Adam Scott Failed to Land a Role in This 95%-Rated TV Drama – And It Almost Made Him Quit Acting

Adam Scott's performance in the sci-fi hit Severance earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base and his recent folk horror Hokum proved that he can make unexpected and bold creative choices.

However, the actor's path to success wasn't easy – in the early 2000s, when he was just starting out in Hollywood, Scott faced rejection that nearly derailed his career.

Adam Scott Revealed That Not Getting a Role in 'Six Feet Under' Was a "Blow" to Him

Adam Scott auditioned for a lead role in the cult HBO series Six Feet Under – a show that would later become a recognized classic. The role went to Michael C. Hall and deeply disappointed, Scott seriously considered leaving acting for good. The actor said:

“It was the one where I was like, ‘I might stop doing this. I think that it's time for me to read the tea leaves and walk away’. But yeah, that was a blow. That was hard. But it's also important that you have those experiences.”

However, as often happens, it was this painful experience that ultimately helped him find his own path:

“It's good that I didn't get it because it wouldn't be nearly as good if I had done it because [Hall] was perfect and incredible…and I wasn't ready.”

What Is 'Six Feet Under' About?

The plot revolves around the Fishers, the owners of a Los Angeles funeral home. In the first episode, Nathaniel Fisher, the head of the family, dies in a car accident. His death sets the stage for the rest of the story.

His eldest son, Nate, returns home and must take responsibility for the funeral home. His younger brother, David, is a closeted gay who has spent his life trying to please his father and must now accept himself. Their sister Claire is a rebellious teenager lost in a world of drugs.

Each episode begins with the death of one of the funeral home's clients. Through their stories, the creators explore complex and often uncomfortable topics such as fear, betrayal, acceptance, and the inevitability of death.

Over Time, 'Six Feet Under' Has Become a True TV Classic

Six Feet Under is a profound and honest exploration of human nature that remains relevant decades later. Series creator Alan Ball achieved the impossible by exploring death with lightness, wisdom, and even optimism, causing fans to return to the show again and again.

The show's finale is still hailed by fans and critics as one of the best in television history. Michael C. Hall, who played David, delivered a brilliant performance and laid the groundwork for his work on Dexter.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Six Feet Under'?

• Six Feet Under has 81% from critics and 95% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 8.7/10.

Where to Watch 'Six Feet Under'?

Six Feet Under is available to stream on HBO Max.