Get to know actor, screenwriter, and singer Sean Thomas Simmons.
Simmons is a part of NBC’s new series “Kenan” premiering Tues, Feb. 23rd, 2021. Born in Thousand Oaks, CA, he followed his passion for acting and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the South Coast Repertory. Now he plays a gossip correspondent who believes aliens are among us and “Men In Black” is actually a documentary. Along with his new NBC show, he just completed an episode of “StumpTown” opposite Cobie Smulders, and he is a recurring character in a web series called “Mars Thre3.”
Colleen Bement: Tell us about your character Travis on “Kenan.”
Sean Thomas Simmons: Travis is a gossip correspondent for Kenan Thompson’s TV morning show in Atlanta called “Wake Up with Kenan”. He is a part of Kenan’s entourage when Kenan is at work in the TV studio. He is also a conspiracy theorist. Travis is the kind of guy who believes aliens are among us and Men In Black is actually a documentary. Travis always has a nice suit and a great pair of suede shoes with him wherever he goes. His motto is ‘You always have to be prepared!’ Travis gets very nervous and clumsy when he is on TV talking about the daily gossip. You will see his clumsier side tonight on the pilot episode. I’m really looking forward to what Travis evolves into as the show progresses. There are so many aspects of this character that are left to dive into.
CB: Take us through a day on the set.
STS: You get on set, do a quick covid test, and then the AD would lead you to your dressing room. Then you would be off to hair and make-up. Before each scene, the director would rehearse the scene. We would rehearse the script a few times and then do a few takes of the scene. At one point in the scene, the director would allow us to improv an ending.
CB: Your filmography is exploding with projects. What can you tell your fans about your upcoming roles?
STS: I’ve worked on A few notable projects in the last year. I recently did an episode of “StumpTown” opposite the lead, Cobie Smulders. I recently did a short film with some very gifted actors and it turned out that the director is a friend of mine. I have a recurring character in a web series called “Mars Thre3”.
CB: Tell us what you have in the works. Acting? Music? Writing?
STS: I’m auditioning for a lot of promising projects. I’m looking forward to a lot of future accolades, including in voice over acting world, which is one of my passions. I’m passionate about voice over because you can be any kind of character when performing in a voice over booth. It gives me complete free rein to use my comedy skills in ways I never even thought possible!
CB: What is it like performing improv at Groundlings in LA?
STS: To tell the truth, it’s very nerve-wracking. It completely takes you out of your comfort zone, to think outside of the box and off the cuff in order to start a scene and keep it going. I got to work with a lot of very talented people who have helped me grow as a comic and an actor.
CB: Where do you find your inspiration to write songs?
STS: I write more poetry than songs. Poetry really helps me experience my inner thoughts about who I am in this moment or what it would be like to be someone else. Usually, a thought just pops in my head or I just see something peculiar. And I stop what I’m doing, write it down, maybe explore the concepts or I come back to the poem later.
Speed Round:
1.) Favorite junk food: chocolate cake
2.) Favorite author: My favorite Author is Chuck Palaniuk. The writer of “Rant” and “Fight Club”.
3.) Favorite video game: kingdom hearts 2/ Pokemon emerald. I love pokemon to death!!!
4.) Dress up or dress down? Dress down for sure. Comfort is my style.
5.) Favorite movie: “Safe House”, War Dogs”. I really enjoy the subject matters about both movies. “Wars Dogs” is really funny, but also a good look at how the arms business works with the federal government. “Safe House” talks about how the government won’t inform the people about the shady projects they put together behind closed doors.
Catch “Kenan” starting Feb. 23, 2021 and keep up with Sean on Instagram.
Written by Colleen Bement
Lynn Makes
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson