William Katt, the 75-year-old actor known for his role as Ralph Hinkley in the 1980s cult favorite "The Greatest American Hero," recently made a public appearance in Los Angeles. Katt, whose parents were prominent television stars of the 1950s, has had a diverse career that included an audition for the iconic role of Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars." He narrowly lost the part to Mark Hamill.

Katt's career began in the 1970s, with an early role in Brian De Palma's 1976 horror film "Carrie." He has recounted auditioning for "Star Wars" alongside Kurt Russell, with both actors reportedly trying out for the roles of both Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. Katt has quipped that his long hair may have impacted the decision.

He was cast in "Carrie" as Tommy Ross, the high school athlete who escorts the telekinetic title character to the prom. Katt described the filming of "Carrie" as a fun experience with his young castmates, including John Travolta.

"The Greatest American Hero" debuted in 1981, featuring Katt as a special education teacher who gains superpowers from an alien-sent suit. The series also starred Connie Sellecca as his attorney and Robert Culp as an FBI agent. Katt has spoken about initial friction with Culp, which he felt translated well to their on-screen dynamic, but noted that they later developed a genuine friendship that lasted until Culp's death in 2010. Despite being canceled after three seasons, the show's theme song, "Believe It or Not," reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

Katt, who was born in 1951, is the son of Herman Katt (screen name Bill Williams), known for "The Adventures of Kit Carson," and Barbara Hale, an Emmy winner for her role as Della Street in "Perry Mason." Katt described his childhood in the San Fernando Valley as relatively free-spirited. He appeared in various television shows in the 1970s, including "MAS*H," "Emergency," "Gunsmoke," "Kojak," and "Ironside."

Later in his career, Katt reunited with his mother for a series of nine "Perry Mason" television movies in the late 1980s and early 1990s, playing Paul Drake Jr. He has continued to act, appearing in guest roles on shows like "Heroes" and "Walker, Texas Ranger," and most recently in the 2026 independent film "When We Get There."