Rod Simmons
Actor at SAG-AFTRA
Actor, Screenwriter, Line Producer, Sound Editor, Editor and Assistant Editor
Saint Louis, Missouri
August 2014
> 2 weeks ago
259
About Rod
Sooner or late, I was destined to be in the entertainment industry. From an early age, I have loved showing off for my friends or anybody else that would listen and watch my imitations of classic Hollywood stars like Edgar G. Robinson or of President Richard M. Nixon. But my most popular trick according to my parents was gargling my cola at birthday parties.
It was only when the US Navy brought me to the Armed Forces Radio and TV Center in Los Angeles did I actually start exploring my dreams, starting with some background acting gigs while still on active duty. When I retired from the Navy in 1994, I started doing community theater with relative success at the start with a nomination for best in a major supporting role in a comedy at a local San Diego theater for the season. And eventually, I wound my way back up to Los Angeles for more film and tv experience.
My first screen credit was in the movie Simone in 2002. Since then I've been keeping up with my skills in acting classes.
I received a BA from the University of Missouri in 1977 in Speech and Dramatic Arts: Radio, TV & Film, though I concentrated more on television production. My experience in the US Navy from 1983-1994 was in journalism, broadcast production and public affairs. The highlight of that career was video taping a visit from Pres. George H. W. Bush on our ship off the coast of Italy during his Memorial Day visit in 1989. I also got to meet Pres. Bill Clinton. I recently completed some course work in film production to upgrade and update my production skill set.
When the USS Iowa came to San Pedro, CA as a floating museum, I quickly seized an opportunity to assist director Mark Mockett on his documentary film, "This is My Battleship." I had served on the USS Iowa from 1984-5 so felt my unique familiarity with the ship would help. The film is currently in post-production.
I was born in Columbus, OH and grew up mostly around the northeastern states of the USA. I joined the Navy when I lived in St. Louis, Mo. I am looking forward to more acting work and perhaps some work in producing or editing some films.
Unique traits: Not afraid of exotic animals like dolphins or parrots. - Navy trained small arms safety and handling.
Badges
Links
Loglines
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Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow Biography A young Navy sailor comes to terms with an HIV diagnosis in the days before "don't ask, don't tell," an early retirement from the Navy and adjusting to civilian life finding love from an unusual place...his pet cockatoo Fred.
Credits
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Americans (
2012 )
Film (short) by Jameson Stafford, dir. Newscaster -
Simone (
2002 )
Film by New Line Cinema / Niccol Films Hewlitt -
This is My Battleship
Documentary by Mark Mockett Producer
Education
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El Camino College
(2012-2014) -
University of Missouri
(1973-1977)
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