Contents
Who is Andrew Scott?
Andrew Scott is an award-winning Irish actor best known for his portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the BBC series “Sherlock”. He gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for his captivating and enigmatic performance as the iconic villain Moriarty, earned him numerous accolades and established him as a talented actor in both film and theater.
Andrew Scott Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Andrew Scott was born on 21 October 1976, in Dublin, Ireland, to parents Jim Scott who worked at an employment agency, and Nora who was an art teacher. The middle child and the only son, he has a younger sister Hannah and an older one named Sarah. He went to the Catholic boys’ school Gonzaga College in Ranelagh, Dublin, and during this time also took classes at Ann Kavanagh’s Young People’s Theatre in Rathfarnham. He was admitted to an art school, but instead enrolled at Trinity College, Dublin, where he studied drama for six months before he joined Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Andrew then moved to London at 22 years old, to kickstart his acting career.
Career Beginnings
At 17 years old, he secured his first and leading role as Eamon Doyle in the drama film “Korea”, co-starring Donal Donnelly, based on a short story by John McGahern, which follows a father-son relationship during the ’50s in rural Ireland, when the mass emigration to the USA occurred, and the emigrants sent to fight in the Korean war.
After a few minor on-screen roles, Andrew starred as Tommy McGann in the 2003 Irish film “Dead Bodies”, a dark comedy thriller directed by Robert Quinn, and Scott’s performance in the movie was well-received by critics.
He continued his career into the 2000s, and appeared in several notable projects, including the documentary film “Killing Hitler” as Sniper, while in 2005, he featured in the television film “The Quatermass Experiment” as Vernon. This science fiction thriller was based on the 1953 BBC serial of the same title by Nigel Kneale, and follows a group of scientists who undertake a dangerous space mission that has unexpected consequences.
Then in 2009, he was the main star of the film “Duel”, also starring Fiona Glascott as Nadya, Tobias Menzies as Von Koren, and Niall Buggy as Samoylenko, and based on the 1891 novel “The Duel” by Anton Chekhov, which tells the story of a man named Laevsky who is living in a small Russian coastal town, and becomes entangled in a love affair and subsequent duel.
Rise to Stardom
Andrew Scott rose to stardom with his notable roles in the projects “Lennon Naked” and “Sherlock”. In the former, 2010 television film, he portrayed the iconic musician Paul McCartney, offering a captivating portrayal of the Beatles legend. However, it was his portrayal of James “Jim” Moriarty in the acclaimed series “Sherlock” that truly catapulted him to widespread recognition. Scott’s performance as the cunning and enigmatic antagonist in the hit BBC series, spanning from 2010 to 2017, earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Continued Success
Concurrently, Andrew featured in several other notable projects throughout the decade. In 2012, he appeared in “The Scapegoat” as Paul; co-starring Matthew Rhys and Eileen Atkins, the film revolves around two identical strangers, John and Paul, who meet by chance and decide to switch lives temporarily. This psychological drama explores the complexities of identity and the consequences of their decision.
Andrew Scott, The Stag promo picture. pic.twitter.com/PdPs3ifzzW
— Andrew Scott (@andrwscttonline) October 17, 2014
In 2013, Scott starred in “Legacy”, portraying Russian spy Viktor Koslov in this thriller film. The plot follows a young man named Malcolm who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of espionage – the film also stars Idris Elba and Charlotte Rampling. In “The Stag”, Scott played the role of Davin, a gay character, in this comedy-drama, the story revolving around a bachelor party trip to the Irish countryside, which takes unexpected and chaotic turns. The film features actors such as Hugh O’Connor and Peter McDonald.
In 2014, Andrew Scott appeared in “Locke” as Donal, a unique drama that follows Ivan Locke, played by Tom Hardy, as he takes a life-changing decision during a car journey. Scott’s Donal is a co-worker who receives a distressing phone call from Ivan during his drive.
Scott also starred in “Pride” in 2014, portraying Gethin Roberts in the film based on a true story, and revolves around a group of LGBTQ+ activists who support a Welsh mining community during the 1984 UK miners’ strike. It explores the solidarity and unlikely alliance formed between the two groups. The film features actors such as Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and Dominic West.
Scott next appeared as C (Max Denbigh) in the James Bond film “Spectre” (2015), playing the role of a government official who aims to shut down the “00” program. The film stars Daniel Craig as James Bond, and follows Bond’s mission to uncover a secret organization while facing personal challenges.
Additionally in 2015, Scott appeared in “Victor Frankenstein” as Inspector Roderick Turpin, in a re-telling of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, focusing on the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his assistant Igor. Scott’s character is an inspector investigating the gruesome experiments carried out by Frankenstein, played by James McAvoy, and Igor played by Daniel Radcliffe.
In 2016, Scott had roles in multiple projects. In “Alice Through the Looking Glass”, he portrayed Addison Bennett, a character in the fantasy adventure film that serves as a sequel to “Alice in Wonderland”. He also appeared in “Swallows and Amazons” as Lazlow, a character in the family adventure film based on the classic children’s novel by Arthur Ransome.
Scott’s other projects in 2016 included “Denial”, in which he played Anthony Julius, a lawyer involved in a legal battle surrounding the Holocaust denial; “This Beautiful Fantastic”, in which he portrayed Vernon Kelly, a reclusive neighbor who helps a young woman fulfill her dream; and “Handsome Devil”, in which he played Dan Sherry, a supportive English teacher in an Irish boarding school dealing with homophobia.
Recent Work
In “The Delinquent Season”, Scott portrayed Chris, one of the main characters in this relationship drama. Co-starring Cillian Murphy and Eva Birthistle, the film revolves around two couples whose lives become intertwined as they navigate through marital difficulties and infidelity.
From 2017 to 2018, Scott lent his voice to the character Obake in the animated series “Big Hero 6: The Series”. Obake is a villainous mastermind who challenges the heroic team in San Fransokyo.
In 2018, Scott appeared as Edgar in the television film adaptation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear”. The story follows the aging King Lear, played by Anthony Hopkins, as he divides his kingdom among his daughters, and faces the consequences of his decision. Scott’s Edgar plays a pivotal role in the unfolding events.
Scott also starred in the psychological thriller film “A Dark Place”, released as “Steel Country” in some regions. He portrayed Donald Devlin, a disheveled truck driver who becomes obsessed with investigating the mysterious death of a young boy in a small town.
In 2019, Scott appeared in the short film “Cognition” as Elias, which blends sci-fi and psychological elements as it follows a man named Elias who wakes up in a strange room with no memory, and must uncover the truth about his identity.
Scott had a supporting role as Lieutenant Leslie in the critically acclaimed war film “1917”, which depicts the harrowing journey of two British soldiers tasked with delivering a crucial message to save a battalion during World War I.
He gained further recognition for his role as “The Priest” in the popular comedy-drama series “Fleabag”. His character engages in a complex and unconventional relationship with the show’s protagonist, Fleabag, portrayed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
From 2019 to 2022, Scott portrayed Colonel John Parry, also known as Jopari, in the fantasy series “His Dark Materials”. Based on the novel series by Philip Pullman, the show follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua and her journey through parallel worlds. Scott’s character is a key figure in the story and holds essential knowledge about the mysterious substance known as Dust.
In 2021, Scott appeared as Lord Merlin in the miniseries “The Pursuit of Love”. The series follows the lives and romantic escapades of two cousins, Linda and Fanny, set in Europe between the World Wars.
He also starred in the television film “Oslo” as Terje Rød-Larsen, a Norwegian sociologist involved in the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and Palestine.
Andrew is currently working on several projects, including the films “Strangers” and “Back in Action”, which are in post-production and without a premiere date set.
Stage Work
Andrew Scott has had a remarkable career in the theater too, showcasing his versatility and skill in a range of notable productions. In 1996, he impressed audiences with his portrayal of The Son in “Six Characters in Search of an Author” at the Abbey Theatre. This was followed by memorable performances such as Father Welsh in “The Lonesome West” at the Druid Theatre Co. in 1997, and the complex character of Edmund in “Long Day’s Journey into Night” at The Gate Theatre in Dublin in 1998.
Scott continued to captivate audiences with his stage presence, delivering compelling performances as Mark in “Dublin Carol” at The Old Vic and Royal Court Theatre in 2000, and Lord Alfred Douglas in “The Secret Fall of Constance Wilde” at the Abbey Theatre and Barbican, RSC in the same year. In 2005, he portrayed Casimir in “Aristocrats” at the National Theatre Company, leaving a lasting impression with his nuanced portrayal.
His talent shone through in international productions as well, including his role as Philip Lucas in “The Vertical Hour”, directed by Sam Mendes at The Music Box in New York from 2006 to 2007. Scott’s theatrical prowess was further highlighted by his powerful performance as Alex in “Sea Wall”, which he played at The Bush Theatre and The Old Vic in 2008 and 2018.
In 2009, he captivated audiences as M in “Cock” at the Royal Court Theatre, displaying his ability to delve into complex and challenging characters. The pinnacle of his theatrical achievements came in 2017 when he took on the iconic role of Hamlet in Robert Icke’s production, first at the Almeida Theatre and later at the Harold Pinter Theatre, mesmerizing audiences with his compelling interpretation of Shakespeare’s tortured prince.
Net Worth
According to authoritative sources, Andrew Scott’s net worth is estimated at over $10 million as of mid-2023.
Personal Life, Dating, Sexuality
Andrew Scott came out as gay in 2013. Although open about his sexuality, Andrew hasn’t revealed his relationship status.
Appearance and Body Measurements
Andrew Scott has black hair and light brown eyes. He stands at a height of 5ft 8ins (1.73m), weighs approximately 150lbs (68kgs), with vital statistics of 40-32-14.
