HE was a television megastar in the early 90s as the leading man in sci-fi drama Quantum Leap.

Over four years he played physicist Dr Sam Beckett, who travelled back and forth through time taking control of the minds and bodies of different people in a bid to correct moments in the past to improve the future.

During the five season run, Scott Bakula was nominated for four Emmys and three Golden Globes, winning one for Best Actor in 1991.

The programme aired on both sides of the Atlantic and its 1993 finale pulled in a huge 13 million viewers.

Thirty years on, it's considered one of the greatest cult TV shows of all time.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Scott said of his time on the show: "It was a great experience for me and I love how deeply it affected people all over the planet.

"There's nowhere to go where people haven't seen Quantum Leap. Most people have fond memories of it and, because of the kind of show it was, so many people have memories of watching it with their family.

"That to me is so touching because that's not really happening that much anymore: that idea of let's all sit down and watch Quantum Leap tonight or The Wonderful World of Disney or All in the Family or Cheers or anything more modern."

The actor, now 70, was pictured shopping for groceries this week in West Hollywood in a rare public sighting.

Looking casual in a grey hoody, jeans, a blue cap and face mask, Scott browsed fresh produce in a store before heading to his car and having a snack.

Since Quantum Leap, Scott hasn't been short of a TV, film or stage work.

Notable credits in recent years include Star Trek: Enterprise, Chuck, Desperate Housewives and NCIS: New Orleans.

His latest role sees him take on the role of 16th US President Abraham Lincoln for a new adaptation of Mister Lincoln.

Taking place in Washington's Ford's Theatre, the very same place Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, the one-man production takes a close look at the civil war hero's personal and political career.

Scott faces the tall order of reciting two of the most famous speeches in American history: the Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address, but it's a challenge he relishes and takes great pride in.

He acknowledges: "They're magnificent words and they're so well crafted and there's so much terror that you're going to somehow mess them up."

Tony-winner Scott began his career on the stage and previously declared it to be his "first love".

He wasn't an overnight success story though; it took him seven years to land a major Broadway part after moving to New York aged 22.

After a string of critically-acclaimed performances in the 80s, Scott took the leap, quite literally, and moved to LA to pursue a TV career, eventually bagging the role of Sam Beckett and becoming an international star.

When he isn't acting, twice married dad-of-four Scott cane be found spending quality time with his family.