a response but, I wouldn’t mind getting one myself.
    He is awesome!

  5. Pete on June 29th, 2007 7:01 pm

    Perhaps he was in the makeup chair? He probably didn’t see the package. Not that package anyway.

    He actually got in touch with us, after reading Earl’s original open-hearted plea. A friend gave him a head’s up, and he talked to us. It was all e-mail, though, so that does you little good. SASE packages fail to go through e-mail. (The post office wouldn’t allow it anyway, it would be too cheap)

  6. Tingleteats on June 30th, 2007 2:46 am

    Greatest American Hero!
    I used to love that show! I have to get the box set now.
    What a cool guy Bill Katt turns out to be. I hope he has a huge comeback the way Travolta did. I could totally see him working in indies.

  7. dubatuluk on June 30th, 2007 9:41 am

    Just give him the free subscription already! He deserves it just cause he’s a cool guy!

  8. Pete on June 30th, 2007 11:46 am

    He wasn’t even LOOKING at the magazine! We’ll have to get him to read it in a small windowless room which lacks women.

    (how boring.)

  9. Josie on June 30th, 2007 12:40 pm

    Holy Guacamole! I love GAH! Thanks for the interview.

    Now I think you should get out the Ouija board and do one with Culp… oh? What? He’s not dead? Ah… he got better…

  10. Josie on June 30th, 2007 12:41 pm

    By the way - check out our GAH fan forum site…

    http://tgah.proboards43.com

  11. csaar on June 30th, 2007 1:25 pm

    Ok, i got i figured out now. if we can get ladies like her IN the magazine, we can get guys like him to READ it.
    (ok, i know this is the usual way when perfecly good magazines turn in to porn-rags)

  12. Pete on June 30th, 2007 4:13 pm

    The reason that theory doesn’t work with Sci-fi magazines is, we don’t KNOW any women who looks like that. I hate to stereotype, but if we did, we would probably not go “let’s start a sci-fi magazine. Neat!”

  13. Lucien on June 30th, 2007 4:36 pm

    Pete Said Stupidly:

    “The reason that theory doesn’t work with Sci-fi magazines is, we don’t KNOW any women who looks like that. I hate to stereotype, but if we did, we would probably not go “let’s start a sci-fi magazine. Neat!””

    Uh. Hello? Dork? Our Cosplay Girl of the issue? and for the ladies our Nerd of the Month?

    I mean really.

    Have you even SEEN Vera Vanguard? Your doing most of the layout for god’s sake, you should try looking at the pictures I send you and not just all the time with the READING!

    Besides, my wife is pretty hot.

    *Pushes up glasses, and goes back to organizing Star Trek Novels by height*

  14. csaar on June 30th, 2007 10:52 pm

    He hasn’t got to that part of the layout yet.

  15. Lucien on July 1st, 2007 2:37 am

    And besides, no offense to Bill Katt, but he is starring in a movie called “Gamers” and releasing a comic.

    I think he may secretly be one of us.

  16. Pete on July 1st, 2007 5:39 am

    Those pictures are the only saving point of layout.

    *bursts into tears at the mention of layout*

    Anyway, the point stands. Otherwise, we’d have a magazine of Cosplay Girls of the Month, not a fiction magazine with ONE COSPLAY GIRL OF THE MONTH.

    Silly.

    *puts on pocket protector and fanny pack*

  17. Marci on July 2nd, 2007 3:25 am

    Well, this proves he’s one of us…
    “William Katt: Well… after 30 years he finally called begging me to take the lead role of Itchy – Chewbacca’s father in his new musical version of his art house classic, “The Star Wars Holiday Special.”
    The fact that he knew about the SW holiday special is one thing. The facet that he KNEW Chewbacca’s Fathers name, Itchy…Well that is proof in the pudding.
    As soon as I read that, I gasped with my hand over my mouth.

  18. Pete on July 2nd, 2007 6:32 am

    I noticed that. All hail William Katt. He is a lvl. 20 geek, you might say.

    How come Star Wars fans never try to find the rational universe explanation for why Chewbacca’s pop is named “Itchy”? I mean, we have detailed schematics for everything in the universe, including light sabers (which I did not use as a kid to try and build a working light saber, thank you very much) but how come no one has offered the etymological reason for “Itchy?”

  19. SciFiChick on July 2nd, 2007 6:41 am

    He was giving away free copies of his Gamers DVD at last year’s Indy GenCon.
    He also asked if he could write his phone number next to his autograph…

  20. Bonnie on July 2nd, 2007 8:55 am

    He also asked if he could write his phone number next to his autograph…

    Well that’s a big surprise there. How revealing was your outfit at the Con?

    How come Star Wars fans never try to find the rational universe explanation for why Chewbacca’s pop is named “Itchy”?

    Probably because it seems logical that a large hairy Wookie would be itchy. Either that or they were too busy analysing the Hindu/Buddhist themes behind the Force and totally forgot about poor Itchy.

  21. SciFiChick on July 3rd, 2007 3:52 am

    I don’t wear “revealing outfits.” But I was probably the only female to come to his table.

    http://farm1.static.flickr.com/83/213575869_a77094e9bd_m.jpg

  22. Pete on July 3rd, 2007 9:07 am

    What a thoroughly cool picture…!

    And I don’t know why, but putting “revealing outfits” in quotation marks makes it sound less attractive and more…alarming.

  23. Feargus Home on July 5th, 2007 5:12 pm

    My god, what a beautiful mane. I long to climb inside those silver blonde strands, build a nest and live there forever…

  24. Marci on July 5th, 2007 7:13 pm

    I noticed that. All hail William Katt. He is a lvl. 20 geek, you might say.

    How come Star Wars fans never try to find the rational universe explanation for why Chewbacca’s pop is named “Itchy”? I mean, we have detailed schematics for everything in the universe, including light sabers (which I did not use as a kid to try and build a working light saber, thank you very much) but how come no one has offered the etymological reason for “Itchy?”

    Have you watched the SW Holiday Special as an adult? Art carney’s character gave Itchy…porn! And he was…enjoying it if you know what I mean.
    The Holiday special was…There are no words that can describe the pain.
    The funny thing is I was looking for it for so many years, for it for the cartoon…Where Luke is real stupid and trusts Boba Fett. OMg I’ve said too much. Save me! The memories…Princess Leia Singing! AHHH!
    But Kudos to William for showing his true geekdom!

  25. Marci on July 6th, 2007 5:03 pm

    I guess for all you hero fans, this is a good place to plug my story.
    http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2795209/1/

    BTW Scifichick, did you get his number?

  26. RetroGirl/TTFB on July 30th, 2007 4:49 am

    Well! Lucky Bonnie!

    This is going to be a bit long winded but have to ask the questions, since I’m from London - I didn’t go to the ComiCon - not that I’ve ever been! :-)

    So here goes:

    Q1 Is The Katt still as handsome as he was in Carrie?
    I ask as I was only 5 when he made it! So I’m being very nostalgic here! I bet 20/30 years ago that makeup girl in the pic would have leant a bit TOO closely into his face dusting makeup! ;)

    Q2 What is the point of Carrie 2 - The Rage? It aired in the UK this weekend and it wasn’t very good. Sensibly the only original Carrie cast member appearing(who played Sue Snell was killed out. Dramatically!). Well done for her I say - She probably couldn’t take it anymore and wanted to be sure she wasn’t asked back for another really predictable sequel.

    Q3 In a scene where the “jocks” surround Carrie (mark II) at a party we hear the immortal lines “They’ll laugh at you!”. Now we all know where that comes from! But how would this new Carrie mark II know this?

    1) She wasn’t in the original Carries house when it was stated by the Mother.
    2) She isn’t Carrie - so how could she recall this phrase?

    My husband dismissed it and wandered off out of the living room!

    Anyway, the only Carrie for me is the ever beautiful Carrie I (Sissy Spacek) who leaves her hunky mate (The Katt) for dead with a bucket on the head, as she reeks mind havoc at the Prom!

    Way to go - especially if you’re not really having fun at the prom anymore! :-)

    PS: Also love John Travolta to bits. So if The Katt and La Travolta could make a film together?

    RetroGirl

  27. RetroGirl/TTFB on July 30th, 2007 4:53 am

    Sorry! Meant to say lucky SciFi Chick! RetroGirl

  28. RetroGirl on October 5th, 2007 4:44 am

    What’s a fanny pack?

  29. RetroGirl on October 5th, 2007 4:45 am

    Ask as it’s mentioned here.

  30. adrian philip walsh on February 5th, 2008 3:28 am

    i used to watch greatest american hero when i lived in the republic of ireland, am in england now, they have not seen it ever. it was brilliant and so were you, i see it for sale on the web on dvd’s. i buy it when i get a minute. thank you mr katt, bye.

  31. adrian philip walsh on February 5th, 2008 3:38 am

    fanny pack is called bum bag in uk, it is small bag with belt that u clip round yr waist. you could put sandwiches in it to feed bums should you encounter any. in uk a fanny is a ladies front bottom and no specialist bag as yet exists although a bum bag could double as means of storing ladies feminine products.