"I heard so many stories of, like, people who were estranged and because some, you know, random bald White guy on a stage said 'Call your mom,' they called their mom or they called their dad.
Like, really dramatic stories of reconciliations because I'd said that," Simmons said.
Financial Struggles and Gratitude
During his difficult financial periods in New York, Simmons received a crucial gesture of support from fellow actor Gregg Edelman, who secretly left him money.
"I mean, you know, not unsafe!" Simmons said.
"But, you know, yeah, roaches, rodents. It was New York City on a budget."
Simmons expressed lasting gratitude for the gesture, which arrived when he was nearly broke and unable to secure employment.
"And I might have given up, were it not for another acting pal, Gregg Edelman. Like, I couldn't get a waiter job," Simmons recalled, getting emotional.
"And I was going broke. And we're just hanging out, talking.
You know, maybe watching a game or whatever we did. And he left.
And the next morning when I got up … I saw he left me 100 bucks, which I needed!"
Simmons also plays a unique role in the upcoming movie "Heart of the Beast," which co-stars Brad Pitt and opens in theaters on September 25.
"A character who he bumps into. A character in every sense of that word!"
Simmons said.
Regarding the definition of a character actor, Simmons shared a lighthearted interpretation of the industry term. "Yeah," he said.
"You know what? I mean, to me, that's always just been like an actor who's, like, not super-handsome.
That's basically what that means."
Simmons concluded by expressing appreciation for his growth since his earliest theater days at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.
"It's crazy to think back on, you know, the nervous guy at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, being such a terrible actor, and starting to learn how to channel what's in here [holding his heart] more intelligently.
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And I'm grateful every day, and trying to enjoy, you know, all of it," he said.
