Scott Parker (actor)

W. Scott Parker III

W. Scott Parker III is an American actor, director, and screenwriter.

Parker's film career has been built mostly on his appearances in independent films. He has worked with directors Tim Hall, George Clooney (Leatherheads), and Rick Bieber (The 5th Quarter). The film “September” won awards at the Appalachian Film Festival, and the SkyFest Film Festival.

When asked to describe his technique, he said that he considers David Mamet and William H. Macy to be two of his greatest influences. See Practical Aesthetics. Parker studied with Director Andrew Lane of the Roy London School. Most recently he played Jefferson Calvert in the theatrical production of Four Queens - No Trump under the direction of Ted Lange.

You know what made your performance so good? It was how comfortable you were on stage.  I never sensed any fear or any doubt in what you were doing.  You were right at home, on stage, with yourself and with the other actors.  I believed you.  Great job!!! Jeff Wicker of WTQR Radio on Parker's performance in Four Queens - No Trump.

Actor Larry Parks on Parker, "Fantastic, flawless acting, a visceral feel."

Director Tim Hall, “Working with Scott is always a joy. His performance is always remarkable. I’m totally wowed by the balance of restraint in the character’s disposition but still the struggle and fear I feel right under the surface.”

Actor Kevin Darbro star of the film Abomination, "I want to publicly declare that you are an astounding actor. Your performance in "Abomination" left me with chills as to how amazing and deep your characterization of Minister Mike was. This is especially true about the final scene. 

I wish you were there for the premiere last weekend, as the audience noticeably commented verbally on your last lines. In both the final scenes, people were reacting. 

I am so grateful to have worked with you, you amazing, absolutely riveting actor dude! I have much to learn from the master. That is, you!"

Cinematographer (Ask for Angela) Jackson Szeto on Parker's portrayal of Minister Mike in Abomination, "Power Performance!"

Early Career

In the second grade, I played Peter Pan. For my entrance, I was to run onto the stage. I thought, "Peter Pan doesn't run!" I suggested to the director/teacher that I could place a chair behind an upstage curtain, stand on it, and jump onto the stage for my entrance. An audience member said that I surprised her and she had no idea where I came from. I’m still making suggestions to directors. I was fortunate to work with the wonderful actor Peter Gerety. Before George Clooney yelled action, I turned to Peter and said, “Who the hell thinks they are going to beat Chicago anyway!?” At the time, I didn’t know exactly why I wanted to say that, but later learned it served as a good “moment before.” Peter said, “Scott, you should be in the theatre, ah, the theatre!” Red Carpet Interview The Fifth Quarter Premier.

Family

Parker's maternal grandfather, William Samuel Johnson, and maternal great-grandfather, Andrew Jordan Sanders, were both medical doctors. Johnson graduated Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1912. Sanders graduated Tulane University School of Medicine.

Parker's Great, Great Uncle Henry Clay Thomas was struck by the actor and later presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth. "Thomas drew his knife and cut Booth so badly that he had to be brought back up town to his hotel and treated several days by the most skillful physicians of the day to prevent his dying from his wounds. Mr. Thomas went to Washington and identified the scars on his body as being those he had made at the wharf in this city long ago." Some Pioneers of Tallapoosa County by Sandra Scott Wilson Library of Congress Catalog 86-51439

His father Walter S. Parker, Jr. was a World War II P-47 fighter pilot, China Burma India (CBI), under the Supreme Allied Commander of the Southeast Asia Theatre, Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Personal life

Parker and his wife have two sons. He was a Ski Instructor at Keystone Colorado Ski School and continues to be an avid skier. His favorite place to ski is Alta Ski Area. His grandson is a competitive swimmer.