For the answer, all one has to do is look at this charismatic actor's track record. Much of Scott's success lies in his breakthrough performance as Drew Barrymore's love interest in the Cinderellaesque fantasy Ever After. Beneath the costume, pomp and ceremony, the actor who played Prince Henry showed many dashing qualities indeed.

Born November 25, 1965 in Fife, Scotland, as Stephen Scott, Dougray earned his acting stripes at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, arriving there in the late 1980s. Recognized by instructor and peers alike, the newcomer was quickly given the most promising drama student award. Chances are that other awards will soon be following this talented actor as he gets meatier and meatier roles.

Like so many other actors from across the Atlantic, Scott took up classical theatre as a student and acted in numerous off-West End productions. Some of the regional plays he participated in include Wallace, for the Scottish Theatre Company, Welcome Home for the Old Red Lion theatre, Harper Lee's famous To Kill A Mockingbird for the SNAP Theatre Company.

Other companies where Scott honed his craft included The Almieda Theatre, The Traverse Theatre and the Hampstead Theatre. Feature plays included This Island's Mine, Indigo, The Power and The Glory, The Rover and Unidentified Human Remains and The True Nature of Love.

Television soon beckoned and Scott became a regular on the popular Soldier Soldier series. Cast in the pivotal role of Major Rory Taylor, the newcomer proved an instant hit among audiences. Networks have seen potential in this good-looking hunk and many shows quickly followed. Among Scott's TV appearances were NBC's Arabian Nights, The BBC's Crow Road, Kavanagh, QC, Zorro for Spanish T.V. and Taggard: News of Vipers for Scottish TV and Tell Tale Heart and Stay Lucky for Yorkshire T.V.

Perhaps this man's greatest popularity hails from movies. One of his first tastes of celluloid success came with Twin Town, in which he played corrupt cop Terry Walsh. Besides starring in Twentieth Century Fox's fantasy hit Ever After: A Cinderella Story, Scott also was on the credits for director Mimi Leder in the Steven Spielberg epic Deep Impact. Other parts quickly came, including stints in Black Beauty, Princess Craboo and many more. No role, however, has gained Scott as much popularity as Sean Ambrose in M:I-2.

Director John Woo makes Ambrose look like an elegant madman bent on taking over the role in the best Bloefeld tradition. Scott turns in a credible, totally believable roguish performance as the bad guy opposite cocky hunk Tom Cruise.

Cast as the villain, Scott is both elegant, seductive and brutal as he tries poisoning the world only to enrich his personal wealth. Plenty of firepower with fists flying and unbelievable stunts ensure Dougray Scott will be belting it out with countless other young turks bent on conquering Hollywood.

After round one, Dougray Scott looks like he's landed numerous punches and could well be on his way to a phenomenal career. So much in demand is this bonafide hunk that he was cast to play Wolverine in the highly anticipated X-Men opposite Patrick Stewart. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts prevented him from taking on the role. Now the father of twins, a boy and girl born in 1998, Scott also lends his considerable vocal support for the Hibernia Football Club. Call him a man of many passions.

© 2000 The Celtic Connection