At 52 years old, Adam Scott has carved out a unique and steady space in Hollywood as an actor, producer, director, and podcast host. Best known for his role as the lovable Ben Wyatt on Parks and Recreation, Scott has built a multifaceted career over the years—and as of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $8 million.
So, how did this down-to-earth California native go from small TV roles in the ’90s to starring in acclaimed shows like Severance and Big Little Lies?
How Did Adam Scott Get His Start in Acting?
Born on April 3, 1973, in Santa Cruz, California, Adam Scott was the youngest of three kids raised by two public school teachers. After high school, he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, where he trained for a career that would begin quietly—but steadily.
Scott made his screen debut in 1994 with appearances on Boy Meets World and Dead at 21, slowly building up his résumé with guest spots on shows like ER, Law & Order, and Party of Five through the late ’90s.
It wasn’t until the early 2000s that he started turning heads with roles in films like High Crimes (2002) and The Aviator (2004), where he starred alongside heavyweights like Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
What Was Adam Scott’s Breakout Role?
Though he had been a familiar face for years, Scott’s breakout came in 2009 when he starred in the critically beloved Starz comedy Party Down. Playing a jaded actor-turned-caterer, Scott nailed the deadpan humor that would become his signature.
Then in 2010, everything changed when he joined Parks and Recreation as Ben Wyatt, the nerdy auditor-turned-husband of Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler). His character, known for his awkward love of calzones and Game of Thrones, quickly became a fan favorite.
Scott stayed on the show through its final season in 2015, appearing in 96 episodes and earning award nominations and critical praise along the way.
What Shows and Movies Has Adam Scott Starred in Since?
Adam Scott’s post–Parks and Rec career has been anything but one-note. He’s taken on a mix of comedy, drama, horror, and even animation. Notable projects include:
- HBO’s Big Little Lies (2017–2019), where he played Ed MacKenzie, the quietly frustrated husband of Reese Witherspoon’s character.
- Netflix’s Little Evil (2017), a horror-comedy where he played a new stepdad who suspects his son is the Antichrist.
- Severance (2022–present), an Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller where he stars as Mark Scout, a man trying to separate his work and personal life—literally.
Scott also lent his voice to animated series, made hilarious guest appearances on The Good Place, Veep, and The Twilight Zone, and even returned to Party Down for its long-awaited 2023 revival.
Has Adam Scott Worked Behind the Camera Too?
Yes, and quite successfully. Scott’s production credits include shows he’s also starred in—Party Down, Ghosted, and the game show Don’t, which he hosted for ABC. He also created and directed the cult-favorite Adult Swim mockumentary miniseries The Greatest Event in Television History.
Scott has a great eye for comedy with a nostalgic twist. He’s also the co-host of several fan-favorite music-themed podcasts on the Earwolf network, including U Talkin’ U2 To Me, R U Talkin’ R.E.M. Re: Me?, and U Talkin’ Talking Heads 2 My Talking Head, alongside comedian Scott Aukerman.
What Awards Has Adam Scott Been Nominated For?
While Scott hasn’t taken home an Emmy (yet!), he’s racked up an impressive list of nominations:
- Critics Choice TV Awards for Parks and Recreation
- Independent Spirit Award for The Vicious Kind
- Screen Actors Guild Award with the Big Little Lies cast
- Teen Choice Award for The Good Place
- Gold Derby Awards for both comedy and drama performances
His 2009 indie drama The Vicious Kind earned him a Best Actor award at both the Strasbourg International Film Festival and the Sidewalk Film Festival.
What Is Adam Scott’s Salary?
While exact salary figures for most of his TV and film roles remain private, it’s widely believed that Scott earned six figures per episode during the later seasons of Parks and Recreation, and he’s likely receiving a significant paycheck for Severance given his lead role and producer credit on the hit Apple TV+ series.
Combined with consistent work in television, podcasting, and production, Scott’s career has proven to be both stable and lucrative—without ever chasing the blockbuster route.
Where Does Adam Scott Live?
Scott has made smart moves in the real estate world as well. In 2007, he bought a home in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood for $889,000, which he later sold for just over $1 million in 2012.
He upgraded in 2013, purchasing a $1.8 million property in the Hollywood Hills, which offers stunning views of the valley and a peaceful, private space for his family.
Is Adam Scott Married?
Yes—Scott has been married to Naomi Sablan (also known as Naomi Scott) since 2005. They have two children together: a son, Graham, and a daughter, Frankie. Naomi is also his creative partner, producing several of his projects, including The Overnight and Fun Mom Dinner.
The couple keeps their personal life relatively private, focusing more on their creative collaborations and family life than the Hollywood spotlight.
From his hilarious roles in cult comedies to critically acclaimed performances in prestige dramas, Adam Scott’s $8 million net worth reflects a career that’s both diverse and steady. He’s proof that you don’t need to be a box-office juggernaut to build a respected and financially rewarding life in Hollywood—just talent, timing, and a killer calzone joke.