Scott Ryan After Mr Inbetween: What’s He Doing Now

If you’ve spent any time around Australian crime drama, the name Scott Ryan is probably the first one that comes up when someone mentions the cult FX series Mr Inbetween. But since that show ended in 2021, fans have been asking one thing: what happened to the man who played Ray Shoesmith? From photography awards to a rumoured film project called Everybody Dies, Ryan’s post-series life is quieter than his screen persona — but it might be just as interesting.

Born: 12 May 1973 · Nationality: Australian · Occupation: Actor, writer, director · Years active: 2005–present · Known for: Mr Inbetween (FX)

Seven key facts, one pattern: Scott Ryan’s career is defined by a single character, yet his trajectory is far from static.

What is Scott Ryan doing today?

Is Scott Ryan still acting?

Since Mr Inbetween wrapped in 2021, Ryan has not announced any new acting roles. His Instagram bio (Instagram) as of August 2024 reads “very busy writing” — a first-party signal that he is focused on scripting rather than performing. A 2023 profile from The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed he was three drafts into a road-trip serial-killer bank-heist film tentatively titled Everybody Dies, which he would like to direct and star in if it gets picked up.

Alongside writing, Ryan has pursued photography seriously. He was a finalist in both the Head On Photographic Awards and the Australian Photography Awards in 2024 — a move that surprised some fans but fits his reputation for obsessive craft.

In a 2021 Collider interview, Ryan said he had “a few things he wanted to do in features and TV,” but no concrete announcements have surfaced since.

What this means: Ryan is not retired, but he is not in a hurry. For a man who spent years crafting the perfect hitman story, the next project will likely arrive when it’s ready — not when fans demand it.

Who is Scott Ryan married to?

No public records confirm a spouse or wife for Scott Ryan. Neither Wikipedia nor IMDb lists any marital status or partner. Ryan keeps his personal life private, and available biographical sources simply omit any mention of a spouse.

The pattern: for a public figure who played one of television’s most magnetic antiheroes, the privacy wall around his personal life is notable. Whether that means he is married, single, or something else entirely remains unknown.

Did Scott Ryan write Mr. Inbetween?

Yes — Scott Ryan wrote, directed, and starred in Mr Inbetween, which aired on FX from 2018 to 2021. According to FX Networks, he is listed as creator, executive producer, and writer. The series was based on his earlier 2005 independent film The Magician, which he also wrote and starred in.

The catch: Ryan’s only two IMDb credits as of 2023 were both tied to the character Ray Shoesmith — a testament to how completely he has poured himself into one creation.

Why did they cancel Mr Inbetween?

Mr Inbetween was not cancelled by FX. Instead, the series concluded after three seasons by the creative choice of its creator. In a 2021 podcast interview, Ryan explained that he felt the story was complete and did not want to extend it past its natural end. A 2019 Screen Rant interview showed Ryan was already cautious about the show’s future, saying it was “too hard to say what future there would be.”

The implication: for Ryan, the integrity of the narrative outweighed commercial appetite. In an era where streaming services frequently milk successful IPs dry, that decision looks increasingly rare — and increasingly smart.

Where was Mr Inbetween filmed?

Mr Inbetween was filmed in and around Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Key locations include the inner-west suburbs and the Parramatta area. The series is set in the same region, using real locations rather than studio backlots to ground Ray Shoesmith’s world in authentic Sydney grit.

The trade-off: the show’s authenticity is inseparable from its location. Fans who visit Sydney’s inner-west will recognise pubs, streets, and car parks from the series — but that very specificity made the show harder to sell internationally, as some U.S. critics noted in reviews.

Timeline

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Quotes from the creator

“I’m very busy writing.”

Scott Ryan, Instagram bio (August 2024)

“Scott Ryan is obsessed with making films and agonizes over getting craft right.”

Reddit fan discussion (2025)

“I had a few things I wanted to do in features and TV.”

Scott Ryan, Collider interview (2021)

“It’s too hard to say what future there would be.”

Scott Ryan, Screen Rant interview (2019), speaking about the show’s potential continuation

Summary

Scott Ryan is one of the few Australian creators who walked away from a hit show at its peak, and his post-Mr Inbetween life reflects that same patience. While fans speculate about his next move, the evidence points to a writer and photographer who is happy to let his next project announce itself when it’s finished. For Australian talent scouts and international streaming platforms looking for the next Ray Shoesmith, the implication is clear: wait for Ryan to surface on his own schedule, or risk missing the call entirely.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Shane Withington: Fact-Checked Biography of Australian Actor
• Peter Rowsthorn: Australian Comedian, Kath & Kim Star