Honestly, if you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably can't see a high five without thinking of a guy in a Speedo. That guy is Robert Maschio. Most people just call him "The Todd."
It’s weird how one character can define a whole career. You see his face and immediately wait for a dirty double entendre or a "surgical five." But if you look at the full list of Robert Maschio movies and tv shows, there is actually a lot more going on than just a hyper-sexual surgeon with a bandanna.
He didn't just fall into the role of Todd Quinlan. He worked for it. Maschio is a New York guy, born in 1966, who actually studied the Meisner technique under Sanford Meisner himself. Imagine that. The guy known for "The Banana Hammock" was trained in one of the most prestigious, serious acting methods in the world. He spent years in the New York theater scene and doing stand-up before he ever touched a surgical mask.
The Scrubs Era and the Legend of The Todd
You can't talk about Robert Maschio movies and tv shows without spending 90% of the time on Scrubs. It’s the elephant in the room. Or maybe the "Big Dog" in the room.
Maschio was a guest star in the pilot. He wasn't supposed to be a series regular. But Bill Lawrence, the creator, liked him from a previous gig they did together on Spin City. He kept bringing him back. Eventually, "The Todd" became the heartbeat of the hospital's surgical floor.
👉 See also: Diego Klattenhoff Movies and TV Shows: Why He’s the Best Actor You Keep Forgetting You Know
The character was basically a walking HR violation. In 2026, looking back at a character who constantly sexually harasses his coworkers is... complicated. But Maschio played it with this bizarre, puppy-dog earnestness that made it work. He wasn't a villain; he was just a guy who loved "hot" regardless of gender, a detail that actually made the character surprisingly progressive for its time.
Beyond Sacred Heart: The Guest Spots
Most actors from massive sitcoms struggle to shake the shadow of their most famous role. Maschio definitely leaned into it. If you look at his guest appearances, they often feel like a wink to the audience.
- Cougar Town: He popped up as a pool man. It was basically a "The Todd" cameo in all but name.
- Bones: He played a character named Peter in an episode involving an escape artist. Much more serious, though his physical presence is still what directors seem to want.
- Veronica Mars: He was a jury member. A small part, but a classic "hey, I know that guy" moment for TV nerds.
- As the World Turns: In 2006, he took a hard left turn into soap operas. He played Louis Browning, a character who ended up getting murdered by a serial killer. Talk about a tonal shift.
Robert Maschio Movies: The Indie Side
His film career is a bit more obscure. You won't see him headlining Marvel movies. Instead, he’s stuck to independent projects and TV movies.
One of the most interesting entries is Date or Disaster (2003). He didn't just act in it; he co-wrote it. It shows a side of Maschio that fans rarely see: the writer. He also appeared in The Putt Putt Syndrome and A Holiday Heist.
✨ Don't miss: Did Mac Miller Like Donald Trump? What Really Happened Between the Rapper and the President
There’s also Lethal Seduction (2015), a TV movie where he plays a character named Trevor. It’s a thriller, which is a nice break from the constant comedy, though it didn't exactly set the world on fire.
The Real Career Pivot
Here is what most people get wrong about Robert Maschio today. They think he’s sitting around waiting for a Scrubs reboot.
While he still does the convention circuit—and probably gives out 500 high fives a weekend—Maschio actually moved into real estate. He’s a high-end agent in the Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades area. He’s good at it, too. If you look at his listings, he’s selling multi-million dollar homes.
It makes sense. To be a great actor, you need charisma. To be a great real estate agent, you need that same energy. Plus, he probably doesn't have to wear a Speedo to the office.
🔗 Read more: Despicable Me 2 Edith: Why the Middle Child is Secretly the Best Part of the Movie
Why We Still Watch
The fascination with Robert Maschio movies and tv shows persists because of the chemistry of that original Scrubs cast. He wasn't just a side character; he was the release valve for the show's more emotional moments. When J.D. or Turk were dealing with a patient dying, The Todd would burst in with a "something-might-be-wrong five." It sounds stupid, but it provided the balance that made the show a classic.
He recently appeared in a "Reunion Road Trip" special and has been a frequent guest on the Fake Doctors, Real Friends podcast hosted by Zach Braff and Donald Faison.
What's Next?
There are constant rumors of a Scrubs revival. Bill Lawrence has hinted at it multiple times in recent years. If it happens, you can bet everything that Maschio will be there.
Until then, if you want to catch up on his work, stick to the essentials.
- Watch the early seasons of Scrubs to see how he built the character from a one-note joke into a series mainstay.
- Check out his episode of Bones if you want to see him in a more traditional procedural setting.
- If you’re a completionist, find Date or Disaster to see his writing style.
The best way to support Robert's current work is to follow his social media or, if you have a few million dollars lying around, buy a house from him in Santa Monica. He’s one of the few actors from that era who seems to have found a healthy balance between his past fame and his current life.