William Scott-Masson was born on 18th February 1963 in Ilminster, Somerset, England, to Captain Dennis Scott-Masson (a Master Mariner with the P&O) and Anne-Marie (nee Grisar). He is the third of five children, having two brothers and two sisters. He was educated at Buckfast Abbey Preparatory School. Huish's Grammar in Taunton and Pangbourne College. At the age of 30, after careers in restaurants and the military, he trained to be an actor at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.