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Scott Bakula

American actor Scott Stewart Bakula was born on October 9, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up alongside his sister and brother, raised by their parents J. Stewart Bakula and Sally Bakula. Scott attended Jefferson College before enrolling at the University of Kansas. His passion for theater began early—he enjoyed watching plays and aspired to become an actor from a young age. While studying at the University of Kansas, he was offered a chance to join the touring company of the musical Godspell. He accepted, leaving college to pursue acting full time.

Related Biography: Mary Hart

Early Theater Work and Move to New York

In 1976, Bakula moved to New York City to further his acting career. There, he performed in several plays, including Marilyn: An American Fable, Three Guys Naked from the Waist Down, and Nightclub Confidential. His work on stage, especially during the Godspell tour and subsequent productions, garnered attention within the industry and ultimately led to his first opportunities in television.

Transition to Television

Bakula’s early television roles were brief appearances, including single episodes of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color and My Sister Sam. However, his talent quickly stood out. In 1986, he landed a regular role as Hunt Stevenson in the television adaptation of Gung Ho. Concurrently, he appeared in Designing Women as Ted Shively, gaining additional exposure.

Breakthrough Role in Quantum Leap

Between 1987 and 1989, Bakula continued building his television résumé with appearances in CBS Summer Playhouse, Matlock, The Last Fling, and a starring role in Eisenhower and Lutz. His major breakthrough came in 1989 when he was cast as Dr. Sam Beckett in the acclaimed science fiction television series Quantum Leap. The show followed Beckett as he time-traveled to correct past mistakes, blending science fiction with emotional, character-driven storytelling.

Bakula's performance won him five consecutive Viewers for Quality Television awards (1990–1994). In 1992, he earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series and was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award four times. Quantum Leap aired on NBC from March 1989 to May 1993, spanning 97 episodes.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 9 Oct, 1954
Age: 65 yrs
Occupations: Television actor
Film actor
Stage actor
Film producer
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: St. Louis
Education: University of Kansas
Jefferson College
Kansas State University
Gender: Male
Description: American actor
Twitter Id: ScottBakula
Spouse: Krista Neumann[1981-1995]
Chelsea Field [M. 2009]
Net Worth 2021: 16 million
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Last Modified: May 28 2025
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