Scottish film star Dougray Scott has marked a significant personal milestone, announcing he has been sober for 23 years as he celebrated his 60th birthday this week.
A Life Transformed
The Mission: Impossible II actor candidly discussed his past struggles with substance abuse, revealing he was a frequent drinker during his younger years. "I used to drink a lot when I was younger and other things, and now I don't," Scott confessed. "It's been a long time where I haven't done any of that stuff - 23 years."
Now married to actress Claire Folani, with whom he shares ten-year-old son Milo, Scott emphasised he feels no sense of loss regarding his former lifestyle. "I don't miss it for a second," he stated unequivocally. "My life is immeasurably better. I've got so many things to occupy me now, I'm so much happier." The actor is also father to 27-year-old twins Gabriel and Eden from his previous marriage to Sarah Travis.
Hollywood Reflections and Career Choices
Scott's career journey includes several notable revelations, particularly concerning the X-Men franchise. He previously claimed that working with Tom Cruise on Mission: Impossible 2 cost him the iconic role of Wolverine. When the film's production overran its schedule, Cruise insisted Scott remain to complete the project, ultimately leading to Hugh Jackman being cast instead.
"Tom Cruise didn't let me do it," Scott recalled. "We were doing Mission Impossible and he was like, 'You've got to stay and finish the film' and I said I will, but I'll go and do that as well. For whatever reason he said I couldn't."
Despite this significant career setback, Scott bears no resentment toward Jackman, praising his portrayal of the character. "I love what Hugh did with it," he told the Daily Telegraph. "He's a lovely guy."
Prioritising Art Over Fame
Following appearances in major Hollywood productions like Deep Impact and Twin Town around the turn of the century, Scott has consciously stepped back from mainstream projects. His filmography also includes roles in Enigma and television appearances in Desperate Housewives and Doctor Who.
The actor explained his career evolution stems from a desire for artistic growth rather than commercial success. "I was always interested in bettering myself as an actor, you know, rather than [being] box office," Scott revealed.
When questioned about potentially greater fame, he responded: "Could I have been more successful? Yeah of course. But fame was never something I ever coveted. I just wanted good projects." This philosophical approach has defined his recent career choices, demonstrating a commitment to quality over celebrity status.
