Overview

John Marcus “Scoot” McNairy, born on November 11, 1977, is an American actor and producer known for his versatile roles in both film and television. McNairy’s career began with an interest in cinematography, leading him to Los Angeles, where he briefly attended film school before transitioning to film production. He gained experience as a carpenter, set builder, and extra, eventually finding consistent work in commercials. His early film roles included appearances in ‘Wonderland’ and ‘Herbie: Fully Loaded’. McNairy’s breakthrough came with the independent film ‘In Search of a Midnight Kiss’ (2007), which he also produced. He has since starred in notable films such as ‘Monsters,’ ‘Argo,’ ’12 Years a Slave,’ ‘Gone Girl,’ and ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.’ On television, he has had prominent roles in series like ‘Halt and Catch Fire,’ ‘True Detective,’ ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ and ‘Godless.’ McNairy has also lent his voice to animated series such as ‘Pantheon’ and ‘Invincible’. Beyond acting, McNairy has also produced several projects, further showcasing his commitment to the film industry. He resides in South Pasadena, California.

What Is Scoot McNairy’s Net Worth?

Scoot McNairy, a celebrated American actor, has cultivated a substantial career across film and television, resulting in a net worth of approximately $4 million. This financial standing reflects his diverse roles in critically acclaimed projects and strategic real estate investments.

Scoot McNairy’s Career Highlights and Earnings

McNairy’s acting journey began with minor roles in early 2000s films such as “Wonderland,” “D.E.B.S.,” “Sleepover,” and “Herbie: Fully Loaded.” These initial appearances, while not significantly impacting his net worth individually, laid the groundwork for future opportunities. His first starring role arrived in 2007 with the independent romantic comedy “In Search of a Midnight Kiss.” Although specific financial details regarding his compensation for these early roles are not publicly available, it’s understood that independent film salaries are typically modest, primarily contributing to his early career experience rather than substantial earnings.

A turning point in McNairy’s career was his leading role in the 2010 science fiction horror film “Monsters,” where he starred alongside Whitney Able. “Monsters” was made on a very small budget and was a huge success. Although his salary for this film isn’t public, the film’s success undoubtedly elevated his profile.

The year 2012 marked a significant upswing in his career trajectory with appearances in three notable films: “Killing Them Softly,” “Argo,” and “Promised Land.” His role in “Argo,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, brought him widespread recognition. As part of the “Argo” cast, he shared the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. While individual salary details for “Argo” and other films from this period remain confidential, involvement in such high-profile and successful projects typically leads to increased earning potential and future opportunities.

McNairy continued to secure roles in high-profile films, including “12 Years a Slave,” which also won the Academy Award for Best Picture. In 2014, he appeared in six feature films, including “Non-Stop,” “The Rover,” “Frank,” “Gone Girl,” and “Black Sea.” These roles demonstrated his versatility and established him as a sought-after character actor. His role as Wallace Keefe in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) further solidified his presence in mainstream cinema. Again, the specifics of his contracts and earnings from these films aren’t publicly detailed, but participation in such prominent productions contributes considerably to his overall income and net worth.

On the television front, McNairy’s role as Gordon Clark in the AMC period drama “Halt and Catch Fire” (2014-2017) was a crucial part of his career. The show, which ran for four seasons, provided him with a consistent income stream and critical acclaim. His subsequent role as sheriff Bill McNue in the Netflix miniseries “Godless” and DEA Special Agent Walt Breslin in “Narcos: Mexico” added to his television portfolio. These roles in popular streaming series significantly boosted his visibility and earning potential. For example, actors in leading roles in streaming series like “Narcos: Mexico” can earn tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode, depending on their experience and the show’s success.

McNairy’s more recent works include roles in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019), “A Quiet Place Part II” (2020), “C’mon C’mon” (2021), and “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” (2022). He also ventured into voice acting, voicing Cody in “Pantheon” (2022-2023) and King Lizard in “Invincible” (2023). These diverse roles across film, television, and voice acting continue to contribute to his financial stability and net worth.

Real Estate Investments and Assets

McNairy’s real estate investments represent a significant component of his net worth. In 2010, he acquired a 32-acre ranch in Brenham, Texas. This gated estate features a 4,000 square foot main house, a private lake, and a 180s log cabin guesthouse. While the initial purchase price remains undisclosed, he listed the property for sale in July 2023 for $1.8 million before ultimately removing the listing. This Texas ranch showcases his ability to invest in substantial properties with potential for appreciation.

In March 2024, McNairy expanded his real estate portfolio by purchasing a home in South Pasadena, California, for $3.2 million. This investment in a California property demonstrates a strategic move into a high-value real estate market, suggesting a diversification of his assets and potential for long-term appreciation. The South Pasadena home likely serves as a primary residence or an additional investment property, further contributing to his overall net worth.

Additional Financial Details

Beyond his acting salaries and real estate investments, other factors contribute to Scoot McNairy’s net worth. These include potential residuals from his film and television work, which can provide ongoing income as projects continue to generate revenue through streaming, DVD sales, and syndication. Endorsement deals and commercial appearances, if any, would also contribute to his income, although specific details on these are not publicly available.

While precise figures for each income stream are not disclosed, his consistent work in both film and television, coupled with strategic real estate investments, underpins his estimated $4 million net worth. His career trajectory suggests continued growth and financial stability, as he remains an active and in-demand actor in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life and Background

John “Scoot” McNairy was born on November 11, 1977, in Dallas, Texas, to Alicia and Stewart McNairy. Details about his parents and any potential inheritance or family wealth contributing to his net worth are not publicly available. His early interest in acting led him to participate in theater in after-school programs, setting the foundation for his career.

McNairy attended Lake Highlands High School and later enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. He initially pursued cinematography, moving to Los Angeles to attend film school in the early 2000s. However, he left after a year and began working in film production as a carpenter and set builder. This hands-on experience in the film industry, although not directly adding to his net worth at the time, provided valuable insights and connections that likely influenced his acting career. Working as an extra and in television commercials provided him with more stable income before securing significant acting roles.

In 2010, McNairy married actress Whitney Able, his co-star in “Monsters.” They had two children together before divorcing in 2019. Divorce settlements can sometimes impact net worth, but details of any financial arrangements between McNairy and Able remain private. His personal life choices, including his investments and career decisions, have collectively shaped his financial standing and net worth.

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