Scott Speedman is stepping into double duty at ABC, juggling his new leading role in R.J. Decker while continuing his recurring appearances on Grey’s Anatomy. The actor, 50, opened up about the challenge of balancing two demanding projects during a set visit in Wilmington, North Carolina.
A New Leading Role
Speedman stars as private detective R.J. Decker in the new drama inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel Double Whammy. The series follows Decker, a former newspaper photographer recently released from prison, who reinvents himself as a private investigator. Each episode sees him tackling quirky Florida crimes alongside a colorful cast of characters.
“Florida is a total character itself,” Speedman explained. “When we did the pilot in July and August, it was easier to capture that vibe. But filming in Wilmington in the winter, in a Hawaiian shirt at 30 degrees, is a little tougher.”
Filming Across Two Cities
While R.J. Decker films primarily in Wilmington, with occasional trips to Florida for exterior shots, Grey’s Anatomy continues production in Los Angeles. Speedman admitted the logistics aren’t simple.
“We’re about to do something where I have to go back and do Grey’s Anatomy,” he said. “So, we’re just trying to figure that out now. Wilmington, for all its great qualities, is not the easiest place to get in and out of … just getting back during this weather is going to be interesting, but we’re going to do it.”
Despite the travel challenges, Speedman remains confident. “I’ve been doing Grey’s now for a number of years, so I’ll just slip into that. Shoot there for a couple days, jump on a plane, and shoot here. We’ll see. Ask me later because I haven’t done it yet, but I’m sure it’ll go well.”
Returning to Grey’s Anatomy
Speedman first appeared on Grey’s Anatomy in season 14 as Nick Marsh, Meredith Grey’s (Ellen Pompeo) partner. His character has become a fan favorite, and Speedman continues to make recurring appearances. Balancing the two roles allows him to explore different creative avenues. “In terms of creatively, I’ve been doing Grey’s for a number of years, so I’ll just slip into that,” he said.
Capturing Florida’s Spirit
To ensure authenticity, the R.J. Decker team travels to Fort Lauderdale “two or three times a season” to film exteriors. “As soon as you go down there, you’re like, ‘Oh, this is R.J. Decker. This is the show.’ You can put your camera up anywhere and it really feels like the show,” Speedman noted.
What’s Next
With R.J. Decker premiering March 3 on ABC at 10 p.m., Speedman is set to bring audiences into the quirky, crime-filled world of Florida while continuing his journey on Grey’s Anatomy. His ability to balance both roles highlights his versatility and dedication to storytelling.
