Andrew Scott

Last updated on the 5 July 2024 by Maeve

Andrew Scott headshot

Mini Biography

Born: October 21, 1976, Dublin, Ireland. 

Andrew Scott is an Irish actor who has carved a unique path across film, television and theatre. His talent has been recognised with numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award and two Laurence Olivier Awards.

Andrew Scott as Jim Moriarty
Andrew Scott as Jim Moriarty

Andrew Scott’s artistic inclinations emerged early. Raised Catholic, he attended a Jesuit school while concurrently attending a weekend drama program. At a young age, he appeared in Irish television commercials, foreshadowing his future career trajectory. At 17, he landed his first film role in “Korea,” a pivotal moment that solidified his desire to pursue acting professionally.

Despite receiving a bursary to art school, Scott’s heart belonged to the stage. He enrolled in drama studies at Trinity College Dublin but left after six months. The allure of the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theatre company, proved too strong. There, he gained valuable experience on the Dublin stage before venturing to London at the age of 22.

Claire Foy and Andrew Scott in All of Us Strangers
Claire Foy and Andrew Scott in All of Us Strangers

Scott’s early career in London was marked by a relentless dedication to his craft. He described himself as having a “healthy obsession” with acting, a passion that fuelled his performances in various theatre productions. This dedication paid off in 2005 when he won the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in “A Girl in a Car with a Man.” This critical acclaim propelled him further into the spotlight.

The year 2010 proved to be a turning point for Scott. He garnered international recognition for his portrayal of Paul McCartney in the BBC drama “Lennon Naked.” This performance showcased his versatility and ability to embody iconic figures. However, it was his next role that truly catapulted him to global fame.

In the modern BBC adaptation of “Sherlock,” Scott took on the role of Jim Moriarty, the cunning nemesis of Sherlock Holmes. With his sharp wit and captivating intensity, he brought a fresh complexity to the character, earning a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2012. Scott’s portrayal of Moriarty became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying his status as a rising star.

Smithereens - Andrew Scott and Damson Idris
Smithereens – Andrew Scott and Damson Idris

Since then, Andrew Scott has continued to impress audiences with his diverse filmography. He delivered powerful performances in films like “Spectre,” “Pride,” and “1917.” On television, he impressed with his portrayal of the conflicted priest in the darkly comedic series “Fleabag.” He then took on the iconic role of Tom Ripley in the 2024 Showtime series.

In 2013, he publicly disclosed his homosexuality, emphasising that his sexual orientation is neither a crutch nor a defining characteristic of his acting.

 

BAFTA award

 

WINNER | Television: Supporting Actor for Sherlock (2012)

 

 

Suggested viewing

 

Sherlock (2010)

Andrew Scott Sherlock poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.1

In modern-day London, a brilliant but eccentric detective with a keen eye for detail tackles perplexing cases, often alongside his blogger flatmate who chronicles their adventures. Their deductions bring them face-to-face with a cunning criminal mastermind, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of wits.

Top cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise Brealey, Mark Gatiss, Andrew Scott, Vinette Robinson, Amanda Abington.

 

All of Us Strangers (2023)

All of Us Strangers poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.8

A lonely writer’s life is upended by a mysterious neighbour and a surreal encounter with his deceased parents in their childhood home. As he grapples with the past and a newfound connection, he must decide whether this strange reality offers healing or heartbreak.

Top cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy, Jamie Bell, Ami Tredrea.

 

Black Mirror – Smithereens (2019)

Black Mirror - Smithereens poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5

A rideshare driver, haunted by a tragic accident linked to a social media app, kidnaps a company intern. He demands a face-to-face meeting with the CEO, hoping to force accountability for the app’s manipulative design and the loss he blames it on.

Top cast: Andrew Scott, Damson Idris, Topher Grace, Monica Dolan, Amanda Drew, Daniel Ings, Ruibo Qian, Ambreen Razia, Calum Callaghan.

 

Fleabag (2016)

Fleabag poster

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.7

A sardonic young woman in London grapples with grief and emotional chaos after a tragedy. She contends with dysfunctional family dynamics, questionable romantic choices and a growing connection with a handsome priest, all while breaking the fourth wall with her dark humour and sharp wit.

Top cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Jenny Rainsford, Olivia Colman, Bill Paterson, Brett Gelman, Andrew Scott, Hugh Skinner, Ben Aldridge, Hugh Dennis.

 

Andrew Scott full filmography @ Wikipedia
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