In the late 1970s, Scott made number-of guest appearances on nighttime series such as, The Rockford Files, Charlie's Angels, and a recurring role on The Waltons.

In 1979, at the age of 23, Scott took over the role of Nikki Reed, a poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks, on the daytime serial The Young and the Restless, choosing the part over a sitcom pilot that in the end was not picked up.

[2] Over time, her character reformed and became an important part of Genoa City society, as she married Victor Newman (Eric Braeden).

"[2] In 1999, she received Daytime Emmy Awards nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

[5] Scott made guest-starring appearances in a number of prime time series, such as Hotel, Diagnosis Murder, The Nanny, The King of Queens, My Name Is Earl and Castle.