Scrubs | What the Cast Is Up to Now
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VOICE OVER: Samantha Clinch
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
From Sacred Heart to today's screens! Join us as we catch up with your favorite medical comedy ensemble and discover their latest projects, career changes, and life updates. From directing blockbusters to voice acting in animated series, these beloved actors have taken diverse paths since hanging up their scrubs. We'll explore everything from Zach Braff's directing career to Sarah Chalke's animated success, Donald Faison's ongoing friendship with his co-stars, and John C. McGinley's diverse acting portfolio. Plus, we'll share touching updates about the cast members who've left lasting impressions on fans worldwide.
Scrubs: What the Cast Is Up to Now
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re catching up with the doctors and other regulars from Sacred Heart. No offense to the Season 9 newbies, but we’re focusing on the main cast from “Scrubs” Seasons 1-8.
This actor is best known for playing Dr. Todd Quinlan, a proprietor of high fives and sexual harassment. Although “The Todd” seems like a moron on the surface, his surgical skills can’t be denied. Likewise, Robert Maschio may’ve played a doofus, but in reality, he has a BA in American Politics. During his tenure on “Scrubs,” Maschio popped up on shows like “Veronica Mars” and “As the World Turns.” Following the series’ end, Maschio brought Todd back (sort of) for a cameo on “Cougar Town,” which Bill Lawrence also co-created. Since a 2015 appearance on “Bones,” Maschio has been MIA from the screen. He’s retired from acting, now working in real estate. Maschio is still active on social media and makes appearances through Cameo.
Throughout his career, Sam Lloyd specialized in playing lonely sadsacks. You could say that sitcom stardom was in his blood, seeing how Uncle Christopher Lloyd rose to fame on “Taxi.” While Sam Lloyd appeared in numerous TV comedies, “Scrubs” fans will recognize him as long-suffering lawyer Ted Buckland. After his Sacred Heart days, Lloyd made guest appearances on comedies like “Modern Family” and “The Middle,” the latter starred Neil Flynn in a “Scrubs” reunion of sorts. Bill Lawrence also reteamed with Lloyd, playing Ted in three episodes of “Cougar Town.” Lloyd’s last role would be on an episode of “American Housewife.” That same year, Lloyd discovered that he had a brain tumor and cancer. Lloyd sadly died in 2020, leaving behind a wife and newborn son.
Christa Miller was starring as Kate O’Brien on “The Drew Carey Show” when she met Bill Lawrence at an ABC party in 1998. The two married in 1999 with “Scrubs” premiering two years later. Lawrence cast Miller as Dr. Perry Cox’s venomous ex-wife Jordan Sullivan. Although this was originally meant to be a guest spot, Jordan eventually reconciles with Perry (in their own twisted way). Jordan thus became a regular presence. Miller has continued to work closely with her husband, voicing Cleopatra on “Clone High,” playing Ellie Torres on “Cougar Town,” and most recently lending her sharp comedic timing to “Shrinking” as next-door neighbor Liz. When asked how their working relationship differs from their dynamic at home, Miller gave a very Jordan answer about Lawrence: “At home, dumbest person in the world.”
Nurses sometimes have better bedside manner and are more practical than doctors. That was certainly the case with Carla Espinosa, played by Dominican-American actress Judy Reyes. Post-“Scrubs,” Reyes made several guest appearances on various shows before landing a regular gig as Zoila Diaz[b] on “Devious Maids.” We guess that fulfills one of Turk’s fantasies. Reyes followed up that show with the ensemble dramedy “Claws,” playing Annalise “Quiet Ann” Zayas. She can currently be seen as Lieutenant Selena Soto on “High Potential.” While Reyes has appeared in crime dramas before, this show introduces a unique element as a single mother goes from cleaning duties at the LAPD to helping the police catch criminals. It’s not the first time Reyes has teamed with a janitor.
When “Scrubs” premiered in 2001, Ken Jenkins had been working steadily as a character actor, from guest spots on shows like “The X-Files” to small roles in movies like “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Jenkins was in his 60s by the time he was cast as Dr. Bob Kelso, Sacred Heart’s heartless chief of medicine who gradually reveals a softer side throughout the series. Even after retiring, Kelso sticks around because of his free muffins for life privileges. Likewise, Jenkins has stuck with Lawrence, having a recurring role in “Cougar Town” as Courteney Cox’s father, Chip. Jenkins also lent his voice to “Gravity Falls,” played Elder Sam on “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and portrayed Judge Howard Smith in the HBO movie “All the Way.”
Auditioning for Dr. Cox, Neil Flynn was instead cast as Sacred Heart’s Janitor, a role that wasn’t meant to last beyond the pilot. The antagonistic dynamic between the Janitor and J.D. proved so hilarious that they had to keep this guy around. Flynn went from one long-running sitcom to another, playing Mike Heck on “The Middle.” Where the Janitor was by far the most eccentric regular at Sacred Heart, “The Middle” gave Flynn a chance to play an average family man. Like “Scrubs,” “The Middle” lasted nine seasons. Since then, Flynn has appeared in other Bill Lawrence productions like “Clone High,” again voicing a Janitor, and “Shrinking,” reuniting with “Fugitive” co-star Harrison Ford. He doesn’t get shot by the one-armed man this time, however.
The “Clueless” crowd will recognize him as Murray Duvall, but to “Scrubs” fans, Donald Faison is forever Dr. Chris Turk… or “Turkleton” as Kelso calls him. Faison followed up “Scrubs” with supporting parts in movies like “Pitch Perfect” and “Kick-Ass 2.” He’s remained a consistent presence on TV with a revolving door of roles in live-action and animation. Faison was set to play Professor Utonium in a live-action “Powerpuff Girls” reboot. That project never made it past the pilot, although a trailer recently leaked. Mirroring Turk and J.D.’s “guy love,” Faison is still more than good friends with Zach Braff. In addition to appearing in T-Mobile commercials, the two co-host “Fake Doctors, Real Friends,” a podcast looking back at their time on “Scrubs.”
In the 80s, John C. McGinley broke out in Oliver Stone movies like “Platoon” and “Wall Street.” McGinley was in demand as a character actor throughout the 90s, one of his most memorable roles being in “Office Space.” If you grew up in the 2000s, though, chances are you were introduced to McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox, Sacred Heart’s resident ranter and J.D.’s reluctant mentor. The role allowed McGinley to demonstrate his range as a comedic and dramatic actor, which he’s continued to do since. From appearances on other sitcoms like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” to Broadway productions like “Glengarry Glen Ross,” to horror comedies like “Stan Against Evil,” McGinley reminds us why he’s one of our more underappreciated actors.
Sarah Chalke has been a sitcom staple since “Roseanne” when she played Becky Conner… well, the other Becky Conner. There’s only one Dr. Elliot Reid, however. On the heels of “Scrubs,” Chalke has starred in several short-lived shows like “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” and “Firefly Lane.” She also reteamed with the “Roseanne” cast for the revival and reboot, although Chalke played a different character this time. If there’s one role that could rival Elliot as Chalke’s most popular, it would be Beth Smith from “Rick and Morty.” Chalke has voiced Rick Sanchez’s daughter for more than a decade. Like Elliot, Beth also comes from a medical background, although she specializes in horse surgery.
Even while playing John “J.D.” Dorian for nearly a decade, Zach Braff found time to direct and explore other roles. He’s kept busy since the series wrapped, appearing in movies such as “Oz the Great and Powerful” and the “Cheaper by the Dozen” remake. In 2014, Braff left his mark on the Great White Way as David Shayne in “Bullets Over Broadway.” That same year, Braff directed his second feature, “Wish I Was Here.” He’s since helmed a few other films like “Going in Style” and “A Good Person,” the latter of which starred former girlfriend Florence Pugh. Braff has stayed in touch with Bill Lawrence, getting an Emmy nomination for directing an episode of “Ted Lasso” and playing another doctor on “Bad Monkey.”
Do you want a “Scrubs” reunion or a whole revival? Let us know in the comments.
Zayas = ZAY-iss
suh-LEENA SOH-toh
[c]Donald FAY-ZAWN https://youtu.be/Pr-jgelDx4Y?t=3
yoo-TONY-um https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/8e2e0e2a-07d6-41c5-b6c4-ebbae4f37e9c
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re catching up with the doctors and other regulars from Sacred Heart. No offense to the Season 9 newbies, but we’re focusing on the main cast from “Scrubs” Seasons 1-8.
#10: Robert Maschio[a]
This actor is best known for playing Dr. Todd Quinlan, a proprietor of high fives and sexual harassment. Although “The Todd” seems like a moron on the surface, his surgical skills can’t be denied. Likewise, Robert Maschio may’ve played a doofus, but in reality, he has a BA in American Politics. During his tenure on “Scrubs,” Maschio popped up on shows like “Veronica Mars” and “As the World Turns.” Following the series’ end, Maschio brought Todd back (sort of) for a cameo on “Cougar Town,” which Bill Lawrence also co-created. Since a 2015 appearance on “Bones,” Maschio has been MIA from the screen. He’s retired from acting, now working in real estate. Maschio is still active on social media and makes appearances through Cameo.
#9: Sam Lloyd
Throughout his career, Sam Lloyd specialized in playing lonely sadsacks. You could say that sitcom stardom was in his blood, seeing how Uncle Christopher Lloyd rose to fame on “Taxi.” While Sam Lloyd appeared in numerous TV comedies, “Scrubs” fans will recognize him as long-suffering lawyer Ted Buckland. After his Sacred Heart days, Lloyd made guest appearances on comedies like “Modern Family” and “The Middle,” the latter starred Neil Flynn in a “Scrubs” reunion of sorts. Bill Lawrence also reteamed with Lloyd, playing Ted in three episodes of “Cougar Town.” Lloyd’s last role would be on an episode of “American Housewife.” That same year, Lloyd discovered that he had a brain tumor and cancer. Lloyd sadly died in 2020, leaving behind a wife and newborn son.
#8: Christa Miller
Christa Miller was starring as Kate O’Brien on “The Drew Carey Show” when she met Bill Lawrence at an ABC party in 1998. The two married in 1999 with “Scrubs” premiering two years later. Lawrence cast Miller as Dr. Perry Cox’s venomous ex-wife Jordan Sullivan. Although this was originally meant to be a guest spot, Jordan eventually reconciles with Perry (in their own twisted way). Jordan thus became a regular presence. Miller has continued to work closely with her husband, voicing Cleopatra on “Clone High,” playing Ellie Torres on “Cougar Town,” and most recently lending her sharp comedic timing to “Shrinking” as next-door neighbor Liz. When asked how their working relationship differs from their dynamic at home, Miller gave a very Jordan answer about Lawrence: “At home, dumbest person in the world.”
#7: Judy Reyes
Nurses sometimes have better bedside manner and are more practical than doctors. That was certainly the case with Carla Espinosa, played by Dominican-American actress Judy Reyes. Post-“Scrubs,” Reyes made several guest appearances on various shows before landing a regular gig as Zoila Diaz[b] on “Devious Maids.” We guess that fulfills one of Turk’s fantasies. Reyes followed up that show with the ensemble dramedy “Claws,” playing Annalise “Quiet Ann” Zayas. She can currently be seen as Lieutenant Selena Soto on “High Potential.” While Reyes has appeared in crime dramas before, this show introduces a unique element as a single mother goes from cleaning duties at the LAPD to helping the police catch criminals. It’s not the first time Reyes has teamed with a janitor.
#6: Ken Jenkins
When “Scrubs” premiered in 2001, Ken Jenkins had been working steadily as a character actor, from guest spots on shows like “The X-Files” to small roles in movies like “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Jenkins was in his 60s by the time he was cast as Dr. Bob Kelso, Sacred Heart’s heartless chief of medicine who gradually reveals a softer side throughout the series. Even after retiring, Kelso sticks around because of his free muffins for life privileges. Likewise, Jenkins has stuck with Lawrence, having a recurring role in “Cougar Town” as Courteney Cox’s father, Chip. Jenkins also lent his voice to “Gravity Falls,” played Elder Sam on “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and portrayed Judge Howard Smith in the HBO movie “All the Way.”
#5: Neil Flynn
Auditioning for Dr. Cox, Neil Flynn was instead cast as Sacred Heart’s Janitor, a role that wasn’t meant to last beyond the pilot. The antagonistic dynamic between the Janitor and J.D. proved so hilarious that they had to keep this guy around. Flynn went from one long-running sitcom to another, playing Mike Heck on “The Middle.” Where the Janitor was by far the most eccentric regular at Sacred Heart, “The Middle” gave Flynn a chance to play an average family man. Like “Scrubs,” “The Middle” lasted nine seasons. Since then, Flynn has appeared in other Bill Lawrence productions like “Clone High,” again voicing a Janitor, and “Shrinking,” reuniting with “Fugitive” co-star Harrison Ford. He doesn’t get shot by the one-armed man this time, however.
#4: Donald Faison[c]
The “Clueless” crowd will recognize him as Murray Duvall, but to “Scrubs” fans, Donald Faison is forever Dr. Chris Turk… or “Turkleton” as Kelso calls him. Faison followed up “Scrubs” with supporting parts in movies like “Pitch Perfect” and “Kick-Ass 2.” He’s remained a consistent presence on TV with a revolving door of roles in live-action and animation. Faison was set to play Professor Utonium in a live-action “Powerpuff Girls” reboot. That project never made it past the pilot, although a trailer recently leaked. Mirroring Turk and J.D.’s “guy love,” Faison is still more than good friends with Zach Braff. In addition to appearing in T-Mobile commercials, the two co-host “Fake Doctors, Real Friends,” a podcast looking back at their time on “Scrubs.”
#3: John C. McGinley
In the 80s, John C. McGinley broke out in Oliver Stone movies like “Platoon” and “Wall Street.” McGinley was in demand as a character actor throughout the 90s, one of his most memorable roles being in “Office Space.” If you grew up in the 2000s, though, chances are you were introduced to McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox, Sacred Heart’s resident ranter and J.D.’s reluctant mentor. The role allowed McGinley to demonstrate his range as a comedic and dramatic actor, which he’s continued to do since. From appearances on other sitcoms like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” to Broadway productions like “Glengarry Glen Ross,” to horror comedies like “Stan Against Evil,” McGinley reminds us why he’s one of our more underappreciated actors.
#2: Sarah Chalke
Sarah Chalke has been a sitcom staple since “Roseanne” when she played Becky Conner… well, the other Becky Conner. There’s only one Dr. Elliot Reid, however. On the heels of “Scrubs,” Chalke has starred in several short-lived shows like “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” and “Firefly Lane.” She also reteamed with the “Roseanne” cast for the revival and reboot, although Chalke played a different character this time. If there’s one role that could rival Elliot as Chalke’s most popular, it would be Beth Smith from “Rick and Morty.” Chalke has voiced Rick Sanchez’s daughter for more than a decade. Like Elliot, Beth also comes from a medical background, although she specializes in horse surgery.
#1: Zach Braff
Even while playing John “J.D.” Dorian for nearly a decade, Zach Braff found time to direct and explore other roles. He’s kept busy since the series wrapped, appearing in movies such as “Oz the Great and Powerful” and the “Cheaper by the Dozen” remake. In 2014, Braff left his mark on the Great White Way as David Shayne in “Bullets Over Broadway.” That same year, Braff directed his second feature, “Wish I Was Here.” He’s since helmed a few other films like “Going in Style” and “A Good Person,” the latter of which starred former girlfriend Florence Pugh. Braff has stayed in touch with Bill Lawrence, getting an Emmy nomination for directing an episode of “Ted Lasso” and playing another doctor on “Bad Monkey.”
Do you want a “Scrubs” reunion or a whole revival? Let us know in the comments.
[a]MASHY-oh https://youtu.be/x0-dbs0o8hk?si=HB2cg5fiMcyp6Pde
[b]ZOY-lah https://youtu.be/nMScq1jzATA?si=nVMvd421IYvhW2mU&t=30Zayas = ZAY-iss
suh-LEENA SOH-toh
[c]Donald FAY-ZAWN https://youtu.be/Pr-jgelDx4Y?t=3
yoo-TONY-um https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/8e2e0e2a-07d6-41c5-b6c4-ebbae4f37e9c
