Adam Scott (born April 3, 1973, in Santa Cruz, California) is an American actor and comedian celebrated for his versatility across both television and film. He is best known for his roles as Ben Wyatt in the acclaimed NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation (2010–2015) and as Mark Scout in the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller Severance, the latter earning him multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. His other notable credits include the Starz comedy Party Down, HBO's Big Little Lies, NBC's The Good Place, and films such as The Aviator (2004) and Step Brothers (2008). Raised by teacher parents who divorced when he was young, Scott has Scottish, Sicilian, and Irish heritage, and he graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. He credits his role in Step Brothers for pivoting his career from drama to comedy, learning improvisation from co-stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, and he has also starred in and produced numerous independent films.