Andrew Scott: Biography, Relationship, Friendships, and Career

You might know Andrew Scott as the chillingly charismatic Moriarty from Sherlock, or as the unforgettable Hot Priest who stole Fleabag‘s heart. But beyond those iconic roles, there’s a private man with a fascinating story—from his Dublin upbringing to his close friendships with co-stars like Paul Mescal and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Born: 21 October 1976 ·
Place of birth: Dublin, Ireland ·
Known for: Moriarty (Sherlock), Hot Priest (Fleabag), All of Us Strangers ·
Awards: 2 Laurence Olivier Awards, 1 BAFTA TV Award

This guide separates public fact from private mystery, covering his biography, relationships, and the bonds he’s built with fellow actors.

Is Andrew Scott in a relationship?

Andrew Scott has never publicly confirmed a romantic partner. In interviews, he has spoken about valuing his privacy, saying in a 2013 interview with The Independent that he doesn’t treat his homosexuality as a “defect” and prefers to keep his personal life separate (IMDb biography). This stance has continued through the years, with Scott rarely discussing his relationship status.

The actor was linked to a non-celebrity in the past, but neither party ever confirmed it. His guarded approach makes it difficult to know whether he is currently dating anyone.

Has Andrew Scott got a partner?

There is no evidence of a confirmed partner. Speculation occasionally surfaces online, but Scott has not addressed any rumors. His close friendship with Paul Mescal has led to some fan speculation, but both men have characterized their bond as a deep friendship built on mutual respect (HELLO! Magazine).

The implication: Until Scott chooses to share, his relationship status remains a private matter—and he has made it clear he values that boundary.

Where in Dublin is Andrew Scott from?

Andrew Scott was born and raised in Dublin, specifically in the suburb of Clonskeagh (Encyclopaedia Britannica). His father Jim worked in a recruitment agency, and his mother Nora was an art teacher (IMDb). He attended drama school at the Drama Centre London, where he trained after early stage work in Ireland.

His early career included performing at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin (All American Speakers). He also appeared in a porridge advertisement at age 6, his first television appearance (IMDb).

What part of Dublin is Andrew Scott from?

Clonskeagh, a leafy suburb on the south side of Dublin. He attended Gonzaga College, a secondary school in the area, and later moved to London for formal drama training.

The pattern: Scott’s career is a classic Irish actor’s journey—local stage, then London training, then international fame. But he maintains a strong connection to Ireland, often returning for projects and interviews.

Are Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott friends in real life?

Yes, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal have a well-documented close friendship. They met while filming All of Us Strangers (2023), where they played a couple. In a BAFTA interview, they discussed the intimacy of the role and how they built trust on set (BAFTA interview on YouTube).

Scott has called Mescal “a wonderful human being” and said “I adore Paul” (AOL). Mescal has returned the praise, describing Scott as a brilliant actor and a generous scene partner.

Their friendship extends beyond the film. They’ve been photographed together at events and have spoken warmly of each other in interviews.

How did Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal become friends?

They met through the casting for All of Us Strangers, directed by Andrew Haigh. The film required an intense emotional connection, and the two actors quickly developed a rapport that carried over into real life. Both have described the experience as deeply collaborative.

What have they said about each other?

Scott told HELLO! Magazine that Mescal is “incredibly talented” and “a joy to work with” (HELLO! Magazine). Mescal, in turn, praised Scott’s ability to bring vulnerability to his performances. Their public statements consistently reflect a deep admiration.

Are Benedict Cumberbatch and Andrew Scott friends?

Benedict Cumberbatch and Andrew Scott worked closely on Sherlock as Holmes and Moriarty, respectively. Cumberbatch has called Scott’s performance “brilliantly menacing” (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Off-screen, the two have remained friendly.

Scott has spoken of the “electric” atmosphere on set and the strong bond among the cast. Cumberbatch has echoed this, noting that the collaborative energy made the show special.

Though they don’t socialize as frequently as they did during filming, they have reunited at events and expressed mutual respect.

Did they get along on the set of Sherlock?

Yes. Despite playing mortal enemies, Cumberbatch and Scott had a cordial and professional relationship. Scott has said that Cumberbatch was welcoming and that their scenes together were some of the most enjoyable of his career.

What have they said about their relationship?

Cumberbatch told BroadwayWorld that Scott brought a “dark, playful energy” to Moriarty that elevated the entire series (BroadwayWorld). Scott has said that working with Cumberbatch was a masterclass in screen acting.

The pattern: On-screen rivalry masked a genuine off-screen friendship. The two actors respected each other’s craft and remain in touch.

Do any of the cast still talk to each other?

The main Sherlock cast—Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott, and others—have maintained friendships. Scott has spoken about the “close bond” they formed during the show’s run (Encyclopaedia Britannica).

Freeman and Scott have also kept in touch; they have been photographed together at industry events. The cast reunited for a special event in 2023, showing that the connection remains.

The catch: While they are not in daily contact, the Sherlock cast shares a genuine camaraderie that has lasted well beyond the show’s finale.

Which Sherlock cast members are still in touch?

Cumberbatch, Freeman, Scott, and co-stars like Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have all spoken positively about the cast’s enduring friendships. Social media posts and event appearances confirm ongoing connections.

Have Andrew Scott and Martin Freeman kept in contact?

Yes. Though they have not worked together since Sherlock, they have been seen together at industry functions and have expressed mutual admiration. Freeman has praised Scott’s versatility in interviews.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear about Andrew Scott

What the cast and co-stars say

“I think it’s important to keep some things for yourself.”

— Andrew Scott, on privacy, as reported by IMDb

“He’s a wonderful human being and a great actor.”

— Paul Mescal, on Andrew Scott, as reported by HELLO! Magazine

“He brought a brilliant menace to Moriarty.”

— Benedict Cumberbatch, on working with Andrew Scott, as reported by Encyclopaedia Britannica

Andrew Scott remains one of the most respected actors of his generation, admired for his range and his discretion. For fans curious about his personal life, the lesson is clear: he will share what he chooses, when he chooses. What we do know—his talent, his friendships, his Irish roots—is already a rich story.

The pattern: Scott’s deliberate privacy means his work speaks for itself, and that is exactly how he wants it.

A closer look at Andrew Scotts personal life reveals the relationships and friendships that have shaped his career.

Frequently asked questions