It's been over 30 years since the end of one of the late '80s and early '90s' most beloved sci-fi shows, Quantum Leap.
While the show started off slow in ratings, it eventually picked up steam and was a certified hit by the time its fifth and final season was released in 1993 (mixed reception to the series finale notwithstanding).
Dean Stockwell came into the show as an acclaimed star, but the real breakout was his co-lead Scott Bakula, who became one of the era's most notable heartthrobs for his handsome appearance, Dr. Sam Beckett's good-natured disposition, and his "everyman" charm.
Scott emerged as a major star with the cult hit, earning four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work, plus a Golden Globe win from three nominations. Ever wondered what he's up to now?
© Getty ImagesScott and Dean Stockwell in "Quantum Leap"
Scott Bakula's career after Quantum Leap
The show propelled the actor to a new level of stardom, making his film debut shortly after its premiere with 1990's Sibling Rivalry. Several more film roles followed, with some of the most notable being award winners like American Beauty (1999) and Behind the Candelabra (2013), plus box office hits like The Informant! (2009) and Source Code (2011).
© Getty ImagesScott in "American Beauty" with Sam Robards
On TV, following Quantum Leap's conclusion, he played a recurring role in the sitcom Murphy Brown, played one half of the titular Mr. & Mrs. Smith in the 1996 version's sole season, and appeared in a host of TV movies until the 2000s.
He played Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise for four seasons, followed by recurring roles in shows like Chuck, Desperate Housewives, and Looking, and led the cast of NCIS: New Orleans for its seven season run as Dwayne Pride.
© Getty ImagesScott in "The Baker's Wife" opposite Ariana DeBose
What is Scott doing now?
The actor, now 72, has spent much of the three decades after the show dedicated to his love for the stage, having come into Quantum Leap as a previous Tony nominee for his turn in the musical Romance/Romance.
He's appeared in a variety of regional theatrical productions, Off-Broadway shows, and one-off performances since, the most recent being a 2025 Off-Broadway production of The Baker's Wife.
© Getty ImagesScott in September 2026
His most recent film role was in 2023's Divinity, while his latest TV credit was playing himself in a 2024 episode of Only Murders in the Building. It was revealed earlier in October, though, that the actor is eyeing a return to CBS with another procedural in development, in the same vein as NCIS.
© Getty ImagesScott with his wife Chelsea Field
Scott's personal life now
In 1981, Scott married Krista Neumann, with the couple welcoming two children together, named Chelsy and Cody. They divorced in 1995.
In 1993, he met actress Chelsea Field on the set of A Passion to Kill, and the pair started dating after his divorce was finalized. They dated for nearly 15 years before tying the knot in 2009, welcoming sons Wil and Owen in the meantime.
Chelsea's career began as a Solid Gold Dancer and she played Teela in the 1987 film adaptation of Masters of the Universe. Her most notable role actually turned out to be opposite her own husband, playing Dwayne Pride's love interest Rita Devereaux in NCIS: New Orleans.
