Scott Christopher Grimes, born July 9, 1971, is an American actor and singer who has built a remarkably versatile career spanning film, television, and music. He is perhaps best known to contemporary audiences for his portrayal of the lovably arrogant helmsman Gordon Malloy on the Fox/Hulu sci-fi comedy drama The Orville and for his recent work as the wisecracking cousin Matty Bennett on the Peacock comedy series Ted. With a career that began in childhood, Grimes has become a familiar face across multiple genres, from horror comedies to primetime medical dramas to animated sitcoms.
Grimes’s acting journey started early, with one of his first notable roles being in the 1984 Christmas television movie The Night They Saved Christmas, followed by a part in It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. He quickly gained a cult following among genre fans for his role as Bradley Brown in the first two installments of the horror-comedy franchise Critters. As a young adult, he transitioned to television, securing a recurring role as Will McCorkle on the popular drama Party of Five. His most significant television breakthrough came when he joined the cast of the long-running medical drama ER, playing Dr. Archie Morris, a character who evolved from a comedic intern to a respected physician over several seasons.
In addition to his live-action work, Grimes has become a staple of animation, providing the voice of the hapless, geeky teenager Steve Smith on the long-running animated sitcom American Dad! since its inception. His voice work has made him a fixture in the world of adult animation. Another major milestone in his career was his portrayal of Technical Sergeant Donald Malarkey in the acclaimed HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, a role that showcased his dramatic range and earned him widespread recognition for his powerful performance in the World War II epic.
Beyond acting, Grimes has pursued a parallel career as a singer and songwriter. He co-wrote and performed the soft rock single "Sunset Blvd," which became a surprising hit, peaking at number 18 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in April 2005. He has also been a member of the band Indoor Garden Party, led by his friend and frequent collaborator Russell Crowe, with whom he has performed live and on record. Grimes’s multifaceted talents were further showcased on The Orville, where he not only starred but also contributed to the show’s music. He continues to work actively in both film and television, most recently starring alongside Seth MacFarlane in the live-action series Ted, further cementing his status as a reliable and beloved character actor in the entertainment industry.