Ron Simons, a renowned actor turned producer, has passed away at the age of 63. Simons, who founded SimonSays Entertainment, won four Tony Awards and had several films showcased at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
The production company announced Simons' unexpected death on Wednesday, but did not disclose the cause. Simons was celebrated for his productions of Broadway hits such as "Porgy and Bess," "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder," and "Jitney."
In addition to his success on stage, Simons also made a mark in the film industry with movies like "Night Catches Us" and "Blue Caprice." He was known for championing diversity in entertainment and was pleased to see Broadway become more inclusive following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
Before his career as a producer, Simons worked as a product manager at Microsoft. He later decided to pursue his passion for entertainment and began as an actor in regional theaters before transitioning to producing.
Simons held a bachelor's degree from Columbia College, an MBA from Columbia Business School, and an MFA from the University of Washington. Throughout his career, he appeared in films such as "27 Dresses" and TV shows like "Law & Order."
Simons' unexpected passing has left a void in the entertainment industry, with many colleagues and fans mourning his loss. His contributions to Broadway and film will be remembered for years to come.