Inside Scott Foley’s World

Scott Foley, known for Felicity, Scandal, and Whiskey Cavalier, prefers reality TV off-screen. He and his wife, actress Marika Domińczyk, are longtime fans of The Challenge. “We’ve watched for 20 years—it’s pure comfort,” says Foley, 52.

The long-running MTV competition show, which began as a spinoff of The Real World and Road Rules, has now aired 40 seasons and become a global sensation. While Foley enjoys it from home with his family, his latest acting role took him far beyond the couch—to the breathtaking landscapes of Italy.

Filming La Dolce Villa in Italy

In his new Netflix romantic comedy La Dolce Villa, Foley plays Eric, a father who travels to Italy after his daughter (played by Maia Reficco) buys a crumbling villa. What begins as an effort to talk her out of it turns into a journey of rediscovery, as he starts seeing the beauty — and opportunities — of this new life.

For Foley, the film offered more than just a great script — it gave him the chance to work in Italy for eight weeks. “Italy, the country, and then these little towns we shot in, really was another character in this film,” he said. “It adds to the wanderlust of all this.”

Beyond its romantic storyline, the film explores themes of family, change, and embracing new beginnings — something Foley found especially meaningful.

What Foley Is Watching, Reading, and Listening To

When he’s not acting, Foley stays immersed in pop culture. He recently caught up on Interstellar, calling it an “obsession” and praising Matthew McConaughey’s performance. His latest read, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, was a favorite, and he was particularly moved by Framed, a nonfiction book by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey about wrongful convictions.

On the music front, Zach Bryan is on repeat in the Foley household, and the Pivot podcast has become a go-to for staying informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Balancing Career, Family, and Personal Passions

Between his acting projects, family life, and love of books, music, and TV, Foley keeps a well-rounded approach to entertainment. Whether he’s starring in a film, watching The Challenge, or embracing an unexpected adventure in Italy, he continues to explore different sides of storytelling — both on and off the screen.