Scott Caan

Here is a detailed profile of Scott Caan:

Scott Caan – Life, Career, and Notable Work

Scott Caan (born August 23, 1976) is an American actor, director, photographer, and writer known for roles in Ocean’s Eleven and as Detective Danny “Danno” Williams in Hawaii Five-0. Explore his background, creative journey, and key works.

Introduction

Scott Andrew Caan (born August 23, 1976) is a multi-talented American artist active in film, television, photography, writing, and directing.

Best known to many for his role as Detective Danny “Danno” Williams on the CBS series Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020), he is equally recognized for his part as Turk Malloy in the Ocean’s film trilogy.

Caan also has ventures behind the camera and behind the lens: he is a photographer, director, and writer — illustrating his diverse creative impulses.

Early Life & Background

• Scott Caan was born in Los Angeles, California.

• He is the son of actor James Caan and Sheila Marie Ryan (an actress and former model).

• His paternal grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Germany.

• His parents divorced early in his life, and he has multiple half-siblings through his father’s other relationships.

Caan spent part of his youth shuttling between his parents’ homes.

In his younger years, Scott had musical ambitions. He was part of a hip hop duo The Whooliganz under the name Mad Skillz.

Additionally, he once worked as a roadie for groups such as Cypress Hill and House of Pain.

Career & Achievements

Early Acting & Film Work

• Caan studied acting (including at Playhouse West) before entering films.

• One of his early screen roles was in Varsity Blues (1999) as Charlie Tweeder.

• He appeared in films like Boiler Room (2000), Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), Novocaine, and American Outlaws.

• In 2001, he joined the cast of Ocean’s Eleven as Turk Malloy, a role he reprised in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen.

• He also wrote and directed the film Dallas 362 (2003), which received a critics award at the Las Vegas Film Festival.

Caan combined his acting with other creative roles: in The Dog Problem (2006), he was both writer and director, as well as performing in it.

Television & Breakthrough Role

• Caan had a recurring role as manager Scott Lavin on HBO’s Entourage (2009–2011).

• His most recognized television role is Danny “Danno” Williams in Hawaii Five-0, from 2010 to 2020.

• For his performance, he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actor) in 2011.

Recent Work & Writing

• In 2023, Caan wrote and starred in the film One Day as a Lion, an action-thriller directed by John Swab.

• Beyond acting, he has also established himself as a photographer. He was inspired by cinematographer Phil Parmet (while working on Dallas 362) to pursue photography, and in 2009 he published a book Scott Caan Photographs, Vol. 1.

Style, Themes & Artistic Traits

• Caan often plays characters with edge, loyalty, humor, and a degree of moral ambiguity.

• He tends to bring rawness and emotional texture to his roles, avoiding purely “heroic” or polished portrayals.

• His work behind the lens reflects attention to visual storytelling, framing, and mood — a synergy with his acting work.

• He seems drawn to collaborating in independent and mid-tier cinema, not always chasing blockbuster stardom.

Personal Life & Interests

• Scott Caan holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

• He has a daughter (born July 2014) with long-term partner Kacy Byxbee.

• Caan is involved in philanthropic efforts. He has volunteered in programs introducing children with autism to surfing.

He keeps a relatively private life, though his parentage and family history often attract public interest.

Selected Memorable Works

Here are some of his major roles and contributions:

• Ocean’s Eleven / Twelve / Thirteen — as Turk Malloy

• Hawaii Five-0 — as Detective Danny “Danno” Williams

• Entourage — recurring role as Scott Lavin

• Dallas 362 — as writer/director and actor

• One Day as a Lion — 2023 film, writer and lead actor

Quotes & Reflections

While Scott Caan is not especially known for widely circulated quotations, some reflections and behaviors indicate his perspective:

• In The Dog Problem, he embedded his voice into stories he cared about, showing that he values creating work he believes in, rather than just performing.

• His decision to strip in a scene in a film — he reportedly argued it was sexist for only women to appear nude — shows his inclination toward equity and protest in art.