Simon Rex: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|American actor (born 1974)}}
{{Short description|American actor (born 1974)}}
{{Redirect|Dirt Nasty|the album|Dirt Nasty (album){{!}}''Dirt Nasty'' (album)}}
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{{Use American English|date=February 2022}}
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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Simon Rex
| name              = Simon Rex
| image              = Simon Rex during an interview, March 2022.jpg
| image              = File:Simon Rex at TIFF 2025.jpg
| image_size        =
| image_size        =  
|caption = Rex in 2022
| caption           = Rex in 2025
| birth_name        = Simon Rex Cutright
| birth_name        = Simon Rex Cutright
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1974|7|20}}
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1974|7|20}}
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| genre              = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| genre              = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| years_active      = 2005–present
| years_active      = 2005–present
}}}}
}}
}}
'''Simon Rex Cutright''' (born July 20, 1974),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/artist/simon-rex-p285098 |title= Simon Rex |work=All Movie |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> known professionally as '''Simon Rex''' and his stage name '''Dirt Nasty''', is an American actor and rapper. Rising to fame as an [[MTV]] VJ, Rex later became an actor known for ''[[What I Like About You (TV series)|What I Like About You]]'', starring in three films of the [[Scary Movie (film series)|''Scary Movie'' franchise]], and ''[[National Lampoon's Pledge This!]]'' He later developed a rap persona, Dirt Nasty, and had several solo albums and co-founded the hip-hop group [[Three Loco]]. In 2021, he received critical acclaim for his lead role in [[Sean Baker (filmmaker)|Sean Baker]]'s drama film ''[[Red Rocket (film)|Red Rocket]]'', winning the [[Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead]]. In 2025, he had a guest role in the second season of the crime mystery series ''[[Poker Face (TV series)|Poker Face]]''.
'''Simon Rex Cutright''' (born July 20, 1974),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/artist/simon-rex-p285098 |title= Simon Rex |work=All Movie |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> known professionally as '''Simon Rex''' and his stage name '''Dirt Nasty''', is an American actor and rapper. Rising to fame as an [[MTV]] VJ, Rex later became an actor known for ''[[What I Like About You (TV series)|What I Like About You]]'', starring in three films of the [[Scary Movie (film series)|''Scary Movie'' franchise]], and ''[[National Lampoon's Pledge This!]]'' He later developed a rap persona, Dirt Nasty, and had several solo albums and co-founded the hip-hop group [[Three Loco]]. In 2021, he received critical acclaim for his lead role in [[Sean Baker (filmmaker)|Sean Baker]]'s drama film ''[[Red Rocket (film)|Red Rocket]]'', winning the [[Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead]]. In 2025, he had a guest role in the second season of the crime mystery series ''[[Poker Face (TV series)|Poker Face]]''.


== Early life ==
==Early life==
Rex was born in [[San Francisco]], California, and raised in [[Alameda, California|Alameda]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/27400337/production-notes-twcpublicitycom|title=Production Notes - Twcpublicity.com|website=yumpu.com}}</ref> the son of Zoe, an environmental consultant, and Paul, a relationship coach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribute.ca/people/simon-rex/6711/|title=Simon Rex biography and filmography &#124; Simon Rex movies|website=www.tribute.ca}}</ref> His mother is [[Jews|Jewish]] and he has identified as Jewish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/syizgreijx|work=[[Ynet]]|title='I was distracted by women and parties, It took me a long time to become a good Jewish man’|last=Kaminer|first=Amir|date=March 1, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302002130/https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/syizgreijx|archive-date=March 2, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2021 |title=From MTV VJ to Oscar Hopeful: Simon Rex's Long, Strange Journey Through Fame |url=https://www.gq.com/story/gq-hype-simon-rex |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}</ref>
Rex was born in [[San Francisco]], California, and raised in [[Alameda, California|Alameda]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/27400337/production-notes-twcpublicitycom|title=Production Notes - Twcpublicity.com|website=yumpu.com}}</ref> the son of Zoe, an environmental consultant, and Paul, a relationship coach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribute.ca/people/simon-rex/6711/|title=Simon Rex biography and filmography &#124; Simon Rex movies|website=www.tribute.ca}}</ref> His mother is [[Jews|Jewish]] and he has identified as Jewish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/syizgreijx|work=[[Ynet]]|title='I was distracted by women and parties, It took me a long time to become a good Jewish man’|last=Kaminer|first=Amir|date=March 1, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302002130/https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/syizgreijx|archive-date=March 2, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2021 |title=From MTV VJ to Oscar Hopeful: Simon Rex's Long, Strange Journey Through Fame |url=https://www.gq.com/story/gq-hype-simon-rex |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}</ref>


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==Career==
==Career==
 
===Early work in porn and on MTV (1993–1998)===
=== Early work in porn and on MTV (1993–1998) ===
In 1993, aged 19, Rex responded to an advertisement in a [[Los Angeles]] magazine and agreed to be photographed nude for photographer Brad Posey and his Club 1821 studio. The following year, under the alias "Sebastian", he appeared in solo masturbation scenes for three gay Club 1821 pornographic films: ''Young, Hard & Solo #2'', ''Young, Hard & Solo #3'', and ''Hot Sessions III''. Archive footage of Rex was also used in the 2000 films ''Hot Sessions 11'' and ''Hot Sessions 12''.<ref name="ferguson">{{cite book |last=Ferguson |first=Michael |year=2003 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4f--vTO9LIC&pg=PA296 |title=Idol Worship: A Shameless Celebration of Male Beauty in the Movies |location=Sarasota |publisher=STARbooks Press |page=296 |isbn=0-786-40983-5 |access-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lopez |first=Rich |url=http://www.dallasvoice.com/concert-notice-gay-porn-star-turned-comedy-music-act-simon-rex-aka-dirt-nasty-comes-to-the-loft-in-october-1032708.html |title=Concert notice: Gay-porn-star-turned-comedy-music-act Simon Rex, aka Dirt Nasty, comes to the Loft in October |work=[[Dallas Voice]] |date=July 12, 2010 |access-date=February 7, 2013 |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719080343/http://www.dallasvoice.com/concert-notice-gay-porn-star-turned-comedy-music-act-simon-rex-aka-dirt-nasty-comes-to-the-loft-in-october-1032708.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lester|first=Shallon|date=October 29, 2008|title=Former MTV VJ/porn star Simon Rex is trying his hand at rap music|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/mtv-vj-porn-star-simon-rex-hand-rap-music-article-1.299192|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203215856/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/mtv-vj-porn-star-simon-rex-hand-rap-music-article-1.299192|archive-date=December 3, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2014|work=[[NY Daily News]]}}</ref>
In 1993, aged 19, Rex responded to an advertisement in a [[Los Angeles]] magazine and agreed to be photographed nude for photographer Brad Posey and his Club 1821 studio. The following year, under the alias "Sebastian", he appeared in solo masturbation scenes for three gay Club 1821 pornographic films: ''Young, Hard & Solo #2'', ''Young, Hard & Solo #3'', and ''Hot Sessions III''. Archive footage of Rex was also used in the 2000 films ''Hot Sessions 11'' and ''Hot Sessions 12''.<ref name="ferguson">{{cite book |last=Ferguson |first=Michael |year=2003 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4f--vTO9LIC&pg=PA296 |title=Idol Worship: A Shameless Celebration of Male Beauty in the Movies |location=Sarasota |publisher=STARbooks Press |page=296 |isbn=0-786-40983-5 |access-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lopez |first=Rich |url=http://www.dallasvoice.com/concert-notice-gay-porn-star-turned-comedy-music-act-simon-rex-aka-dirt-nasty-comes-to-the-loft-in-october-1032708.html |title=Concert notice: Gay-porn-star-turned-comedy-music-act Simon Rex, aka Dirt Nasty, comes to the Loft in October |work=[[Dallas Voice]] |date=July 12, 2010 |access-date=February 7, 2013 |archive-date=July 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719080343/http://www.dallasvoice.com/concert-notice-gay-porn-star-turned-comedy-music-act-simon-rex-aka-dirt-nasty-comes-to-the-loft-in-october-1032708.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lester|first=Shallon|date=October 29, 2008|title=Former MTV VJ/porn star Simon Rex is trying his hand at rap music|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/mtv-vj-porn-star-simon-rex-hand-rap-music-article-1.299192|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203215856/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/mtv-vj-porn-star-simon-rex-hand-rap-music-article-1.299192|archive-date=December 3, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2014|work=[[NY Daily News]]}}</ref>


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In 1995, [[MTV]] hired Rex to work as a [[VJ (media personality)|VJ]] and kept him on the air for over two years before he and two other VJs were let go.<ref>{{Cite web|title=30 MTV Stars: Where are they now?|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/tv/slideshow/30-MTV-Stars-Where-are-they-now-17139.php|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=Houston Chronicle|date=August 2011|language=en}}</ref>
In 1995, [[MTV]] hired Rex to work as a [[VJ (media personality)|VJ]] and kept him on the air for over two years before he and two other VJs were let go.<ref>{{Cite web|title=30 MTV Stars: Where are they now?|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/tv/slideshow/30-MTV-Stars-Where-are-they-now-17139.php|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=Houston Chronicle|date=August 2011|language=en}}</ref>


=== Television and film (1999–2017) ===
===Television and film (1999–2017)===
 
In 1999, he was cast in the comedy-drama television series ''[[Jack & Jill (TV series)|Jack & Jill]]'', which aired on [[The WB]] channel for two seasons. He appeared as Eli in the TV show ''[[Felicity (TV series)|Felicity]]'' and television guest appearances followed including ''[[Baywatch]]'', ''[[Everwood]]'', and ''[[Summerland (TV series)|Summerland]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fretts|first=Bruce|date=April 22, 1999|title=Felicity lost her virginity with the wrong guy|url=http://ew.com/article/1999/04/22/felicity-lost-her-virginity-wrong-guy/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330140559/https://ew.com/article/1999/04/22/felicity-lost-her-virginity-wrong-guy/|archive-date=March 30, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Simon Rex|url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/simon-rex/credits/174823/|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Tv Guide}}</ref>
In 1999, he was cast in the comedy-drama television series ''[[Jack & Jill (TV series)|Jack & Jill]]'', which aired on [[The WB]] channel for two seasons. He appeared as Eli in the TV show ''[[Felicity (TV series)|Felicity]]'' and television guest appearances followed including ''[[Baywatch]]'', ''[[Everwood]]'', and ''[[Summerland (TV series)|Summerland]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fretts|first=Bruce|date=April 22, 1999|title=Felicity lost her virginity with the wrong guy|url=http://ew.com/article/1999/04/22/felicity-lost-her-virginity-wrong-guy/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330140559/https://ew.com/article/1999/04/22/felicity-lost-her-virginity-wrong-guy/|archive-date=March 30, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Simon Rex|url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/simon-rex/credits/174823/|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Tv Guide}}</ref>


Starting in 2002, Rex starred with [[Amanda Bynes]] in the sitcom ''[[What I Like About You (TV series)|What I Like About You]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amanda Bynes in 'What I Like About You|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/amanda-bynes-bizarre-behavior-gallery-1.1332306?pmSlide=1.1354180|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912192227/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/amanda-bynes-bizarre-behavior-gallery-1.1332306?pmSlide=1.1354180|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=NY Daily News}}</ref> In 2006, he appeared on the [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] primetime telenovela ''[[Monarch Cove]]'', which ran for fourteen episodes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Monarch Cove |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/monarch-cove/episodes-season-1/1000343192/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> From television into film, Rex has held the lead role in feature films including ''[[Scary Movie (film series)|Scary Movie]]'' [[Scary Movie 3|3]], [[Scary Movie 4|4]], & [[Scary Movie 5|5]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Actor Simon Rex talks 'Scary Movie V'|url=https://www.axs.com/news/actor-simon-rex-talks-scary-movie-v-97835|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191505/https://www.axs.com/news/actor-simon-rex-talks-scary-movie-v-97835|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=AXS}}</ref> ''[[Hotel California (2008 film)|Hotel California]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hotel California {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hotel-california |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> ''[[The Karate Dog]]'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Snider|first=Eric|date=June 11, 2012|title=ERIC'S BAD MOVIES: 'KARATE DOG' (2004)|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2768550/karate-dog-bad-movies/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191844/http://www.mtv.com/news/2768550/karate-dog-bad-movies/|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=MTV}}</ref> ''King of the Avenue'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=King of the Avenue {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/king_of_the_avenue |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[Superhero Movie]]''. Rex more recently starred alongside comedian [[Nick Swardson]] in the [[Comedy Central]] show, ''[[Typical Rick]]'', which ran for two seasons from 2016 to 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nick Swardson gets another shot with Comedy Central|url=http://www.startribune.com/nick-swardson-gets-another-shot-with-comedy-central/374134431/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603043846/https://www.startribune.com/nick-swardson-gets-another-shot-with-comedy-central/374134431/|archive-date=June 3, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Star Tribune}}</ref>
Starting in 2002, Rex starred with [[Amanda Bynes]] in the sitcom ''[[What I Like About You (TV series)|What I Like About You]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amanda Bynes in 'What I Like About You|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/amanda-bynes-bizarre-behavior-gallery-1.1332306?pmSlide=1.1354180|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912192227/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/amanda-bynes-bizarre-behavior-gallery-1.1332306?pmSlide=1.1354180|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=NY Daily News}}</ref> In 2006, he appeared on the [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] primetime telenovela ''[[Monarch Cove]]'', which ran for fourteen episodes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Monarch Cove |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/monarch-cove/episodes-season-1/1000343192/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> From television into film, Rex has held the lead role in feature films including ''[[Scary Movie (film series)|Scary Movie]]'' [[Scary Movie 3|3]], [[Scary Movie 4|4]], & [[Scary Movie 5|5]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Actor Simon Rex talks 'Scary Movie V'|url=https://www.axs.com/news/actor-simon-rex-talks-scary-movie-v-97835|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191505/https://www.axs.com/news/actor-simon-rex-talks-scary-movie-v-97835|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=AXS}}</ref> ''[[Hotel California (2008 film)|Hotel California]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hotel California {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hotel-california |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> ''[[The Karate Dog]]'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Snider|first=Eric|date=June 11, 2012|title=ERIC'S BAD MOVIES: 'KARATE DOG' (2004)|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2768550/karate-dog-bad-movies/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191844/http://www.mtv.com/news/2768550/karate-dog-bad-movies/|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=MTV}}</ref> ''King of the Avenue'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=King of the Avenue {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/king_of_the_avenue |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[Superhero Movie]]''. Rex more recently starred alongside comedian [[Nick Swardson]] in the [[Comedy Central]] show, ''[[Typical Rick]]'', which ran for two seasons from 2016 to 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nick Swardson gets another shot with Comedy Central|url=http://www.startribune.com/nick-swardson-gets-another-shot-with-comedy-central/374134431/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603043846/https://www.startribune.com/nick-swardson-gets-another-shot-with-comedy-central/374134431/|archive-date=June 3, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Star Tribune}}</ref>


=== Music (2005–2020) ===
===Music (2005–2020)===
 
Rex entered the music industry in 2005 as a rap artist after becoming friends with and discovering [[Mickey Avalon]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.times-standard.com/article/ZZ/20111020/NEWS/111029520 |title= Q-and-A with Mickey Avalon; rapper set to take wild story to the stage in Arcata Thursday |work= Times Standard |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> Rex adopted his alter ego ''Dirt Nasty''<ref>{{cite web|last=Albert|first=John|date=April 26, 2006|title=Mickey Avalon's True Hollywood Stories|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/mickey-avalons-true-hollywood-stories-2143047|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=LA Weekly}}</ref> and formed the rap group ''Dyslexic Speedreaders'' with Avalon & Andre Legacy. Rex both produced and was featured on the group's hit song "My Dick"''.''<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.popdust.com/simon-rex-dirt-nasty-furries-1956359451.html |title= Simon Rex Dirt Nasty—Furries, Boners, Haberdashery, Chicks in Bikinis—Just a Regular Day For #1Daddy |work= Pop Dust |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> Again the group paired with [[Lil Jon]] to create the song "What Do You Say" which was featured in 2009's blockbuster comedy film, ''[[The Hangover]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.tunefind.com/movie/the-hangover |title= Songs and music featured in The Hangover |work= Tune Find |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref>
Rex entered the music industry in 2005 as a rap artist after becoming friends with and discovering [[Mickey Avalon]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.times-standard.com/article/ZZ/20111020/NEWS/111029520 |title= Q-and-A with Mickey Avalon; rapper set to take wild story to the stage in Arcata Thursday |work= Times Standard |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> Rex adopted his alter ego ''Dirt Nasty''<ref>{{cite web|last=Albert|first=John|date=April 26, 2006|title=Mickey Avalon's True Hollywood Stories|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/mickey-avalons-true-hollywood-stories-2143047|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=LA Weekly}}</ref> and formed the rap group ''Dyslexic Speedreaders'' with Avalon & Andre Legacy. Rex both produced and was featured on the group's hit song "My Dick"''.''<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.popdust.com/simon-rex-dirt-nasty-furries-1956359451.html |title= Simon Rex Dirt Nasty—Furries, Boners, Haberdashery, Chicks in Bikinis—Just a Regular Day For #1Daddy |work= Pop Dust |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> Again the group paired with [[Lil Jon]] to create the song "What Do You Say" which was featured in 2009's blockbuster comedy film, ''[[The Hangover]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.tunefind.com/movie/the-hangover |title= Songs and music featured in The Hangover |work= Tune Find |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref>


Rex was an investor in the New York City nightclub [[The Plumm]] with partners Noel Ashman, [[Samantha Ronson]], [[Chris Noth]], and others. It opened in 2006 and closed in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dowd|first=Kathy Ehrich|date=May 24, 2006|title=The Plumm is the new place in NYC|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-05-24-plumm_x.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022041038/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-05-24-plumm_x.htm|archive-date=October 22, 2012|access-date=December 10, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>
Rex was an investor in the New York City nightclub [[The Plumm]] with partners Noel Ashman, [[Samantha Ronson]], [[Chris Noth]], and others. It opened in 2006 and closed in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dowd|first=Kathy Ehrich|date=May 24, 2006|title=The Plumm is the new place in NYC|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-05-24-plumm_x.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022041038/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-05-24-plumm_x.htm|archive-date=October 22, 2012|access-date=December 10, 2014|work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>


In 2007, Dirt Nasty released his [[Dirt Nasty (album)|self-titled debut album]] which included the songs ''1980'', ''Cracker Ass Fantastic'' & ''Dropping Names''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-13-best-concerts-in-phoenix-this-weekend-9336725 |title= The 13 Best Concerts in Phoenix This Weekend |work= Phoenix New times |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> His second album, 2011's ''[[Nasty as I Wanna Be]]'', featured [[Ke$ha]], [[LMFAO]], [[Too Short]], and [[Warren G]].<ref>{{cite web|date=August 6, 2015|title=Simon Rex returns to South Lake Tahoe as Dirt Nasty|url=http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/simon-rex-returns-to-south-lake-tahoe-as-dirt-nasty/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912192117/https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/simon-rex-returns-to-south-lake-tahoe-as-dirt-nasty/|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Tahoe Daily Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Leatherman|first=Benjamin|date=May 18, 2017|title=ACTOR SIMON REX TACKLES HIP-HOP AS DIRT NASTY|url=https://www.parlemag.com/2010/07/actor-simon-rex-tackles-hip-hop-as-dirt-nasty/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518152938/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-13-best-concerts-in-phoenix-this-weekend-9336725|archive-date=May 18, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Parle Magazine}}</ref> Rex's other musical projects under his Dirt Nasty alias include his third album ''Palatial,'' and the [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Three Loco]] which features [[Andy Milonakis]] and [[Riff Raff (rapper)|Riff Raff]]. As Three Loco, the group teamed up with producer [[Diplo]] and released the group's eight-song EP on Diplo's [[Mad Decent]] label.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-27|title=Stream the new EP from rap weirdos Three Loco; watch the video for 'Bong Hits'|url=https://www.factmag.com/2012/11/27/stream-the-new-ep-from-rap-weirdos-three-loco-watch-the-video-for-bong-hits/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Fact Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Dirt Nasty appeared in Season 1, episode 5 of Paris Hilton's ''[[My New BFF]]'' where the girls had to play "Seven Minutes in Heaven" with him.
In 2007, Dirt Nasty released his [[Dirt Nasty (album)|self-titled debut album]], which included the songs ''1980'', ''Cracker Ass Fantastic'', and ''Droppin' Names''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-13-best-concerts-in-phoenix-this-weekend-9336725 |title= The 13 Best Concerts in Phoenix This Weekend |work= Phoenix New times |access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> His second album, 2011's ''[[Nasty as I Wanna Be]]'', featured [[Ke$ha]], [[LMFAO]], [[Too Short]], and [[Warren G]].<ref>{{cite web|date=August 6, 2015|title=Simon Rex returns to South Lake Tahoe as Dirt Nasty|url=http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/simon-rex-returns-to-south-lake-tahoe-as-dirt-nasty/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912192117/https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/simon-rex-returns-to-south-lake-tahoe-as-dirt-nasty/|archive-date=September 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Tahoe Daily Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Leatherman|first=Benjamin|date=May 18, 2017|title=ACTOR SIMON REX TACKLES HIP-HOP AS DIRT NASTY|url=https://www.parlemag.com/2010/07/actor-simon-rex-tackles-hip-hop-as-dirt-nasty/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518152938/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-13-best-concerts-in-phoenix-this-weekend-9336725|archive-date=May 18, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2017|work=Parle Magazine}}</ref> Rex's other musical projects under his Dirt Nasty alias include his third album ''Palatial,'' and the [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Three Loco]] which features [[Andy Milonakis]] and [[Riff Raff (rapper)|Riff Raff]]. As Three Loco, the group teamed up with producer [[Diplo]] and released the group's eight-song EP on Diplo's [[Mad Decent]] label.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-27|title=Stream the new EP from rap weirdos Three Loco; watch the video for 'Bong Hits'|url=https://www.factmag.com/2012/11/27/stream-the-new-ep-from-rap-weirdos-three-loco-watch-the-video-for-bong-hits/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Fact Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Dirt Nasty appeared in Season 1, episode 5 of Paris Hilton's ''[[My New BFF]]'' where the girls had to play "Seven Minutes in Heaven" with him.


=== Film resurgence (2021–present) ===
===Film resurgence (2021–present)===
In 2020, Rex, stuck in a floundering music endeavor with film opportunities having dried up, received a call from director [[Sean Baker (filmmaker)|Sean Baker]] asking him to send in a video audition for the film ''[[Red Rocket (film)|Red Rocket]]'', after which he was quickly offered the lead role.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Randolph|first=Eric|date=July 14, 2021|title=Not much foreplay: actor's rush to Cannes porn star role|url=https://news.yahoo.com/not-much-foreplay-actors-rush-165203666.html|access-date=July 15, 2021|website=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3"/> Rex stated: "Sean Baker gave me a shot when nobody else would ... I didn't really work for over a decade. And I think Sean wanted to prove to people that he could show someone like me could do it."<ref name="RedRocketComeback">{{Cite web |last=Nordstrom |first=Leigh |date=2024-08-23 |title=Simon Rex Gets His 'Seat at the Table' as Hollywood Comeback Continues With Zoë Kravitz and 'Blink Twice' |url=https://wwd.com/eye/people/simon-rex-blink-twice-zoe-kravitz-1236552965/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYdKwBGXltFndLdMtmXT2ImUgIcm117ris8bHhMXVAttMHHPl0A3wZSNmo_aem_fjKL4xOPeVr9htJN5QN1Lw |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> The film premiered in competition for the [[Palme d'Or]] at the [[2021 Cannes Film Festival]] and the film - and particularly Rex's performance - received overwhelmingly positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Lawson|first=Richard|date=July 14, 2021|title=Simon Rex Is Sensational in 'Red Rocket'|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/07/red-rocket-movie-review-simon-rex-cannes|access-date=July 17, 2021|magazine=Vanity Fair|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/awards/industry/simon-rex-hollywood-pariah-red-rocket-oscar-contender-1234681846/ Simon Rex Charts His Journey from Hollywood Pariah to 'Red Rocket' Oscar Contender]</ref> The film was considered a serious acting career breakthrough for Rex and his comeback in the industry.<ref name="RedRocketComeback"/>
In 2020, Rex, stuck in a floundering music endeavor with film opportunities having dried up, received a call from director [[Sean Baker (filmmaker)|Sean Baker]] asking him to send in a video audition for the film ''[[Red Rocket (film)|Red Rocket]]'', after which he was quickly offered the lead role.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Randolph|first=Eric|date=July 14, 2021|title=Not much foreplay: actor's rush to Cannes porn star role|url=https://news.yahoo.com/not-much-foreplay-actors-rush-165203666.html|access-date=July 15, 2021|website=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3"/> Rex stated: "Sean Baker gave me a shot when nobody else would ... I didn't really work for over a decade. And I think Sean wanted to prove to people that he could show someone like me could do it."<ref name="RedRocketComeback">{{Cite web |last=Nordstrom |first=Leigh |date=2024-08-23 |title=Simon Rex Gets His 'Seat at the Table' as Hollywood Comeback Continues With Zoë Kravitz and 'Blink Twice' |url=https://wwd.com/eye/people/simon-rex-blink-twice-zoe-kravitz-1236552965/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYdKwBGXltFndLdMtmXT2ImUgIcm117ris8bHhMXVAttMHHPl0A3wZSNmo_aem_fjKL4xOPeVr9htJN5QN1Lw |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> The film premiered in competition for the [[Palme d'Or]] at the [[2021 Cannes Film Festival]] and the film - and particularly Rex's performance - received overwhelmingly positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Lawson|first=Richard|date=July 14, 2021|title=Simon Rex Is Sensational in 'Red Rocket'|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/07/red-rocket-movie-review-simon-rex-cannes|access-date=July 17, 2021|magazine=Vanity Fair|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/awards/industry/simon-rex-hollywood-pariah-red-rocket-oscar-contender-1234681846/ Simon Rex Charts His Journey from Hollywood Pariah to 'Red Rocket' Oscar Contender]</ref> The film was considered a serious acting career breakthrough for Rex and his comeback in the industry.<ref name="RedRocketComeback"/>


In October 2021, as a result of the attention ''Red Rocket'' had garnered, Rex signed with the [[Entertainment Manager|management firm]] Range Media Partners. He next appeared in ''[[Mack & Rita]]'', starring [[Diane Keaton]], followed by ''[[Down Low (film)|Down Low]]'' with [[Zachary Quinto]]. Soon after that, he was cast in a number of other films that premiered in film festivals, such as ''[[Americana (2023 film)|Americana]]'' and ''[[The Sweet East]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2021-10-27|title='Red Rocket' Star Simon Rex Signs With Range Media Partners|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/red-rocket-star-simon-rex-range-media-partners-1234863053/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Deadline}}</ref><ref name="Anthem">{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2022-02-03|title=Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Simon Rex & Others Set For Bron's 'National Anthem'|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sydney-sweeney-halsey-paul-walter-hauser-simon-rex-brons-national-anthem-1234925918/|access-date=2022-02-08|website=Deadline}}</ref> Other film appearances include ''[[Greedy People (film)|Greedy People]]'', ''[[Blink Twice]]'', and ''[[Everything's Going to Be Great]]''. He was cast in a supporting role in ''The Leader'', a biopic about the [[Heaven's Gate (religious group)|Heaven's Gate cult]] led by Marshall Applewhite.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=2023-10-30 |title=Michael C. Hall & Grace Caroline Currey Join Heaven's Gate Cult Biopic 'The Leader' – AFM |url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/michael-c-hall-grace-caroline-currey-join-heavens-gate-cult-movie-leader-1235587633/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Deadline}}</ref>
In October 2021, as a result of the attention ''Red Rocket'' had garnered, Rex signed with the [[Entertainment Manager|management firm]] Range Media Partners. He next appeared in ''[[Mack & Rita]]'', starring [[Diane Keaton]], followed by ''[[Down Low (film)|Down Low]]'' with [[Zachary Quinto]]. Soon after that, he was cast in a number of other films that premiered in film festivals, such as ''[[Americana (2023 film)|Americana]]'' and ''[[The Sweet East]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2021-10-27|title='Red Rocket' Star Simon Rex Signs With Range Media Partners|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/red-rocket-star-simon-rex-range-media-partners-1234863053/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Deadline}}</ref><ref name="Anthem">{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=2022-02-03|title=Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Simon Rex & Others Set For Bron's 'National Anthem'|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/sydney-sweeney-halsey-paul-walter-hauser-simon-rex-brons-national-anthem-1234925918/|access-date=2022-02-08|website=Deadline}}</ref> Other film appearances include ''[[Greedy People (film)|Greedy People]]'', ''[[Blink Twice]]'', and ''[[Everything's Going to Be Great]]''. He was cast in a supporting role in ''[[The Leader (film)|The Leader]]'', a biopic about the [[Heaven's Gate (religious group)|Heaven's Gate cult]] led by Marshall Applewhite.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=2023-10-30 |title=Michael C. Hall & Grace Caroline Currey Join Heaven's Gate Cult Biopic 'The Leader' – AFM |url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/michael-c-hall-grace-caroline-currey-join-heavens-gate-cult-movie-leader-1235587633/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Deadline}}</ref>


Rex appeared in the April 2, 2022 episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' hosted by [[Jerrod Carmichael]] with musical guest [[Gunna (rapper)|Gunna]], in the music video "Short-Ass Movies", where in addition to appearing as himself, his face is used for [[Ernest P. Worrell]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='SNL': Pete Davidson Returns To Vent About Movies Being Too Long In Music Video Featuring Simon Rex |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/snl-pete-davidson-returns-movies-too-long-in-music-video-simon-rex-gunna-chris-redd-1234993116/ |website=Deadline |access-date=April 3, 2022 |date=April 3, 2022}}</ref>
Rex appeared in the April 2, 2022 episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' hosted by [[Jerrod Carmichael]] with musical guest [[Gunna (rapper)|Gunna]], in the music video "Short-Ass Movies", where in addition to appearing as himself, his face is used for [[Ernest P. Worrell]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='SNL': Pete Davidson Returns To Vent About Movies Being Too Long In Music Video Featuring Simon Rex |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/snl-pete-davidson-returns-movies-too-long-in-music-video-simon-rex-gunna-chris-redd-1234993116/ |website=Deadline |access-date=April 3, 2022 |date=April 3, 2022}}</ref>
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|}
|}


=== Film ===
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Year
Line 94: Line 91:
| ''[[Going Greek]]''
| ''[[Going Greek]]''
| Thompson
| Thompson
|
|-
| 2001
| ''[[The Forsaken (2001 film)|The Forsaken]]''
| Pen
|
|
|-
|-
Line 186: Line 188:
| ''[[Greedy People (film)|Greedy People]]''
| ''[[Greedy People (film)|Greedy People]]''
| Keith
| Keith
| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2024/08/greedy-people-review-joseph-gordon-levitts-loopy-cop-tops-black-crime-comedy-1236046516/ |title='Greedy People' Review: Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Loopy Cop Tops Black Comedy That Somehow Escaped The Coens' Grasp |date=2024-08-21 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |last=Hammond |first=Pete}}</ref>
|  
|-
|-
| ''[[Operation Taco Gary's]]''
| ''[[Operation Taco Gary's]]''
Line 192: Line 194:
|  
|  
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2025
| rowspan="4" | 2025
| ''[[Magic Farm]]''
| ''[[Magic Farm]]''
| Dave
| Dave
Line 204: Line 206:
| Kyle
| Kyle
|  
|  
|-
| rowspan="3" | {{TableTBA}}
| {{Pending film|Easy's Waltz}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Nic Pizzolatto Sets Directing Debut With ‘Easy’s Waltz’; Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, Al Pacino & Simon Rex To Star |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/nic-pizzolatto-easys-waltz-vince-vaughn-michelle-monaghan-al-pacino-simon-rex-1235270133/ |website=Deadline |access-date=22 March 2025}}</ref>
| {{TableTBA}}
| Post-production
|-
|-
| ''[[Easy's Waltz]]''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=Nic Pizzolatto Sets Directing Debut With ‘Easy’s Waltz’; Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, Al Pacino & Simon Rex To Star |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/nic-pizzolatto-easys-waltz-vince-vaughn-michelle-monaghan-al-pacino-simon-rex-1235270133/ |website=Deadline |access-date=22 March 2025}}</ref>
| Sam
|
|-
| rowspan="4" | {{TableTBA}}
| {{Pending film|[[The Prince (upcoming film)|The Prince]]}}
| {{Pending film|[[The Prince (upcoming film)|The Prince]]}}
| {{TableTBA}}
|  
| Filming
| Post-production
|-
|-
| {{Pending film|Halloween Store}}
| {{Pending film|Halloween Store}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=Glenn |date=2025-03-24 |title=‘Halloween Store’: Lindy Booth, Sydney Park, Grace Van Dien, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. & Drew Ray Tanner Round Out Cast |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/halloween-store-lindy-booth-sydney-park-grace-van-dien-cast-1236347385/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
| Wes Gulager
| Wes Gulager
|Post-production<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=Glenn |date=2025-03-24 |title=‘Halloween Store’: Lindy Booth, Sydney Park, Grace Van Dien, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. & Drew Ray Tanner Round Out Cast |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/halloween-store-lindy-booth-sydney-park-grace-van-dien-cast-1236347385/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
|Post-production
|-
| {{Pending film|[[The Leader (film)|The Leader]]}}
|
| Post-production
|-
| {{Pending film|God Bless You, Mr. Kopu}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keslassy |first=Elsa |date=2025-11-06 |title=‘Red Rocket’s’ Simon Rex to Star in Alex Liu’s Comedy Thriller ‘God Bless You, Mr Kopu,’ Radiant Films, AC Independent Launching Project at AFM (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2025/film/global/simon-rex-alex-liu-comedy-thriller-god-bless-you-mr-kopu-1236571394/|access-date=2025-11-06 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
| Marco Cass
| Filming
|}
|}


=== Television ===
===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Year
Line 245: Line 255:
| Main role; 32 episodes
| Main role; 32 episodes
|-
|-
| 2002–03
| 2002–2003
| ''[[What I Like About You (TV series)|What I Like About You]]''
| ''[[What I Like About You (TV series)|What I Like About You]]''
| Jeff Campbell
| Jeff Campbell
Line 255: Line 265:
| Television film
| Television film
|-
|-
| 2004–05
| 2004–2005
| ''[[Summerland (TV series)|Summerland]]''
| ''[[Summerland (TV series)|Summerland]]''
| Sun
| Sun
Line 293: Line 303:
| Episode: "Status Update"
| Episode: "Status Update"
|-
|-
| 2016–17
| 2016–2017
| ''[[Typical Rick]]''
| ''[[Typical Rick]]''
| Rick
| Rick
Line 318: Line 328:
| Episode: "Gator"
| Episode: "Gator"
|-
|-
| 2025
| rowspan="2" | 2025
| ''[[Mo (TV series)|Mo]]''
| ''[[Mo (TV series)|Mo]]''
| Guy
| Guy
| Season 2
| 3 episodes
|-
|-
| 2025
| ''[[Poker Face (TV series)|Poker Face]]''
| ''[[Poker Face (TV series)|Poker Face]]''
| 'Rocket' Russ Waddell
| 'Rocket' Russ Waddell
| Episode: "Hometown Hero"
| Episode: "[[Hometown Hero (Poker Face)|Hometown Hero]]"
|}
|}


=== Music videos ===
===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Year
Line 383: Line 392:


==Discography==
==Discography==
===Studio albums===
===Studio albums===
* ''Catching Up to Wilt'' <small>(with [[Mickey Avalon]], Andre Legacy, and Beardo)</small> (2004)
* ''Catching Up to Wilt'' <small>(with [[Mickey Avalon]], Andre Legacy, and Beardo)</small> (2004)
Line 416: Line 424:
* [[Luckyiam]] – "Rap, Rap, Rap" from ''Most Likely to Succeed'' (2007)
* [[Luckyiam]] – "Rap, Rap, Rap" from ''Most Likely to Succeed'' (2007)


== Awards and nominations ==
==Awards and nominations==


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
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[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:Best Male Lead Independent Spirit Award winners]]

Latest revision as of 06:19, 13 November 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Protection banner". Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Template:Wikidata image Simon Rex Cutright (born July 20, 1974),[1] known professionally as Simon Rex and his stage name Dirt Nasty, is an American actor and rapper. Rising to fame as an MTV VJ, Rex later became an actor known for What I Like About You, starring in three films of the Scary Movie franchise, and National Lampoon's Pledge This! He later developed a rap persona, Dirt Nasty, and had several solo albums and co-founded the hip-hop group Three Loco. In 2021, he received critical acclaim for his lead role in Sean Baker's drama film Red Rocket, winning the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. In 2025, he had a guest role in the second season of the crime mystery series Poker Face.

Early life

Rex was born in San Francisco, California, and raised in Alameda,[2] the son of Zoe, an environmental consultant, and Paul, a relationship coach.[3] His mother is Jewish and he has identified as Jewish.[4][5]

Rex was an only child who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.[6] Rex's father was a breath-work coach (in the tradition of alternative psychologist Stanislav Grof) who left the family when Rex was little. At age 18, he was attending community college and working at a potato-sack factory when he began dating and living with a model in Oakland.[7]

Career

Early work in porn and on MTV (1993–1998)

In 1993, aged 19, Rex responded to an advertisement in a Los Angeles magazine and agreed to be photographed nude for photographer Brad Posey and his Club 1821 studio. The following year, under the alias "Sebastian", he appeared in solo masturbation scenes for three gay Club 1821 pornographic films: Young, Hard & Solo #2, Young, Hard & Solo #3, and Hot Sessions III. Archive footage of Rex was also used in the 2000 films Hot Sessions 11 and Hot Sessions 12.[8][9][10]

One day, while Rex was driving his girlfriend to a casting audition and also watching her child as she prepared to audition, a casting director spotted him sitting in the waiting room and the next day he was on a flight to Milan to work as a model.[7] In 1994, Rex went on a modeling tour for Tommy Hilfiger, before going on to appear in mainstream modeling gigs for Calvin Klein Inc, Versace, and Levi's.[11][8]

In 1995, MTV hired Rex to work as a VJ and kept him on the air for over two years before he and two other VJs were let go.[12]

Television and film (1999–2017)

In 1999, he was cast in the comedy-drama television series Jack & Jill, which aired on The WB channel for two seasons. He appeared as Eli in the TV show Felicity and television guest appearances followed including Baywatch, Everwood, and Summerland.[13][14]

Starting in 2002, Rex starred with Amanda Bynes in the sitcom What I Like About You.[15] In 2006, he appeared on the Lifetime primetime telenovela Monarch Cove, which ran for fourteen episodes.[16] From television into film, Rex has held the lead role in feature films including Scary Movie 3, 4, & 5,[17] Hotel California,[18] The Karate Dog,[19] King of the Avenue,[20] and Superhero Movie. Rex more recently starred alongside comedian Nick Swardson in the Comedy Central show, Typical Rick, which ran for two seasons from 2016 to 2017.[21]

Music (2005–2020)

Rex entered the music industry in 2005 as a rap artist after becoming friends with and discovering Mickey Avalon.[22] Rex adopted his alter ego Dirt Nasty[23] and formed the rap group Dyslexic Speedreaders with Avalon & Andre Legacy. Rex both produced and was featured on the group's hit song "My Dick".[24] Again the group paired with Lil Jon to create the song "What Do You Say" which was featured in 2009's blockbuster comedy film, The Hangover.[25]

Rex was an investor in the New York City nightclub The Plumm with partners Noel Ashman, Samantha Ronson, Chris Noth, and others. It opened in 2006 and closed in 2009.[26]

In 2007, Dirt Nasty released his self-titled debut album, which included the songs 1980, Cracker Ass Fantastic, and Droppin' Names.[27] His second album, 2011's Nasty as I Wanna Be, featured Ke$ha, LMFAO, Too Short, and Warren G.[28][29] Rex's other musical projects under his Dirt Nasty alias include his third album Palatial, and the supergroup Three Loco which features Andy Milonakis and Riff Raff. As Three Loco, the group teamed up with producer Diplo and released the group's eight-song EP on Diplo's Mad Decent label.[30] Dirt Nasty appeared in Season 1, episode 5 of Paris Hilton's My New BFF where the girls had to play "Seven Minutes in Heaven" with him.

Film resurgence (2021–present)

In 2020, Rex, stuck in a floundering music endeavor with film opportunities having dried up, received a call from director Sean Baker asking him to send in a video audition for the film Red Rocket, after which he was quickly offered the lead role.[31][32] Rex stated: "Sean Baker gave me a shot when nobody else would ... I didn't really work for over a decade. And I think Sean wanted to prove to people that he could show someone like me could do it."[33] The film premiered in competition for the Palme d'Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival and the film - and particularly Rex's performance - received overwhelmingly positive reviews.[34][35] The film was considered a serious acting career breakthrough for Rex and his comeback in the industry.[33]

In October 2021, as a result of the attention Red Rocket had garnered, Rex signed with the management firm Range Media Partners. He next appeared in Mack & Rita, starring Diane Keaton, followed by Down Low with Zachary Quinto. Soon after that, he was cast in a number of other films that premiered in film festivals, such as Americana and The Sweet East.[36][37] Other film appearances include Greedy People, Blink Twice, and Everything's Going to Be Great. He was cast in a supporting role in The Leader, a biopic about the Heaven's Gate cult led by Marshall Applewhite.[38]

Rex appeared in the April 2, 2022 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Jerrod Carmichael with musical guest Gunna, in the music video "Short-Ass Movies", where in addition to appearing as himself, his face is used for Ernest P. Worrell.[39]

Other activities

In late 2023, Rex co-founded a re-launched men's skincare brand out of Colorado known as MOX.[40][41] As the face of the brand, he regularly promotes MOX products on his social media and during interviews.[42][43]

Personal life

In his late 40s, Rex reconnected with his father. They shared a "psychedelic experience" during which Rex learned his grandfather was a "spiritual leader" who was "not always the most faithful member of his flock."[7]

Rex bought a house in Laurel Canyon after the success of Scary Movie 3. He was living in a guesthouse in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles when he was offered US$70,000 by British tabloids to falsely claim he had dated Meghan Markle, his co-star in Cuts.[44][45]

Tabloids speculated that he had dated Paris Hilton, but he insisted they were just "friends that held hands."[7]

Rex lives off the grid in Joshua Tree, California, in the middle of the Mojave Desert.[7]

Filmography

Key
Template:Dagger Denotes productions that have not yet been released

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2000 Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th Slab O'Beef
2001 Going Greek Thompson
2001 The Forsaken Pen
2003 Scary Movie 3 George Logan
2006 Scary Movie 4 Cameo
National Lampoon's Pledge This! Derek
2007 Rise: Blood Hunter Hank
2008 Superhero Movie Human Torch
Hotel California Pete
2010 King of the Avenue Taz
2012 Slightly Single in L.A. J.P. Cipoletti
2013 Scary Movie 5 Dan Sanders
2017 Alexander IRL Owen Reed
Bodied Donnie Narco
2018 Avengers of Justice: Farce Wars[46] Dark Jokester
2021 Red Rocket Mikey Saber
2022 Mack & Rita Luca
My Dead Dad Gavin [47][48]
2023 Down Low Buck/Fleshpuppet
Americana Roy Lee Dean
The Sweet East Lawrence
2024 Blink Twice Cody
Greedy People Keith
Operation Taco Gary's Danny
2025 Magic Farm Dave
Tow Cliff
Everything's Going to Be Great Kyle
Easy's Waltz[49] Sam
Template:TableTBA Template:Pending film Post-production
Template:Pending film[50] Wes Gulager Post-production
Template:Pending film Post-production
Template:Pending film[51] Marco Cass Filming

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1996 Baywatch Himself Episode: "Beachblast"
1999 Felicity Eli 4 episodes
Katie Joplin Tiger French Main role; 5 episodes
1999–2001 Jack & Jill Michael "Mikey" Russo Main role; 32 episodes
2002–2003 What I Like About You Jeff Campbell Main role (season 1); 21 episodes
2004 Script error: No such module "Sort". Det. Peter Fowler Television film
2004–2005 Summerland Sun 2 episodes
2005 Cuts Harrison 2 episodes
Everwood Cliff Fenton Episode: "So Long, Farewell..."
2006 Monarch Cove Eddie Lucas Main role; 14 episodes
2010 Nick Swardson's Pretend Time Brian Episode: "I Just Got Voodoo'd"
2014 Happyland Tony Episode: "Park Maintenance"
2015 Perception Roy Meier Episode: "Meat"
NCIS Scott Bleeker Episode: "Status Update"
2016–2017 Typical Rick Rick 12 episodes
2020 The Real Bros of Simi Valley DJ Womp Womp Episode: "Lights Out Gringos"
2022 Saturday Night Live Himself/Dirt Nasty Episode: "Jerrod Carmichael/Gunna"
2023 Bupkis Ben/Crispy Episode: "Crispytown"
2024 It's Florida, Man Eric Merda Episode: "Gator"
2025 Mo Guy 3 episodes
Poker Face 'Rocket' Russ Waddell Episode: "Hometown Hero"

Music videos

Year Title Artist Role
2004 "She Wants to Move" N.E.R.D Hot guy
2009 "Tik Tok" Kesha Barry
2010 "Yes" LMFAO Dirt Nasty
2011 "Sexy and I Know It" LMFAO Guy on bicycle
2012 "Bird on a Wire" Action Bronson featuring Riff Raff Dirt Nasty
2016 "World Wide Lamper" Kool Keith featuring B.a.R.S. Murre & Dirt Nasty Dirt Nasty
2020 "Burning Man" Jonah and Jeff Wittek Dirt Nasty
2024 "Lucky" Halsey Love interest
2024 "BBA" Paris Hilton featuring Megan Thee Stallion Party guest

Discography

Studio albums

  • Catching Up to Wilt (with Mickey Avalon, Andre Legacy, and Beardo) (2004)
  • Dirt Nasty (2007)
  • Shoot to Kill (with Mickey Avalon, Andre Legacy, and Beardo) (2008)
  • The White Album (with DJ Stretch Armstrong) (2010)
  • Nasty as I Wanna Be (2010)
  • Palatial (2013)
  • The White Boys (with Andre Legacy and Beardo) (2014)
  • Breakfast in Bed (with Smoov-e) (2015)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
  • Dirt Nasty Sux (2016)

Mixtapes

  • The White Album (2010)
  • Shoot to Kill Mixtape (with Mickey Avalon, Andre Legacy, & BEARDO) (2008)

Extended plays

Guest appearances

  • Mickey Avalon – "My Dick" from Mickey Avalon (2005)
  • Mickey Avalon – "What Do You Say" from Mickey Avalon (2006)
  • Luckyiam – "Nevermind" from Most Likely to Succeed (2007)
  • Verb – "1980 Gutter" from The East Side Extraterrestrial EP (2009)
  • Mac Lethal – "My Cadillac" from Postcards from Kansas EP
  • Kool Keith – "World Wide Lamper" from Feature Magnetic (2016)
  • Pete Davidson – "Short Ass Movie" on SNL (2022)

Productions

  • The Grouch & Eligh – "Can't Catch Me" from No More Greener Grasses (2003)
  • Luckyiam – "Rap, Rap, Rap" from Most Likely to Succeed (2007)

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Work Result Ref
2021 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Best Actor Red Rocket Won [52]
Mill Valley Film Festival MVFF Award Awarded [53]
Newport Beach Film Festival Breakout Performance Award Awarded [54]
SCAD Savannah Film Festival Spotlight Award Awarded [55][32]
Chicago Film Critics Association Best Actor Nominated [56]
Gotham Awards Outstanding Lead Performance Nominated [57]
2022 Independent Spirit Awards Best Male Lead Won [58]
Seattle Film Critics Society Best Actor Nominated [59]
Austin Film Critics Association Best Actor Nominated [60][61]
Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuoso Award Awarded [62]
National Society of Film Critics Best Actor Template:Runner-up [63]

References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Simon Rex Charts His Journey from Hollywood Pariah to 'Red Rocket' Oscar Contender
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. ↑ Template:Cite Instagram
  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  51. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  52. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  53. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  54. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  55. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  56. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  57. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  58. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  59. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  60. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  61. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  62. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  63. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Template:Sister project

Script error: No such module "navboxes". Template:Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead Template:Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best ActorScript error: No such module "navboxes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Template:Authority control

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