Scott Speedman Embarks on New Crime Procedural 'RJ Decker'
Scott Speedman, the Toronto-raised actor with a three-decade career, is stepping into a fresh role in the new crime procedural series RJ Decker. The show, adapted by Elementary creator Rob Doherty from Carl Hiaasen's novel, features Speedman as a disgraced Florida photojournalist who becomes a private investigator after serving time in prison. Airing on ABC and CTV, the series promises a mix of humor and action set against the quirky backdrop of the Sunshine State.
A Character Unlike Any Other
Speedman, 50, expressed his excitement about the role during a Zoom interview from New York City. "From the minute I read it, I knew he'd be fun to play," he said. "RJ's a warm, likeable guy who pushes the action. He's definitely funny, too, and that's not something I had explored too much." The actor highlighted Florida's unique atmosphere, noting its diverse characters and vibrant settings that make it an ideal playground for investigative stories.
Balancing Diverse Television Roles
With a career spanning various genres, Speedman has recently appeared in Netflix's You and as Nick Marsh on Grey's Anatomy. He admitted that procedural shows were once avoided in his career, but RJ Decker was an exception. "This was a part I couldn't say no to," he explained. "Sometimes you read stuff and think it'll take time to figure out, but this was right on the page." The series has been picked up for a full season, and Speedman hopes to continue in the role for years to come.
Reflecting on Career Milestones
Speedman's breakout role came in 1998 as Ben Covington on Felicity, a college drama from J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves. He recalled the unexpected opportunity: "I had just dropped out of theatre school and was living on my mom's couch. The casting director remembered me from a short film, and within days, I was in Los Angeles shooting the show." He credited co-star Keri Russell's star power and the creators' talent for the show's enduring appeal.
On Grey's Anatomy, Speedman enjoys his recurring role but appreciates the chance to start something new with RJ Decker. "It's a phenomenon," he said of the long-running medical drama. "I always love doing that show, but I'm a guest. It's nice to be building something from the ground up here."
Canadian Connections and Personal Insights
Speedman also touched on his Canadian roots, praising director Jacob Tierney's success with Heated Rivalry and sharing his disappointment over the Toronto Blue Jays' World Series loss. "As a guy that loves sports, that was one of the worst sports things I've ever seen," he admitted, reflecting on his childhood fandom during the 1992 and 1993 championships.
With RJ Decker airing new episodes weekly on Tuesdays, Speedman remains focused on surprising audiences and embracing diverse characters. His journey from Felicity to this latest venture underscores a career built on versatility and passion for storytelling.
