Growing up in Salisbury, NC, I had some truly memorable experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. One of the most significant aspects of my childhood was my family. I often joke that I was raised by Ward and June Cleaver, with myself playing the role of Eddie Haskell. While my childhood may have seemed somewhat boring at the time, I now realize how fortunate I was to have such a loving and focused family. My parents’ entire focus was on raising their three children, and there was never any drama or conflict amongst us. However, I must admit that I was the most challenging of the three kids. Although I never got into trouble with the law, I was definitely the rebel. Despite my rebellious nature, I made good grades academically but struggled with citizenship. Looking back, I feel blessed to have been kept on the right path by my parents, especially my strict disciplinarian father. It was this part of my childhood that molded me into the compliant citizen I am today.
Salisbury itself was a small conservative town in the heart of North Carolina. With a population of around 25,000 when I was growing up, crime was virtually nonexistent, and drugs were never a part of our conversations. Unlike many kids today, I was not exposed to the temptations and pressures that come with modern society.
My experiences playing football, rugby, and working as a professional ski instructor had a profound influence on my approach to my studies and my career on Wall Street. The first thing that comes to mind is discipline. From a young age, my mother instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I wanted if I put my mind to it. Being an athlete from a young age, I learned the value of hard work and dedication. This discipline carried over into my academic pursuits, as I was willing to put in the work to achieve my goals. Professionally, I obtained multiple licenses and certifications, including being a licensed CPA in three states, a Chartered Financial Analyst, and holding various securities licenses. This required a great deal of hard work and discipline, which I attribute to my sports background.
My motivation to pursue a career in the financial services industry stemmed from my degree in accounting. In order to become a licensed CPA, I needed practical experience, which led me to work in public accounting for two years. However, I soon realized that public accounting was not my long-term career choice. Inspired by my successful father’s stock investing prowess, I decided to explore the world of finance. Throughout my 35-year tenure with Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan, I achieved various milestones. From making six figures in the 1980s to becoming a retail broker and generating over $1 million, I experienced both financial and professional success. However, what truly motivated me was the opportunity to help others. Whether it was assisting individual clients in reaching their financial goals or helping institutions fulfill their fiduciary obligations, the satisfaction of making a positive impact on others’ lives was what truly drove me.
Transitioning from the financial sector to pursuing a career in acting was a significant shift for me. Unlike many actors who dreamt of being in the industry from a young age, I never thought about acting until after retiring from the financial world. I quickly realized that I was not good at doing nothing and needed something to keep me engaged. After moving to LA, I started meeting people in the business who encouraged me to pursue acting. After some hesitation, I decided to give it a shot and see what happens. What I discovered was that our life experiences are what we draw upon to bring characters to life on screen. Being in my eighth year as an actor, I still have so much left to learn, but I have an insatiable desire to continue growing and developing in this field.
The moment when I realized that acting was my new passion was not a specific event but rather a gradual realization. Instead of it hitting me like a ton of bricks, I simply had a deep understanding that this was what I was meant to do. However, there was one moment on set that truly validated my choice and boosted my confidence. While filming a scene on the Oval, the director yelled “Cut,” and the set erupted in applause and cheers. It was at that moment that I knew I had “made it” and that acting was the path I was meant to pursue.
In my first three years as an actor, I’ve had the opportunity to book leads in feature films, TV shows, and short films. Each role has been both challenging and rewarding for me. Whether it’s a big project or a small one, booking work in the entertainment industry is tough, especially if you’re not a well-known actor. So, every job I book brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment.
I often find myself cast in alpha male or authoritative roles, which can be intense and intimidating. However, when I get the chance to play softer, more vulnerable characters, it becomes a greater challenge for me. It’s incredibly rewarding to bring these characters to life in a way that surprises the audience and goes against their expectations based on my physical appearance.
Balancing my professional pursuits with my personal life, especially being near my daughters in Hollywood, has been a blessing. Acting has become more than just a hobby for me – it’s my job and my passion. I’ve made sacrifices, such as giving up activities like golf, hunting, and woodworking, to fully dedicate myself to my acting career. I work hard and love what I do. I spend a significant amount of time in the gym, not only for personal fitness but also because being in shape gives me an edge in booking roles. As for my personal relationships, I’m currently focused on my career, but I believe that love can come unexpectedly and when the time is right.
My daughters are my top priority in life. Acting allows me the flexibility to spend quality time with them, despite the distance between us. They are not only the loves of my life but also my best friends. The bond I have with them is priceless, and I am grateful for the opportunities acting provides to be there for them.
Looking ahead, my goals and aspirations in the entertainment industry are not driven by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. I am motivated by the work itself and the challenge it brings. I strive to be the best actor I can be and to book significant roles. I dream of being a series regular on a network sitcom or prime-time drama, as well as landing principal roles in major studio feature films and national/international commercials.
Having had successful careers in both finance and acting, my advice to individuals looking to make a significant career change or follow their passions later in life is to do it for the right reasons. Pursue something you truly love, as it will enhance your life experience. I’ve experienced the change from a fulfilling career in finance to a fulfilling career in acting, and I can say that doing what you love is invaluable. However, be prepared to work hard. Acting is a demanding job, and success is not guaranteed. Approach it with dedication and treat it like a job.
Reflecting on my diverse career path, I believe that believing in myself and my abilities has been crucial to my success across different industries. I inherited the belief from my mom that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Hard work is another factor that has contributed to my success, which I learned from my dad. I also attribute my perseverance to never giving up and always striving to outwork others. These qualities have played a significant role in my journey so far.
R Scott Hoffman is currently represented by talent agent MZA in Los Angeles and Stars Talent Studio in Utah. His manager is Sherri Lynn Talent Management, and for all his public relations needs, he is represented by GTK PR Agency in Los Angeles.
