Ronald Keith Simons (November 30, 1960 – June 12, 2024) was an American actor and producer. He was a four-time Tony Award winner.
Career Simons had degrees in theater and computer science from Columbia University, and did not go to drama school until he was 39. He also received a degree from Columbia Business School. 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." 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.
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.
In April 2022, he was named the commencement speaker for the University of Washington. He was a 2018 recipient of Columbia College's John Jay Award.
Death Simons died on June 12, 2024, at the age of 63.
Filmography + Television roles Year Title Role Notes1996Nowhere 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; Recurring2018SuccessionPhotographer #1Episode: "Celebration"2018Marvel's DaredevilStrieberEpisode: "Reunion"2019The Resident (TV series)OttoEpisode: "Stupid Things in the Name of Sex"
+ Film roles Year Title Role Notes2007The AssassinTask Force Det.200827 DressesBoathouse Chef2008Phoebe in WonderlandColleague #12009Mystery TeamMr. Rogers2010Night Catches UsCarey FordAlso producer2011Gun Hill RoadOffice ManagerAlso producer and executive producer2013Blue CapriceSupermarket ManagerAlso producer and executive producer2016WolvesEdward2016The TicketPastor Jennings2016King CobraHardyAlso producer and executive producer2016Ordinary WorldDrew2017Ambition's DebtPopilius Lena2018Then Came YouDr. Collins2019After the WeddingRichard 2024 Viva Verdi! Producer
+ Video game roles Year Title Role1998Police Quest: SWAT 2Chief2005The WarriorsDealer
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