J.K. Simmons is one of our most unappreciated actors. At 66, the actor has done amazing work in a variety of films. Outside of earning a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his astounding work in “Whiplash,” most non-Marvel fans haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about him. But I have, John. (Yes, his name is Johnathan Kimble Simmons).
Simmons likes continuing to work with the same specific directors. Sam Raimi (“For Love of the Game,” the “Spider-Man” trilogy) and Jason Reitman (“Juno,” “Up in the Air,” “Labor Day”) make a big portion of his career. Of course, his roles in Damien Chazelle’s “La La Land” and “Whiplash” have brought him into his current prominence, but it was Reitman’s suggestion for Simmons to take his role in the latter film. Perhaps Simmons has already determined his next directorial team up; he has taken the role of William Frawley in Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming film “Being the Ricardos.”
Recently, new clips of Simmons have surfaced online concerning his audition for the role. While he isn’t sporting his signature mustache, it’s clear to fans that Simmons has perfected his mannerisms to bring J. Jonah Jameson to life. His line deliveries are a little slow, but that could just be because he hasn’t memorized them yet. Little does Simmons know here that this role will live on through three decades, and perhaps become his most famous character.
You can also see his acting in a hilarious deleted scene down below! I am very excited to see how he does in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which comes out on December 17th.
