If you are watching the new sports romance series Heated Rivalry and found yourself asking, “Why does that guy look so familiar?” you are not alone. The actor playing Scott Hunter, the intense, closeted captain of the New York Admirals, is François Arnaud, a Canadian actor with over 15 years of memorable roles on television and in film. Arnaud made his debut in the series’ first episode in November 2025, but stepped fully into the spotlight with the release of Episode 3, “Hunter” on December 5, 2025. His portrayal of the conflicted hockey star has many viewers recognizing his face from a long list of popular shows.
Who Is Scott Hunter In Heated Rivalry?
Scott Hunter is a central figure in the universe created by author Rachel Reid. In the Heated Rivalry television series, which adapts Reid’s Game Changers books, Scott is introduced as a rival and contemporary of the two main characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. While the first two episodes of the series focus on Shane and Ilya’s secret relationship, the third episode, aptly titled “Hunter,” shifts entirely to Scott’s story.
The episode adapts the plot of the first novel, Game Changer, following Scott as he meets and falls for Kip Grady, a barista at a smoothie shop called Straw+Berry. Their romance is complicated by Scott’s status as a public figure and his fear of being outed in the professional hockey world. Scott’s journey is particularly significant in the larger story, as his eventual decision to live openly is a major catalyst for other characters in the series.
François Arnaud’s Breakout Role And Major TV Appearances
François Arnaud, who brings Scott Hunter to life, is a 40-year-old actor from Montreal, Quebec. He has been a familiar face on screen since 2007, but his big breakout came with a major role in a historical drama series.
- Cesare Borgia in The Borgias: From 2011 to 2013, Arnaud starred as the lead character Cesare Borgia in the Showtime historical series The Borgias, opposite Jeremy Irons. This role required him to speak Spanish fluently on screen and brought him significant international attention.
Following this success, Arnaud demonstrated impressive range by taking on diverse and often eccentric characters across network and streaming television.
- Sebastien Raine in Schitt’s Creek: Many fans instantly recognize him as Sebastien Raine, the flamboyant and pretentious ex-boyfriend of David Rose (Dan Levy) in the beloved Canadian sitcom.
- Manfred Bernardo in Midnight, Texas: He played the lead role of psychic Manfred Bernardo in the NBC supernatural drama Midnight, Texas.
- Oscar in Blindspot: Arnaud had a recurring role as the mysterious Oscar in NBC’s crime drama Blindspot.
- Recent Appearances: More recently, viewers have seen him in roles such as Patrick Landry in Plan B, Harrison in Apple TV+’s Surface, and as Paul in the second season of the hit Showtime thriller Yellowjackets.
“Labels are frustrating and words, imperfect. But I’ve always considered myself bisexual. Not confused or trying to look edgy. Not disloyal. Not ashamed. Not invisible.” – François Arnaud shared this on social media for Bi Visibility Day in 2020.
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The Actor’s Personal Life And Connection To The Role
In his personal life, François Arnaud has been open about his sexuality, which adds a layer of authenticity to his portrayal of a closeted gay athlete. In 2020, he publicly came out as bisexual in a social media post for Bi Visibility Day. In the post, he discussed the challenges bisexual men sometimes face and affirmed his identity clearly.
Arnaud is in a relationship with actor Marc Bendavid, known for How to Buy a Baby. The couple has been together since May 2022. He stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.87 meters) tall, which is close to, though slightly shorter than, the 6 feet 4 inches his character Scott Hunter is described as in the books.
Where You Can Watch Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry is a Canadian series that premiered on November 28, 2025. New episodes are released weekly.
- In Canada, the series is available on the streaming service Crave.
- In the United States and Australia, the series streams on HBO Max.
- Episode 3, “Hunter,” featuring François Arnaud’s central performance, became available on December 5, 2025.
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