J.K. Simmons’s long career has spanned across theatre, television, and film. The character actor has delivered countless memorable performances, such as his portrayal as a neo-Nazi inmate in HBO’s Oz and his Oscar-winning performance in Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash. With each performance, no matter how big or small, Simmons always gives everything he’s got. He is a scene-stealing actor who has the gift to make any role feel real and human. His career has touched all genres as well. Simmons can play serious, comedic, and everything in between. With one Oscar under his belt, Simmons still has a long career ahead of him, and fans are always excited when he pops up on the screen.
Simmons was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and was interested in acting and music from a young age. Simmons attended the University of Montana where he studied music. From there, he moved to Seattle and joined the Seattle Repertory Theatre and landed his first Broadway role in 1992. Simmons made his first television appearance with a small part on the show Popeye Doyle. He gained momentum and continued to work in television, appearing in All My Childrenand Law and Order. Throughout his career, Simmons has proved Konstantin Stanislavkis’s quote, “There are no small parts, only small actors” . Now Simmons is a force to be reckoned with and one of the biggest actors in Hollywood. Let’s take a look at ten of his best movies, ranked.
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10 The Front Runner
Columbia Pictures
Jason Reitman’s 2018 political drama tells the true story of Senator Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), whose presidential campaign was shattered due to an extramarital affair. Simmons plays Bill Dixon, Hart’s campaign manager, who tries to walk Hart through his struggling campaign. The Front Runner received mixed reviews and currently holds a 58% on Rotten Tomatoes. The cast also includes Vera Farmiga, Alfred Molina, and Bill Burr.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
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9 The Lady Killers
Touchstone Pictures
Although The Lady Killers is not considered to be one of the best Coen brothers’ films, it is certainly a solid movie with a stellar cast. The film is a remake of a 1955 British comedy that follows a Southern professor (Tom Hanks) and a group of men who must kill an old woman (Irma P. Hall) after she learns of their plan to rob a casino. Simmons plays Garth Pancake, a demolitions expert with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
8 Thank You For Smoking
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Simmons is obviously a favorite of Jason Reitman, as he can be seen in several of Reitman’s films. In the 2005 black comedy, Thank You For Smoking, Simmons plays BR, a ruthless executive at a tobacco company. BR sends spokesperson Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) around the country to speak on behalf of Big Tobacco, a task that makes Naylor seem like a monster to many. The film was a showcase of talent both in front of and behind the camera.
7 Extract
Miramax
Mike Judge is a comedic legend who has given us several classic movies and TV shows throughout his career. His 2009 comedy Extract follows a business owner named Joel Reynolds (Jason Bateman) who has to juggle an unhappy marriage, a lawsuit, and managing his goofy employees. Simmons plays Brian Huggins, an employee at the factory who aids Reynolds through the lawsuit. The movie is non-stop laughs from beginning to end and once again proves Judge’s capabilities as a filmmaker.
6 The Vicious Kind
72nd Street Productions
The Vicious Kind is an underrated 2009 independent film that tells the story of Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott), an emotionally damaged man who travels home for Thanksgiving break with his brother and his brother’s girlfriend. Simmons plays Caleb’s harsh yet caring father. Simmons along with the rest of the cast gave stellar performances, and the film went on to be nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards.
5 I Love You, Man
Paramount Pictures
John Hamburg’s 2009 buddy comedy follows newly engaged Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) who befriends free-spirited Sydney (Jason Segel), while on a quest to make male friends. Simmons plays Klaven’s father who is frustratingly closer to his other son (Andy Samberg). Simmon’s role is small, but he gives an honest and funny performance. I Love You, Man is a hilarious take on male friendship with an all-star cast.
4 Spider-Man
Simmon’s epically plays the ruthless Daily Bugle editor-in-chief in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. J. Jonah Jameson is constantly screaming and puffing on cigars throughout the films, while always trying to paint Spider-Man as a villain. The comic book character was brilliantly brought to life by Simmons and fans were excited when Jameson appeared at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home.
3 Patriots Day
Lionsgate
Patriots Day tells the true story of the Boston Marathon bombing and the heroes who went to work to track down the terrorists responsible. Simmons plays Watertown Police Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese, who aided in the capturing of the two men responsible. Simmons once again gives an honest and convincing performance, proving he can always pull off the persona of a working-class person.
2 Juno
1 Whiplash
Sony Pictures Classics
It should be no surprise that Whiplash takes the number one spot on this list. Simmons is untouchable as the ruthless bandleader Terrence Fletcher. The film is a perfect depiction of the competition and torment that musicians must endure to become successful. Fletcher is a perfect antagonist who pushes first-year student Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) to his limits. The film went on to win three Oscars and Simmons took home the award for Best Supporting Actor.
