Scott Ryan (actor)

Scott Ryan
Scott Ryan in 2023
Born (1973-05-12) 12 May 1973 (age 51)
Hallam, Victoria, Australia
NationalityAustralian
Occupations
  • Actor
  • writer
  • director
Years active2003–present
Notable work
Awards

Scott Ryan (born 12 May 1973) is an Australian actor, writer, and director who wrote and starred in the FX series Mr Inbetween and the film The Magician, which he also directed.

Early life and writing beginnings

Ryan grew up in Hallam and moved to Richmond at age 17. His passion for storytelling began in primary school, where his writing talent was first noticed when his teacher asked him to read his story aloud to the class. This experience inspired him to write and perform plays, but after a failed improvisation attempt, he stopped writing until his twenties.[1]

Ryan faced challenges in high school, being asked to leave both alma maters. He later described his behavior as possibly related to oppositional defiant disorder, recounting experiences of public humiliation by teachers.[2] At 17, Ryan's mental health declined, leading to agoraphobia. He lived reclusively, leaving his home only for essential tasks.

Ryan later encountered Dr. Richard Liu, a master of medicine and martial arts, who introduced him to Chinese herbs and meditation. For 12 years, Ryan led a monk-like lifestyle, practicing yoga, tai chi, and meditation, abstaining from indulgences. This period of reflection reignited his passion for writing, which became his salvation. [1]

Career setbacks and breakthrough

Ryan self-funded the production of The Magician in 2003 with $3,000. He developed the film while studying filmmaking at RMIT and shot it over 13 months with help from friends and family. Initially met with skepticism, the film gained attention at the St Kilda Film Festival, where it was noticed by Nash Edgerton, who helped re-edit it for theatrical release. The film eventually became the basis for Mr Inbetween. [3]

In 2009, Ryan was cast in the Hollywood film Hesher, where he began rehearsals with Natalie Portman. However, Joseph Gordon-Levitt replaced him after John C. Reilly left the project. Despite this setback, Ryan eventually found success with Mr Inbetween. [1]

Television adaptation of The Magician

Mr Inbetween, based on The Magician, premiered on FX in September 2018. The series follows Ray Shoesmith, a hitman balancing his personal and professional life. The character of Ray in the series is a more nuanced version of the one portrayed in The Magician. Nash Edgerton directed all episodes and served as executive producer. The series was well-received, developing a cult following in both the US and Australia. [3]

Representation and career developments

In July 2020, Ryan signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) after actress Helen Mirren and her husband, director Taylor Hackford, encouraged their Hollywood agent to watch Mr Inbetween. This led to CAA representing Ryan and his future projects.[4] He also began working on several feature projects.

Recent work and future projects

After completing three seasons of Mr Inbetween, Ryan confirmed that there would be no fourth season of the series. He has shifted his focus to new projects, including a road trip-serial killer-bank heist film provisionally titled Everybody Dies. Ryan has completed three drafts of the script and expressed interest in directing and starring in the film, potentially playing the serial killer.[5]

In May 2023, Ryan posted on Instagram that he had been busy writing several projects, one of which is titled It's Coming This Way. The post included an image of a draft script with the title "It's Coming This Way", written by Ryan, showing that he is actively developing new work for the future.[6]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2018–2021 Mr Inbetween Ray Shoesmith 26 episodes
2005 The Magician Ray Shoesmith

Awards and nominations

AACTA Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result
2021 Best Lead Actor in a Drama Mr Inbetween Won
2021 Best Screenplay in Television Mr Inbetween ("Ray Who?") Won
2019 Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama Mr Inbetween Won
2018 Best New Talent Mr Inbetween Won

Logie Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result
2019 Most Outstanding Actor Mr Inbetween Won

Other awards

Year Award Category Work Result
2005 Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards Best Actor in a Lead Role The Magician Nominated
2018 Australian Writers' Guild Comedy - Situation or Narrative Mr Inbetween Nominated
2003 Melbourne Underground Film Festival Best Actor, Best Director, Best Film The Magician Won
2005 IF Awards Best Actor, Independent Spirit Award The Magician Nominated
2018 Screen Producers Australia Awards Drama Series Production of the Year Mr Inbetween Won
2019 The Equity Ensemble Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Mr Inbetween Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b c "He was decades on the dole and going nowhere, then Scott Ryan hit the TV jackpot". Sydney Morning Herald. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Mr Inbetween's Scott Ryan: 'I had no job, no prospects. That's when it hit me'". Sydney Morning Herald. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  3. ^ a b "It's a hit, man, but Scott Ryan is still in that funny in-between state". Sydney Morning Herald. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  4. ^ "CAA signs Mr Inbetween's Scott Ryan". Deadline. 1 July 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Scott Ryan discusses his life and his hit TV show Mr Inbetween". Sydney Morning Herald. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Instagram post by Scott Ryan". May 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2024.