7 Shocking Career Pivots That Made Reid Scott The King Of TV: From Veep’s Dan Egan To Law & Order’s Detective Vincent Riley

Reid Scott has cemented his status as one of television’s most versatile and compelling actors, but his recent career trajectory is nothing short of a masterclass in reinvention. As of December 2025, the actor is riding a massive wave of success following a dramatic shift from the cutthroat world of political satire to the gritty, high-stakes drama of network television.

Fans who know him as the perpetually scheming and hilariously ambitious Dan Egan on HBO’s *Veep* are now seeing a completely different side of his talent as he tackles a serious, main cast role that is dominating the current TV landscape. This deep dive explores his full biography, his most iconic roles, and the major, fresh updates on his career that have defined 2024 and 2025.

Reid Scott: Complete Biography and Profile

Reid Scott, born Reid Scott Weiner, has built a career on playing sharp-witted, often morally ambiguous characters across a variety of genres. His early work established him as a comedic force, but his later choices have proven his dramatic depth.

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• Full Name: Reid Scott Weiner
• Date of Birth: November 19, 1977
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 48 years old
• Place of Birth: Albany, New York, U.S.
• Spouse: Elspeth Keller (m. 2014)
• Children: Two sons, including Conrad (names and birth dates are kept private)
• Education: Attended Syracuse University (studied film)
• Early Career: Began with off-Broadway plays and various television commercials before landing his first major recurring role.
• Breakthrough Role: Brendan "Brando" Dorff in the TBS comedy series *My Boys* (2006–2010).
• Most Famous Role: Dan Egan in the HBO political satire series *Veep* (2012–2019).
• Current Main Role: Detective Vincent Riley in the NBC procedural drama *Law & Order* (2024–Present).
• Notable Film Roles: Dr. Dan Lewis in *Venom* (2018) and *Venom: Let There Be Carnage* (2021).

The Pivot to Procedural Drama: Detective Vincent Riley on Law & Order

The most significant and recent development in Reid Scott's career is his unexpected but brilliant transition to the world of procedural drama. After years of perfecting the art of the fast-talking, cynical political operative on *Veep*, Scott took on a serious, complex role that required a complete shift in performance style.

In November 2023, it was announced that Scott would join the main cast of the flagship NBC series, *Law & Order*. He debuted as Detective Vincent Riley at the start of Season 23, replacing former star Jeffrey Donovan. This casting sent a clear message to the industry: Scott is not just a comedy actor; he is a leading man capable of anchoring a drama.

Detective Riley is a veteran detective, bringing a new dynamic to the long-running series. The role is a stark contrast to the high-energy, neurotic comedy he is known for, demanding a more grounded, intense, and emotionally reserved performance. His character is a key figure in the current Season 25 lineup, now partnered with a new co-worker, David Ajala, a change that keeps the ensemble fresh and the storylines engaging.

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This move is a calculated risk that has paid off handsomely, offering him a stable, high-profile role on a major network and allowing him to showcase his range beyond the comedic genius of *Veep*.

From Dan Egan to Dr. Dan Lewis: Scott's Versatile Entity Portfolio

Reid Scott’s career is a study in topical authority, as he has managed to secure recurring or main roles on some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful television shows and film franchises of the last two decades. His filmography is a rich tapestry of genres, demonstrating his ability to be a chameleon in Hollywood.

1. The Scathing Satirist: Dan Egan in Veep

Scott's portrayal of Dan Egan on *Veep* is arguably his most iconic role. For seven seasons, he embodied the ruthless, ladder-climbing political aide with a desperate need for validation. Working alongside the incomparable Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Scott's performance was a masterclass in comedic timing, earning him a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. The character of Dan Egan is now a benchmark for political satire on television.

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2. The Charming Ex-Boyfriend: Brendan Dorff in My Boys

Before *Veep*, Scott charmed audiences as Brendan "Brando" Dorff on the TBS comedy *My Boys*. This role showcased his natural charisma and ability to play the lovable, though sometimes commitment-phobic, romantic lead. It was a foundational role that demonstrated his strength in ensemble comedy and helped launch his career.

3. The Cinematic Comic Relief: Dr. Dan Lewis in Venom

In a surprising and successful jump to blockbuster cinema, Scott joined the Marvel-adjacent *Venom* franchise as Dr. Dan Lewis, the long-suffering ex-fiancé of Anne Weying (Michelle Williams). His role provided necessary comic relief and emotional stakes in the superhero films starring Tom Hardy. This move proved his bankability on the big screen, exposing his talent to a global, mainstream audience.

4. The Suave Journalist: Gordon Ford's Writer in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Scott’s appearance in the final season of *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* as Gordon Ford's head writer was a perfect fit for his sharp, quick-witted persona. The role allowed him to re-team with *Veep* creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and play a character who, while less cynical than Dan Egan, still operated within a high-pressure, competitive environment, further expanding his collaboration with top-tier TV talent.

What's Next for Reid Scott: Beyond the Precinct and the Latest Buzz

While his role as Detective Vincent Riley on *Law & Order* is his primary focus for the 2024-2025 television season, Reid Scott continues to diversify his portfolio. His commitment to the long-running procedural showcases a strategic move to secure a lasting presence in the drama genre, a significant departure from his comedic roots.

In addition to his TV work, Scott has been praised for his work in independent films, such as the coming-of-age comedy-drama *Wildflower*, where he played a supporting role that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive, character-driven material. This project, alongside his high-profile network drama, demonstrates his dedication to a balanced career.

On a personal note, Scott and his wife, Elspeth Keller, remain a fixture in the industry, often attending major events like the MPTF NextGen Summer Party Fundraiser, maintaining a low-key but supportive presence. This stability contrasts sharply with the high-drama characters he often plays, offering a refreshing look at the actor behind the roles.

Reid Scott’s journey from the political satire of *Veep* to the serious drama of *Law & Order* is a powerful testament to his acting prowess and strategic career planning. By embracing such a dramatic pivot, he has not only challenged himself creatively but has also solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and in-demand actors working today, ensuring his relevance for years to come.