Star of 2025’s Top Sci-Fi Show Nearly Quit Acting 25 Years Ago After Missing Key Role!

Every story has its ups and downs, and for Adam Scott, missing a crucial role—that Michael C. Hall eventually played in the Emmy-winning HBO series “Six Feet Under”—almost led him to reconsider his career in acting.

During an episode of Amy Poehler’s podcast “Good Hang” in August, Adam Scott and his former “Parks and Recreation” co-star discussed his career journey (via Deadline). At one point, Poehler asked if there was a role he almost landed.

“It’s a good thing I didn’t get it because it wouldn’t have been as great if I did. He was perfect, amazing,” Scott stated, while Poehler expressed her amazement, “He is incredible, and I wasn’t ready,” he added.

When Amy Poehler inquired about how far he got in the audition process, Adam Scott responded, “We went through auditions together.” The former SNL star then empathized, “That hurts.”

Reevaluation

“That’s when I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll stop. I think it’s time to draw conclusions and leave,’” Scott explained, adding that it had been “painful” especially given the ubiquity and popularity of the show. (To quote Poehler, it’s like “watching someone sleep with your girlfriend in front of you”).

“Absolutely,” Adam Scott affirmed, noting that the series “overshadowed all others” during its run from 2001 to 2005. “It was THE show.”

However, the “Big Little Lies” actor eventually made a guest appearance on the show in season 2, playing the boyfriend of the younger Fisher brother (Hall). Adam Scott noted that the experience was “fun” and that Michael C. Hall was “lovely,” concluding, “But yeah, it was a tough hit. It was hard. But it’s important to have these kinds of experiences.”

Created by Oscar winner Alan Ball, Six Feet Under is a dark comedy that tells the story of the Fisher family, who own a funeral home in Los Angeles. Packed with irony, the series explores themes of mortality through the life of Nate (Peter Krause), who is forced to take over the family business after his father’s death. For his role, Michael C. Hall was nominated for an Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2002.

Six Feet Under is available on HBO Max, as well as on VOD.

Check out the full interview with Adam Scott in the video below:

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