Scrimm was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He was originally a journalist and has written and edited for TV Guide, Cinema Magazine, the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and many other publications. He has also written liner notes for many LPs and CDs for artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to the Beatles, as well as Arthur Rubinstein and Itzhak Perlman. Scrimm won a Grammy (as Rory Guy) for his liner notes.

Scrimm stands approximately 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m). To appear even taller when playing the Tall Man, he wore suits that were several sizes too small, and platform shoes. His Phantasm role led to a steady acting career in theatre and television. In recent years Scrimm had a recurring role as an SD-6 agent on Alias.

Scrimm stands approximately 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m). To appear even taller when playing the Tall Man, he wore suits that were several sizes too small, and platform shoes. His Phantasm role led to a steady acting career in theatre and television. In recent years Scrimm had a recurring role as an SD-6 agent on Alias.