Career Overview and Notable Work
Scoot McNairy is an American actor and producer best known for character-driven roles in film and television. He first gained broader recognition for starring in the science-fiction drama Moon (2009), a tightly focused performance that showcased his ability to carry a minimalist, high-concept project. McNairy continued building his profile with supporting turns in major genre films, including Argo (2012), for which the ensemble won the Producers Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture, and 12 Years a Slave (2013), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He also co-starred in the well-received crime drama Killing Them Softly (2012) and lent his voice to the animated feature Monsters University (2013). On the small screen, McNairy is recognized for his turn in the AMC drama Breaking Bad, where he played recurring character Krazy-8, as well as leading roles in series such as The Twilight Zone (2019) and I Know This Much Is True (2020).
Breakthrough and Early Career
McNairy began working steadily in television during the 2000s, appearing in series such as Friday Night Lights, John from Cincinnati, and Ugly Betty. His film breakthrough arrived with Moon in 2009, a low-budget, high-concept project that highlighted his capacity to anchor a narrative with limited supporting cast. The performance helped position him for larger ensemble opportunities. Around the same period, he began collaborating frequently with director Steve Zaillian, which led to his role in the acclaimed Argo. These projects collectively shifted his career from steady character work to more visible, award-recognized performances.
Notable Films and Key Roles
Beyond the films already mentioned, McNairy has appeared across a range of genres, from crime thrillers to comedies. He starred in the suspense-driven Unknown (2011) alongside Liam Neeson and contributed to the critically praised anthology Holidays (2016). He also played supporting roles in The Last Days of American Crime (2020) and portrayed real-life figure Bill Murray in the drama arrested for life , while balancing indie projects and major studio releases. His voice work in Monsters University further broadened his audience, demonstrating versatility beyond live-action drama.
Notable Film Appearances at a Glance
| Film | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon | 2009 | Sam Bell | Breakout leading role in a minimalist sci-fi drama |
| Argo | 2012 | John Chambers | Won PGA Award and Academy Award for Best Picture |
| 12 Years a Slave | 2013 | McLellan | Won Academy Award for Best Picture |
| Killing Them Softly | 2012 | Mick | Crime drama directed by Andrew Dominik |
| Monsters University | 2013 | Additional Voices | Voice role in Pixar animated feature |
Television Work and Recognition
On television, McNairy has balanced recurring roles with occasional lead work. His portrayal of Krazy-8 in the first season of Breaking Bad remains one of his most widely seen performances, introducing him to a mainstream audience. Later, he headlined the 2019 series adaptation of The Twilight Zone and took a leading role in the 2020 HBO series I Know This Much Is True, which further solidified his standing as a reliable actor for prestige television. These projects illustrate his capacity to transition between genre television and high-profile limited series.
Personal Background and Basic Facts
McNairy was born on November 11, 1977, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in the nearby suburb of Richardson. He attended David W. Carter High School and later studied at the University of North Texas. He is married to actress Whitney Able, and the two have collaborated on several projects, including the film All the Light in the Sky. McNairy tends to keep his private life out of the spotlight, but publicly available records confirm key biographical details used here.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
As of the most recent reliable estimates available, Scoot McNairy’s net worth is commonly cited in the range of $6 million to $8 million. This figure reflects cumulative earnings from acting roles, producing work, and residuals from film and television projects spanning more than a decade in the industry. While precise income breakdowns are not publicly disclosed, his involvement in both high-profile studio films and critically recognized independent projects has contributed to a stable and respectable net worth.