Adam Scott Almost Quit Acting After Missing Out on Six Feet Under, He Reveals
In a candid moment on Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Adam Scott opened up about a time in the early 2000s when he nearly walked away from acting after not landing a starring role on HBO’s Six Feet Under. Scott and Michael C. Hall were both in the running for the role of David Fisher and even tested for it, but Hall ultimately nabbed the part. Scott said Hall’s portrayal was “perfect and incredible,” and that he wasn’t ready for that level of responsibility at the time.
Scott confessed that the near-miss left him considering stepping back from acting altogether. “It was the one where I was like, ‘I might stop doing this. I think that it’s time for me to read the tea leaves and walk away,’” he recalled. While he did not pursue that path, the show ultimately featured only a brief appearance for him as a former lover of Hall’s character, David.
Despite the setback, Scott’s career didn’t stall. He went on to achieve enduring fame with Parks and Recreation and later found critical acclaim in Severance on Apple TV+. The experience, he noted, was painful at the time but valuable in hindsight, underscoring the unpredictable nature of show business and the importance of perseverance.
This glimpse into Scott’s early career highlights how a single casting decision can shape a performer’s trajectory. His eventual success serves as a hopeful reminder that near-misses don’t define a career and that resilience can lead to landmark roles.
Summary: Adam Scott revealed that missing out on the Six Feet Under role nearly pushed him to quit acting, a decision he credits with helping him persevere. He later appeared briefly on the show and went on to star in Parks and Recreation and Severance, illustrating a resilient, enduring career in the face of early setbacks.
Commentary: This story reinforces the idea that timing and keystone roles can redefine a career. Fans of Parks and Rec and Severance can take inspiration from Scott’s honesty about career doubts and the value of continuing to pursue opportunities, even when the path seems uncertain.
Positive spin: The tale ends on a hopeful note, celebrating Scott’s continued success and the broader message that perseverance and patience can pay off in the entertainment industry.