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Ron Simons

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Ron Simons
Publicity photo of Ron Simons
Born(1960-11-30)November 30, 1960
DiedJune 12, 2024(2024-06-12) (aged 63)
EducationColumbia University (BA, MBA)
University of Washington (MFA)
Occupation(s)Actor, 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

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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

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

Filmography

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Television roles
Year Title Role Notes
1996 Nowhere Man Attendant Episode: "Forever Jung"
2005 Jonny Zero Reporter Episode: "I Did It All for the Nooky"
2005 Law & Order Fire Marshal Episode: "Dining Out"
2007 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Sgt. Rapp Episode: "Brother's Keeper"
2007 Detective Willis Episode: "Self-made"
2009 Law & Order Warden Derek Kleban Episode: "Boy Gone Astray"
2015 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Principal Al Pompeo Episode: "Transgender Bridge"
2017 Marvel's The Defenders Strieber Miniseries; Recurring
2018 Succession Photographer #1 Episode: "Celebration"
2018 Marvel's Daredevil Strieber Episode: "Reunion"
Film roles
Year Title Role Notes
2007 The Assassin Task Force Det.
2008 27 Dresses Boathouse Chef
2008 Phoebe in Wonderland Colleague #1
2009 Mystery Team Mr. Rogers
2010 Night Catches Us Carey Ford Also producer
2011 Gun Hill Road Office Manager Also producer and executive producer
2013 Blue Caprice Supermarket Manager Also producer and executive producer
2016 Wolves Edward
2016 The Ticket Pastor Jennings
2016 King Cobra Hardy Also producer and executive producer
2016 Ordinary World Drew
2017 Ambition's Debt Popilius Lena
2018 Then Came You Dr. Collins
2019 After the Wedding Richard
Video game roles
Year Title Role
1998 Police Quest: SWAT 2 Chief
2005 The Warriors Dealer

References

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  1. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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 April 17, 2022.
  9. ^ "Ron Simons CC'82, BUS'89". Columbia College Alumni Association. December 15, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
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