LOS ANGELES (AP) – Fans of J.K. Simmons’ work in television and film may have the actor’s two children to thank.
A veteran of New York theater, Simmons moved into TV and movie work after his two children were born.
During a recent interview to promote his new film, “The Accountant ,” Simmons recalled turning down an interesting play with a compelling co-star soon after he became a father.
“There was no reason not to do (the play) except for the fact that I had a little baby and a 3-year-old who wanted their daddy and wanted to get tucked in, and I didn’t want to not be there six nights a week,” Simmons said. “So that was when we decided to move to LA.”
Since then, Simmons has created such memorable characters as Vern Schillinger on HBO’s “Oz,” loving dad Mac MacGuff in the film “Juno” and exacting jazz teacher Fletcher in “Whiplash,” for which Simmons won the supporting actor Oscar last year.