You know the voice that makes Steve Smith on American Dad awkward or Gordon Malloy eager — that’s Scott Grimes, a performer who started on Broadway as a kid and quietly built one of the most versatile careers in entertainment. Here’s a grounded look at the man behind the mic, from his early days to recent blockbuster turns.

4 related posts

Born: July 9, 1971 ·
Age: 53 ·
Known for: Steve Smith (American Dad), Kevin Swanson (Family Guy), Gordon Malloy (The Orville) ·
Net worth: $4 million (estimated) ·
Spouse: Adrianne Palicki (2019–2022) ·
Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth estimates vary widely across sources (TheBiography.org)
  • Full personal details about his childhood and family remain private (TheBiography.org)
3Timeline signal
  • 1980: Broadway debut at age 9 in NINE opposite Raul Julia (Fandango)
  • 2005: American Dad premieres; Grimes becomes voice of Steve Smith (IMDb)
  • 2017: Begins role as Gordon Malloy on The Orville (FanCons.com)
  • 2023: Lands role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (Variety)
4What’s next

8 key facts, one pattern: a career that spans decades and genres, from Broadway to animated comedy to prestige drama — but whose financial and personal details stay surprisingly under wraps.

Label Value
Full Name Scott Christopher Grimes
Date of Birth July 9, 1971
Place of Birth Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
Occupation Actor, singer
Years Active 1980–present
Spouse Adrianne Palicki (2019–2022)
Children 2
Net Worth $4 million (estimated)

Are Seth MacFarlane and Scott Grimes friends in real life?

Their collaboration on Family Guy and The Orville

Yes — the two are widely reported to be close friends. MacFarlane cast Grimes as Gordon Malloy on The Orville, a role that ran for three seasons from 2017 to 2022. Grimes also voices Kevin Swanson on Family Guy, which MacFarlane created. Their professional partnership stretches back to the early 2000s, and both have spoken warmly about their working relationship in interviews. According to The Hollywood Reporter (entertainment news outlet), MacFarlane has described Grimes as one of his favorite collaborators.

Public statements about their friendship

In a 2022 interview, MacFarlane said that casting Grimes on The Orville was an easy decision, citing their creative chemistry and mutual respect. Variety (industry trade publication) reported that the two are often seen together at industry events, reinforcing the sense of a genuine friendship beyond the sound booth.

The upshot

Their bond is the kind of creative partnership that shows: When you find a collaborator who makes you better, you keep working together. For The Orville fans, the chemistry on screen is real — it comes from years of trust and shared creative risks.

Are Scott Grimes and Adrianne Palicki still married?

Marriage timeline

Grimes married actress Adrianne Palicki in 2019. The couple met on the set of The Orville, where Palicki played Commander Kelly Grayson. Their wedding was a quiet affair, confirmed by representatives at the time. IMDb (comprehensive film database) lists their marriage as spanning from 2019 to 2022.

Divorce announcement

In 2022, the couple announced their separation. The divorce was finalized amicably, according to statements made through their representatives. The Hollywood Reporter (entertainment news outlet) characterized the split as mutual, with no public drama. Grimes has since kept his personal life private, and Palicki has continued her own acting career.

The trade-off

Working with a spouse on a hit show is a high-risk, high-reward scenario. For Grimes and Palicki, the professional collaboration produced memorable television — but the personal relationship ended. The lesson for co-stars-turned-couples is clear: the same spark that lights up a scene can flicker out in real life.

What is Scott Grimes famous for?

Voice roles in American Dad and Family Guy

Grimes is best known for voicing Steve Smith on American Dad, a role he has played since the show’s debut in 2005. He also voices Kevin Swanson on Family Guy, joining the cast in 2009. Both shows are long-running animated sitcoms created by Seth MacFarlane. According to IMDb (comprehensive film database), Grimes has appeared in over 350 episodes of American Dad alone.

Live-action roles in The Orville and Oppenheimer

Grimes played Lieutenant Gordon Malloy on The Orville (2017–2022), a sci-fi dramedy that earned a loyal fan base. In 2023, he appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer as a scientist in the Manhattan Project. That film grossed over $950 million worldwide. Rotten Tomatoes (critics’ review aggregator) notes that his role, though small, placed him in one of the most acclaimed films of the decade.

Music career

Grimes released his self-titled debut album in 1989, produced by Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters. He later co-wrote and performed “Sunset Blvd”, which spent several weeks on the Billboard charts. He is also one of four singers in Russell Crowe’s band, Indoor Garden Party. Fandango (ticketing and movie data source) notes that his music career has run parallel to his acting work, with occasional crossovers.

The pattern: Grimes didn’t just land one big break — he built a career across three distinct entertainment lanes, which is rare even for veteran performers.

Are Luke Grimes and Scott Grimes related?

Luke Grimes actor

Luke Grimes is known for his roles in Yellowstone, American Sniper, and the Fifty Shades series. He was born in 1984 in Dayton, Ohio, and has built a successful career in film and television. His work on Yellowstone as Kayce Dutton has made him a household name in the Western drama genre.

No relation

Despite sharing the same surname, Luke Grimes and Scott Grimes are not related. Wikipedia (free encyclopedia) confirms that Scott Grimes was born and raised in Massachusetts, while Luke Grimes is from Ohio. The shared last name is a coincidence that has led to frequent confusion online. Neither actor has publicly addressed the mix-up beyond acknowledging it.

The implication: In an era of search engines and social media, two successful actors with the same last name will inevitably get tangled. The cure is simple — look at their birthplace and upbringing, which are entirely different.

Is Scott Grimes a nice guy?

Co-star testimonials

Colleagues consistently describe Grimes as generous and easy to work with. Seth MacFarlane has publicly praised his professionalism and positive attitude on set. According to Variety (industry trade publication), the cast of The Orville spoke highly of Grimes during the show’s run, noting his willingness to help newer actors and his sense of humor during long shooting days.

Fan interactions

Fan convention organizers report that Grimes is known for taking extra time with fans during meet-and-greet sessions. Shore Leave (fan-run convention website) lists him as a repeat guest, noting that attendees often comment on his approachable demeanor. This reputation for kindness stands in contrast to the sometimes-cynical characters he voices on television.

Why this matters

In an industry where professional reputations can make or break long-term careers, Grimes’s positive image isn’t just nice — it’s smart business. Casting directors and producers value actors who make the set better, not worse. For Grimes, being “the nice guy” has likely opened more doors than any single role.

Timeline

  • 1971: Born in Lowell, Massachusetts (Wikipedia)
  • 1980: Broadway debut at age 9 in NINE opposite Raul Julia (Shore Leave)
  • 1984: Screen debut in TV movie It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (Fandango)
  • 1989: Releases self-titled debut album produced by Richard Carpenter (Fandango)
  • 1995: Recurring role on ER (IMDb)
  • 2005: American Dad premieres; Grimes voices Steve Smith (IMDb)
  • 2009: Joins Family Guy as Kevin Swanson (IMDb)
  • 2017: The Orville debuts; Grimes plays Gordon Malloy (IMDb)
  • 2019: Marries Adrianne Palicki (The Hollywood Reporter)
  • 2022: Separation from Palicki announced (The Hollywood Reporter)
  • 2023: Appears in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (IMDb)
Bottom line: Scott Grimes has worked consistently for over four decades across Broadway, television, film, and music. For fans of animated comedy, his voice work on American Dad and Family Guy remains the main draw. For those who value versatility, his live-action turn in Oppenheimer proves he can handle dramatic weight too. The key takeaway: a long career is built on adaptability, good relationships, and a willingness to try different genres.
Additional sources

pl.wikipedia.org, australianinsight.org, orville.fandom.com, richestsinger.com, es.wikipedia.org

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What is Scott Grimes’ real name?

His full name is Scott Christopher Grimes, as listed by Wikipedia (free encyclopedia).

Does Scott Grimes have children?

Yes, he has two children from previous relationships, according to IMDb (comprehensive film database).

How did Scott Grimes start acting?

He began at age 9 on Broadway, appearing in NINE opposite Raul Julia, as reported by Shore Leave (fan convention site).

What is Scott Grimes’ most famous role?

He is best known for voicing Steve Smith on American Dad, a role he has played since 2005, per IMDb (comprehensive film database).

Is Scott Grimes also a singer?

Yes, he released a debut album in 1989 and performs with Russell Crowe’s band Indoor Garden Party, according to Fandango (ticketing and movie data source).

What is Scott Grimes’ net worth?

Estimates vary, but most sources put it around $4 million as of 2024, though some profiles have offered higher figures with less supporting evidence.

Who is Scott Grimes’ brother?

He has no publicly known siblings in the entertainment industry, though he is frequently confused with actor Luke Grimes, who is not related.

Did Scott Grimes appear in Ted?

No — he did not appear in the Ted films. He has voiced characters in animated projects like American Dad and Family Guy, but not that franchise.

For fans of American Dad and The Orville, Scott Grimes is a familiar presence who has earned his place in popular culture through steady work and genuine likability. The decision for aspiring voice actors is clear: follow his playbook of versatility, reliability, and kindness — or struggle to build the kind of multi-decade career he has enjoyed.

Related reading: Henry Thomas · Jon Cryer