The actor who almost became Luke Skywalker and defined the cult superhero genre

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before he was a mild-mannered teacher gifted with alien powers, William Katt was a rising star in 1970s cinema. He came remarkably close to landing the role of Luke Skywalker, yet his career path took him toward surfing dramas, horror classics, and a legendary collaboration with his own mother.

Born in 1951 to actors Bill Williams and Barbara Hale, William Katt grew up immersed in the industry. His breakthrough arrived in 1976 when he played Tommy Ross in the horror film Carrie. His trajectory shifted significantly in December 1975, when he auditioned for the role of Luke Skywalker in George Lucas's Star Wars. While the part ultimately went to Mark Hamill, Katt remained a busy performer, starring in the 1978 surfing drama Big Wednesday and the 1979 western Butch and Sundance: The Early Days.

Katt reached peak cultural visibility in 1981 as the lead in The Greatest American Hero. As Ralph Hinkley, he portrayed an ordinary man struggling to master a superpowered suit. The show, which featured the hit theme song "Believe It or Not," ran for three seasons until 1983. During this period, Katt also pursued his musical interests, releasing a soft rock album titled Secret Smiles in 1982 under the name Billy Katt.

Beyond his superhero fame, Katt maintained a prolific career in television and film. Between 1985 and 1988, he appeared in nine television movies based on the Perry Mason series, portraying Paul Drake Jr. alongside his mother, Barbara Hale, who reprised her iconic role as Della Street. His later work spanned diverse genres, including the cult horror film House, the thriller Mirrors 2, and appearances in series like House and Heroes. Today, he continues to engage with his legacy, having authored a comic book based on his most famous television character.

Throughout his life, Katt has balanced his acting career with personal milestones. He was married to Deborah Kahane from 1979 to 1992, with whom he had two sons, and later married Danielle Hirsch in 1993, adding a daughter and a stepson to his family. His career remains a testament to his versatility, moving seamlessly from the surf culture of the late 1970s to the cult television landscape of the 1980s and beyond.

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