Ron Simons
Birth dateNovember 30, 1960
Birth placeDetroit, Michigan, U.S.
Death dateJune 12, 2024 (aged 63)
EducationColumbia University (BA, MBA)
University of Washington (MFA)
OccupationActor, producer
Years active1996–2024
AwardsTony Awards (2013)

Ronald Keith Simons[1] (November 30, 1960 – June 12, 2024) was an American actor and producer. He was a four-time Tony Award winner.[2][3]

Career

Simons had degrees in theater and computer science from Columbia University, and did not go to drama school until he was 39.[4] He also received a degree from Columbia Business School.[5] He had wanted to go into acting since high school, but was unable to due to his living circumstances. "[A]s the only member of my family to have graduated college with retired grandparents and a mom who had me at a slightly older age, I felt the need to become the family breadwinner."[6] He finally quit corporate business to enter film business at the age of 41. He further expanded into producing despite not being fully aware of what that position entailed. He would end up producing films such as Gun Hill Road and Blue Caprice, but continue to act in projects along the way.[7]

In 2009 he founded SimonSays Entertainment; a production company that works to create film, television and stage productions that revolve around various minority focused subjects from race, LGBT, disabled, women and elder people.[6]

In April 2022, he was named the commencement speaker for the University of Washington.[8] He was a 2018 recipient of Columbia College's John Jay Award.[9]

Death

Simons died on June 12, 2024, at the age of 63.[1]

Filmography

Television roles
YearTitleRoleNotes
1996Nowhere ManAttendantEpisode: "Forever Jung"
2005Jonny ZeroReporterEpisode: "I Did It All for the Nooky"
2005Law & OrderFire MarshalEpisode: "Dining Out"
2007Law & Order: Criminal IntentSgt. RappEpisode: "Brother's Keeper"
2007Detective WillisEpisode: "Self-made"
2009Law & OrderWarden Derek KlebanEpisode: "Boy Gone Astray"
2015Law & Order: Special Victims UnitPrincipal Al PompeoEpisode: "Transgender Bridge"
2017Marvel's The DefendersStrieberMiniseries; Recurring
2018SuccessionPhotographer #1Episode: "Celebration"
2018Marvel's DaredevilStrieberEpisode: "Reunion"
2019The Resident (TV series)OttoEpisode: "Stupid Things in the Name of Sex"
Film roles
YearTitleRoleNotes
2007The AssassinTask Force Det.
200827 DressesBoathouse Chef
2008Phoebe in WonderlandColleague #1
2009Mystery TeamMr. Rogers
2010Night Catches UsCarey FordAlso producer
2011Gun Hill RoadOffice ManagerAlso producer and executive producer
2013Blue CapriceSupermarket ManagerAlso producer and executive producer
2016WolvesEdward
2016The TicketPastor Jennings
2016King CobraHardyAlso producer and executive producer
2016Ordinary WorldDrew
2017Ambition's DebtPopilius Lena
2018Then Came YouDr. Collins
2019After the WeddingRichard
2024Viva Verdi!Producer
Video game roles
YearTitleRole
1998Police Quest: SWAT 2Chief
2005The WarriorsDealer

References

  1. ^ Tran, Diep (June 13, 2024). "Four-Time Tony Award-Winning Producer Ron Simons Dies at Age 63". Playbill
  2. ^ "Why Formal Acting Training Helps When You're Uninspired"
  3. ^ Donahue, Joe. "Ron Simons Producer of MTC's Jitney"
  4. ^ Seymour, Lee. "Tony Winner Ron Simons Seeks A Diversity More Than Skin Deep". Forbes
  5. ^ "RON SIMONS CC'82, BUS'89". Columbia College Alumni Association. December 15, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  6. ^ Armour, TJ (June 5, 2017). "Q&A With Ron Simons – Actor And Tony Award-Winning Producer". N'Digo. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  7. ^ Volk, David. "Actor and producer Ron Simons, '01, followed his dream to second career". Washington. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
  8. ^ "Tony Award-winning producer and actor Ron Simons to deliver 2022 Commencement address". UW News. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  9. ^ "Ron Simons CC'82, BUS'89". Columbia College Alumni Association. 2017-12-15. Retrieved 2022-04-18.