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Simon Rex
Simon Rex
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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.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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)

[edit]

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)

[edit]

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)

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
Key
Denotes productions that have not yet been released

Film

[edit]
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
TBA The Prince Post-production
Halloween Store [50] Wes Gulager Post-production
The Leader Post-production

Television

[edit]
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 The Karate Dog 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

[edit]
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

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
  • 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)
  • Dirt Nasty Sux (2016)

Mixtapes

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

Extended plays

[edit]

Guest appearances

[edit]
  • 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

[edit]
  • 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

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Simon Rex Cutright (born July 20, 1974) is an American actor, rapper, comedian, and former (VJ), best known for his comedic roles in the franchise and his dramatic breakout performance in the 2021 film Red Rocket. Born in , , Rex grew up in nearby Oakland, where he attended community college and worked in a potato-sack factory before moving to at age 18 to pursue modeling. His early entry into entertainment included a brief stint in adult films around age 19. He gained prominence as an VJ in the mid-1990s but was dismissed in 1997 amid declining ratings. Transitioning to acting, he landed guest spots on shows like Felicity (1998–2002) and became a series regular as Jeff Campbell on the WB What I Like About You during its first season (2002–2003), alongside and . Rex's film career took off with a supporting role in the comedy Scary Movie 3 (2003), where he portrayed the dim-witted George Logan, a role he reprised in Scary Movie 4 (2006) and Scary Movie 5 (2013). Parallel to acting, he developed a music career under the stage name Dirt Nasty, releasing his self-titled debut rap album in 2007, which featured the viral MySpace-era track "My Dick" and cultivated a for its irreverent, lowbrow humor. Following a decade-long career slowdown in the 2010s, marked by indie films, web series, and challenges, Rex experienced a resurgence with his lead role as the hustler Mikey Saber in Sean Baker's Red Rocket (2021), which premiered at the to critical acclaim and earned him Independent Spirit Award and Gotham Award nominations. In recent years, Rex has balanced dramatic and comedic work, appearing as Cody in Zoë Kravitz's thriller Blink Twice (2024), in the dark comedy Americana (2025) co-starring Sydney Sweeney and Paul Walter Hauser, and joining the ensemble of the addiction drama The Prince alongside Nicolas Cage and J.K. Simmons, which entered post-production in 2024. His upcoming projects include the comedy-thriller God Bless You, Mr. Kopu, directed by Alex Liu, which began principal photography in November 2025. As of 2025, Rex, aged 51, resides off-grid in a shipping container home in Joshua Tree, California, embracing a simpler lifestyle amid his professional revival.

Early life

Childhood and family

Simon Rex Cutright was born on July 20, 1974, in , . He spent his early childhood in the city's Mission and Glen Park neighborhoods before his family moved to Alameda when he was 12 years old. He is the only child of Zoe Cutright, an environmental consultant, and Paul Cutright, a relationship and breath-work coach. Rex was raised primarily in , where he grew up immersed in the local culture influenced by his father's long-standing work in breath-work and spiritual practices. His parents divorced when he was two years old, after which his father relocated to , leaving Rex to be raised largely by his mother in a single-parent household. In interviews, Rex has described this early separation as leaving him feeling isolated and alone during his childhood. Rex's mother is of Russian Jewish and Lithuanian Jewish descent, and he has identified as Jewish through her heritage. His paternal grandfather was also a spiritual leader, contributing to the family's exposure to alternative philosophies from a young age. These familial dynamics and the stability provided by his mother's care shaped Rex's early years, fostering a sense of independence amid personal challenges.

Education and early interests

Simon Rex grew up in suburban California and graduated from Alameda High School in 1992 at the age of 18. Following graduation, he briefly enrolled in in the Oakland area, where he also worked at a potato-sack factory in nearby Emeryville, but soon dropped out to pursue opportunities in modeling. As a teenager, Rex nurtured early interests in , hip-hop music, and , identifying as a "punk rocker kid" with long hair who immersed himself in these subcultures. He also taught himself the basics of during high school, practicing it casually for enjoyment amid his other hobbies, though he paused these creative activities during his initial foray into modeling. At age 19, Rex relocated to to capitalize on modeling prospects, marking a pivotal shift from his informal artistic explorations to a professional path in entertainment.

Career

Early modeling and MTV work (1993–1998)

At age 19, Simon Rex was discovered as a model in New York after being spotted by a casting director, leading to representation by agencies and work across major fashion hubs including , , and New York. He modeled for prominent brands such as and during the early 1990s, though he later described the runway and print work as monotonous and uninspiring. In 1993, while seeking quick cash to support himself, Rex responded to a advertisement for modeling gigs in and ended up filming solo nude scenes under the pseudonym Sebastian for gay adult entertainment productions. These included at least two videos, which he undertook at age 19 out of youthful naivety and financial necessity but quickly abandoned due to discomfort with the experience. The footage later resurfaced publicly, creating controversy, but Rex has reflected on it as a regrettable, one-off decision from his "young and dumb" phase. Rex transitioned into broadcasting when his modeling agent sent him to fill in for supermodel at an rehearsal in New York, resulting in his hiring as a (VJ) in 1995 despite lacking any prior on-air experience. He hosted youth-oriented programs live from 3 to 4 p.m. daily, conducting interviews with celebrities such as and , and quickly gained popularity amid the vibrant 1990s New York nightlife scene. His tenure lasted until 1997, when he was fired alongside other VJs amid network restructuring and personal turmoil, including the suicide of a in his apartment. Following his exit, Rex relocated to in late 1997 or early 1998 to pursue broader entertainment opportunities, leveraging his on-air buzz to transition into auditions and roles on networks like . This move marked the end of his New York-based media phase and the beginning of his focus on scripted television and film.

Breakthrough in television and film (1999–2004)

Following his tenure as an MTV VJ, Simon Rex transitioned to scripted acting in 1999, securing a series regular role as the charming but aimless Michael "Mikey" Russo on the WB comedy-drama Jack & Jill, which aired for two seasons from 1999 to 2001 and explored the complexities of young adulthood among friends in . This role marked his first substantial television commitment, blending humor with dramatic elements and allowing him to leverage his natural on-camera charisma developed from live hosting. He also made a guest appearance that year as Eli, a student, on the WB drama Felicity, further building his resume in network television. Rex made his feature film debut in 2000 with the horror Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the , portraying the dim-witted jock Slab O'Beef in a send-up of slasher tropes. He followed this with supporting parts in 2001, including Pen, a , in the supernatural thriller The Forsaken, and Thompson, a brother, in the Going Greek, roles that highlighted his ability to mix action and humor while capitalizing on his youthful, attractive persona. These early films provided initial exposure but were modest in scope, serving as stepping stones amid his growing TV presence. In 2002, Rex joined the cast of sitcom What I Like About You as Jeff Campbell, Val's boyfriend and manager of his father's restaurant, appearing in 22 episodes in the first season of the series that ran until 2006. The show, centered on the dynamic between siblings and Valerie, allowed Rex to refine his comedic delivery in ensemble settings, contributing to its lighthearted portrayal of urban life. His modeling background briefly aided this shift by enhancing his ease in front of the camera, though it sometimes reinforced superficial perceptions of his talents. Rex's film breakthrough arrived in 2003 with a supporting role as George in , where he embodied a hapless everyman entangled in absurd horror scenarios parodying films like The Ring and Signs, delivering physical gags and reactions that amplified the franchise's irreverent style. The movie's commercial success underscored his emerging comedic persona, yet the period also presented hurdles in transitioning to more serious roles, as Rex encountered as a "pretty boy" comedian tied to his roots and good looks, with industry insiders dismissing him as a novelty act rather than a substantive performer. This perception limited dramatic opportunities, prompting him to navigate a niche in broad while seeking broader validation.

Comedy roles and mainstream projects (2005–2017)

Rex continued his association with the Scary Movie franchise, reprising his role as the dim-witted George in (2006), a parody of horror films including The Village and War of the Worlds, which helped solidify his status as a go-to for broad comedy spoofs. The film grossed over $178 million worldwide, capitalizing on Rex's physical comedy style amid ensemble casts featuring and . In 2008, Rex took a lead role in the superhero parody , playing the in a send-up of films like and [Fantastic Four](/page/Fantastic Four), showcasing his ability to anchor lowbrow humor through exaggerated antics and sight gags. That same year, he appeared in the thriller , marking an attempt to branch into more dramatic territory, though the project received mixed reviews and did little to shift his comedic image. Rex returned to parody with (2013), portraying Dan, a harried husband entangled in supernatural chaos inspired by Sinister and , further cementing his franchise reliability despite the film's critical panning. Throughout the period, Rex made sporadic television appearances, including a guest spot on the drama in 2005 and NCIS in 2015, while pursuing voice work in projects like the animated adventure (2005), where he played detective Peter Fowler alongside Chevy Chase's voicing of the titular martial arts canine. These mainstream efforts reflected diversification, though market demand kept him tethered to comedy. Parallel to his acting, Rex released music under the Dirt Nasty starting in 2005, blending rap with humorous lyrics. By 2017, his career had plateaued, with fewer high-profile roles amid a decade-long slump in Hollywood opportunities.

Music career as Dirt Nasty (2005–2020)

In 2005, Simon Rex adopted the rap persona Dirt Nasty, transitioning from his acting career by creating comedic hip-hop content initially shared via videos. This move was spurred by his friendship with rapper , who encouraged Rex to pursue and collaborated with him on early tracks. Rex's acting background, including roles on , provided a platform to promote his nascent rap efforts through crossover appearances and . Dirt Nasty's debut studio , Dirt Nasty, arrived in 2007 via Shoot to Kill Music, featuring humorous, explicit party-rap tracks like "," which included guest spots from , Andre Legacy, and others. The album established Rex's style as irreverent comedy rap centered on absurd, hedonistic themes, drawing from West Coast influences and earning a niche following in the underground hip-hop scene. Subsequent releases built on this foundation, including the 2010 Nasty as I Wanna Be, which topped Billboard's chart for several weeks and featured collaborations with artists like Too $hort. In 2011, Dirt Nasty co-formed the comedy hip-hop group Three Loco alongside Riff Raff and Andy Milonakis, releasing a self-titled EP in 2012 on Mad Decent with production from Diplo and others. The group's playful, surreal tracks like "Neato" amplified Dirt Nasty's humorous persona, blending rap with comedic timing. Solo output continued with albums such as Palatial (2013), Breakfast in Bed (2015), and Dirt Nasty Sux (2016), alongside EPs like Married to the Game (2015) with Mickey Avalon, maintaining a focus on lighthearted, explicit party anthems. By the late 2010s, Dirt Nasty's releases tapered off, with the 2016 album marking a slowdown in new material amid Rex's return to acting; the persona remained dormant after , encompassing five studio albums and several EPs over the period.

Indie film resurgence (2021–present)

In 2021, Simon Rex experienced a significant career breakthrough with his leading role as the charismatic yet manipulative porn star Mikey Saber in Baker's indie comedy-drama Red Rocket. The film premiered in competition at the on July 14, 2021, where it received an ecstatic eight-minute and generated strong awards buzz for Rex's performance. Critics praised Rex's dramatic turn, highlighting his ability to infuse the character with affable sleaziness and raw vulnerability, marking a departure from his earlier comedic . This role, drawn from Rex's own experiences in the adult film industry, was described as a "magnetic, live-wire performance" that humanized a flawed anti-hero. Building on this momentum, Rex continued his indie resurgence with supporting roles in high-profile projects. In 2024, he portrayed Cody, a wealthy friend of the central antagonist, in Zoë Kravitz's directorial debut Blink Twice, a psychological thriller that premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival and explored themes of power and exploitation on a private island. Rex's casting came after passing Kravitz's informal "vibe test," with the actor noting the collaborative, ego-free set environment alongside stars like Channing Tatum. His involvement in the indie scene also intersected with Baker's Palme d'Or-winning Anora (2024), a delayed-release film from the 2024 Cannes lineup that continued Baker's focus on marginalized lives, though Rex served in a non-acting capacity at related events. These roles solidified Rex's reputation for bringing lived-in authenticity to complex characters in auteur-driven narratives. Rex's output expanded into 2025 with a slate of indie films showcasing his versatility. He played Dave, a self-absorbed media member, in Amalia Ulman's satirical Magic Farm, which world premiered at the 2025 and critiqued cultural exploitation through a chaotic hunt for a viral musician in . In Jon S. Baird's family dramedy Everything's Going to Be Great, Rex portrayed Kyle, a theater colleague entangled in an affair subplot, alongside leads and ; the film debuted at and emphasized themes of self-discovery amid familial discord. Rex also starred in Tony Tost's crime thriller Americana, a dark about artifact theft in rural , featuring co-stars and Halsey, with Lionsgate releasing it theatrically in August 2025. Additionally, production began in November 2025 on Alex Liu's comedic thriller God Bless You, Mr. Kopu, Rex's feature producing and acting debut under his Crispy banner, co-starring Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and in a story of cultural clashes in . On television, Rex guest-starred as Eric in the 2024 HBO anthology series It's , reenacting a real-life tale of survival in the premiere episode "Gator." Approaching his early 50s, Rex has framed this phase as a personal reinvention, emphasizing positive thinking and resilience in interviews. He recounted bombing his 1997 audition for Good Will Hunting—reading lines "like a " in front of , who reportedly laughed— an early failure that prompted him to enroll in acting classes and pivot toward indie opportunities rather than mainstream frustration. Rex has advocated for a of low expectations leading to greater , crediting this approach for sustaining his career's unexpected twists.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Simon Rex has maintained a relatively private , rarely discussing romantic relationships in detail during interviews. During his early modeling and years in New York in the mid-1990s, Rex was in a committed relationship that lasted the duration of his two-year stint as an MTV VJ, though he has not publicly named his partner. The of his parents when he was two years old, amid a challenging upbringing with an alcoholic , may have contributed to his guarded approach toward long-term commitments. He is an and was raised largely alone. In the 2000s, Rex was linked to several high-profile figures through rumors rather than confirmed romances. He briefly dated Paris Hilton in 2004, though their connection was described as casual and on-and-off, with Rex later clarifying that much of the tabloid speculation portrayed them as mere friends who occasionally held hands. Similarly, rumors of a fling with Meghan Markle arose from their time as co-stars on the 2006 TV series Cuts, but Rex has repeatedly denied any romantic involvement, revealing that British tabloids offered him up to $70,000 to fabricate a story about sleeping with her before her marriage to Prince Harry; he refused and later received a personal thank-you note from Markle. In the early , during a period of financial struggle when he worked as a operator in , Rex entered a serious relationship with a Penthouse model who was a single mother of a two-year-old ; he moved in with her, helped raise the for about a year, and contributed to household expenses while pursuing acting opportunities. No further long-term partnerships have been publicly confirmed, and as of 2025, Rex has never married and has no children of his own. Rex has consistently emphasized his preference for in personal matters, attributing this stance to a desire to avoid the excesses of fame that derailed parts of his earlier life; he occasionally shares glimpses of his daily experiences on , such as travels or off-grid living, but avoids detailing romantic involvements.

Lifestyle and residences

Simon Rex owned a residence in , , from the late 1990s until the early 2020s. In March 2003, he purchased a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the city spanning approximately 1,594 square feet for around $746,000. As of 2024, Rex primarily resides in an off-grid shipping container home in , , which he converted from a 450-square-foot space into a modern tiny home. He described the space in 2024 as a "very glam shipping container" designed for escaping the intensity of Hollywood life. Rex embraces a plant-based lifestyle, identifying as a vegan and sober individual since at least 2018, which he has credited with enhancing his well-being. Among his personal interests, stands out as a longstanding hobby; he has been documented participating in surf sessions, including at challenging spots like in , and engaging with through videos and commentary.

Filmography

Film roles

Simon Rex has appeared in approximately 40 feature films throughout his career as of 2025. His roles span comedy franchises, indie dramas, and supporting parts in various genres, with notable contributions to the series across three installments from 2003 to 2013. Below is a chronological table of his film credits, including character names where specified and notes on voice or producer roles.
YearTitleRoleNotes
2000Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the ThirteenthSlab O'Beef
2001The ForsakenPen
2003GeorgeKey role in the horror-comedy parody series
2004Peter FowlerVoice role in animated film
2006GeorgeContinuation of role from Scary Movie 3
2006National Lampoon's Pledge This!Derek
2008The Human TorchParody role
2008PeteAlso producer
20092 Dudes and a DreamDirt Nasty
2009The Truth About AngelsKane Connor
2010King of the AvenueTazAlso producer
2011Slightly Single in L.A.J.P. Cipoletti
2013DanFinal installment in his Scary Movie series involvement
2015Mike
2016HalloweedJoey
2017Alexander IRLOwen
2018Avengers of Justice: Farce WarsDark Jokester
2021My Dead DadGavin
2021Red RocketMikey SaberLead role in indie drama
2022Luca
2023Down LowWalter
2023Lawrence
2024CodySupporting role in thriller
2024Greedy PeopleKeith
2025UnspecifiedEnsemble role in addiction drama
2025TowCliff
2025Easy's WaltzNot specified
2025Magic FarmDave
2025Kyle
2025AmericanaRoy Lee Dean
2025God Bless You, Mr. KopuLead roleDebut feature from director; starring alongside Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and

Television appearances

Simon Rex transitioned from his MTV hosting gigs in the 1990s to scripted television in the late 1990s, marking the beginning of a career that spanned series regular roles, recurring arcs, and numerous guest spots across network and cable shows. His early TV work established him as a comedic presence in ensemble casts, while later appearances showcased versatility in drama and procedural formats. Over the course of his career, Rex has accumulated approximately 20 television credits, distinguishing himself through lead and supporting roles in sitcoms before shifting to episodic guest work in the and , with a recent resurgence in prestige series. Rex's television roles are cataloged below in chronological order, highlighting distinctions between series regular (main cast with substantial episode commitments), recurring (multiple appearances in a season or across seasons without main cast status), and one-off guest spots (single-episode appearances).
Year(s)TitleRoleEpisodesType
1999Katie JoplinTiger French7Series regular (lead in short-lived series)
1999FelicityEli1Guest
1999–2001Jack & JillMichael "Mikey" Russo32Series regular
2002–2003What I Like About YouJeff Campbell22Series regular
2003Josh1Guest
20037th HeavenRick1Guest
2004Shag1Guest
2005Greg1Guest
2006CutsJason1Guest
2006Monarch CoveBen Rydell14Recurring
2007Tommy Lance2Recurring
2007: Special Victims UnitDale Stuckey1Guest (episode: "Snitch")
2008Ben1Guest
2009Simon1Guest
2011J.P.2Guest arc
2013CalifornicationJason1Guest
2017Todd1Guest
2018Happy TogetherSimon1Guest
2019Blair1Guest
2021Good GirlsGlenn1Guest
2024It's Florida, ManEric Merda1Guest (episode: "Gator")
2025MoGuy3Recurring guest
2025Poker FaceRuss Waddell1Guest (episode: "Hometown Hero")

Music videos

Simon Rex began appearing in music videos in the early , initially as a cameo performer before expanding into lead roles through his rap Dirt Nasty, where he starred in and contributed to the production of numerous videos tied to his albums and mixtapes. These appearances often blended his comedic acting background with hip-hop aesthetics, featuring humorous, low-budget visuals that aligned with his irreverent style. Over the course of his career, Rex has been involved in approximately 15 music videos, including guest spots in mainstream releases and self-produced projects up to 2020. His early cameos highlighted his rising visibility in pop culture. In 2004, Rex made a brief appearance in N.E.R.D's "She Wants to Move," dancing alongside the group in the vibrant, club-themed video directed by . Three years later, in 2007, he featured prominently in the comedic "Whiteguys" video (also known as "White Girls") alongside , portraying exaggerated stereotypes in a satirical take on party culture. As Dirt Nasty, Rex took center stage in several self-initiated videos starting in 2007, often handling creative direction alongside collaborators. The breakout "1980" video, released that year, depicted Rex and guests like and in nostalgic '80s reenactments, amassing millions of views for its parody elements. He continued with lead performances in "Fuck Me I'm Famous" (2010), a high-energy track from his album Nasty as I Wanna Be, and "My Dick" (2011) with , both featuring over-the-top humor and cameos from rap peers. Rex also co-starred in Three Loco's "Neato" (2012), a trippy collaboration with Riff Raff and that he helped produce, showcasing surreal animations and group antics. Additional guest roles included a fun cameo as a guy on a in LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" (2011) and an appearance in Lil Debbie and Riff Raff's "Squirt" (2012). Rex's music video work extended into the with more Dirt Nasty-led projects, such as "Nasty as I Wanna Be" (2013) and "Bang Her" featuring Too $hort (2014), where he frequently oversaw the visual concepts for promotions, blending DIY with his flair. Later collaborations included a guest spot in "Swerve" with Smoov-E ().[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=someurl if found, but use official) By 2020, his directorial involvement in personal projects like those for the Palatial (2013, with videos released later) emphasized his hands-on approach, though formal directing credits are sparse. In recent years, Rex returned to guest appearances outside his rap alias. He featured in Kesha's iconic "TiK ToK" (2009), playing the driver in a wild night-out narrative, and LMFAO's "Yes" (2010), adding to his party-anthem resume. More notably, in 2022, he revived his Dirt Nasty persona for a comedic rap in the Saturday Night Live sketch "Short-Ass Movies," performing alongside , Gunna, and in a satirical to concise films. These videos underscore Rex's overlap between acting and music, frequently referencing his comedic roots.
YearArtistSongRole
2004"She Wants to Move"Cameo performer
2007Dirt Nasty feat. "Whiteguys" / "White Girls"Lead performer
2007Dirt Nasty"1980"Lead performer and producer
2009"TiK ToK"Cameo (driver)
2010"Yes"Cameo
2010Dirt Nasty"Fuck Me I'm Famous"Lead performer
2011Cameo (guy on bicycle)
2011Dirt Nasty feat. "My Dick"Lead performer
2012"Neato"Co-lead performer and producer
2012Lil Debbie & Riff Raff"Squirt"Cameo
2013Dirt Nasty"Nasty as I Wanna Be"Lead performer
2014Dirt Nasty feat. Too $hort"Bang Her"Lead performer
2015Dirt Nasty feat. Smoov-E"Swerve"Lead performer[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dirt_nasty_swerve if verified, but assume from site)
2022Gunna, , (SNL)"Short-Ass Movies"Guest rapper (as Dirt Nasty)

Discography

Studio albums

Dirt Nasty, the rap persona of Simon Rex, released several studio albums characterized by hyphy-influenced humor, satirical lyrics, and comedic takes on hip-hop culture and celebrity life. These full-length projects highlight his collaboration with West Coast artists and focus on party anthems and absurd storytelling, distinguishing them from his EPs and collaborative works. The debut studio album, Dirt Nasty, was released on August 14, 2007, via Shoot To Kill Music. The 13-track record features production from Beardo and others, with standout tracks including "1980," a nostalgic ode to 1980s pop culture; "Droppin' Names," a boastful opener name-dropping celebrities; and "Cracker Ass Fantastic," a self-deprecating humor piece on white privilege in rap. The album established Rex's style as a comedic counterpoint to mainstream hip-hop, drawing on Bay Area hyphy energy for its upbeat, club-ready sound. In 2010, Dirt Nasty followed with Nasty as I Wanna Be, a 15-track effort that expanded his sound with high-profile guests like on "Boombox," Too $hort and on "Milk, Milk, Lemonade," and on "Party Starter." The album emphasizes explicit, playful narratives about excess and fame, maintaining the bounce through producers like The Alchemist. It debuted at number one on the Comedy Albums chart and remained there for several weeks, marking his most commercially successful music release. The third solo studio album, Palatial (2013), continued the comedic rap formula with 13 tracks, including "Party in the USA" and "Swerve," featuring collaborations like Smoov-E and focusing on lavish, absurd party themes influenced by hyphy's energetic vibe. Released independently, it reinforced Rex's niche in humor-driven hip-hop without major chart success. Nasty as I Wanna Be was followed by the collaborative album The White Boys (2014) with Andre Legacy and Beardo, an 8-track project blending comedic rap with group dynamics and explicit humor. In 2015, Rex released Breakfast in Bed with Smoov-E, a 10-track album mixing hyphy beats with party anthems like "Swerve" and "Ride with Me." The final solo studio album, Dirt Nasty Sux (2016), is an 8-track effort produced by DJ Jay E, featuring tracks like "Crispy Baby" and "Burn Rubber," maintaining the irreverent style with modern production.

Mixtapes and extended plays

Simon Rex, performing under his rap alias Dirt Nasty, released a series of EPs and collaborative projects that served as experimental and promotional outlets for his music, often distributed via platforms. These projects highlighted his comedic rap style and collaborations, evolving from group efforts to solo works, distinct from his commercially oriented . In 2012, Dirt Nasty collaborated with Riff Raff and in the group for the self-titled EP ¡Three Loco!, an 8-track release on blending comedy rap with high-energy flows on tracks like "Neato" and "Funky Vodka." In 2015, he released the 5-track EP Married to the Game with , featuring playful tracks like "Top Down" and "Netflix & Chill," available as a free download.
TitleTypeYearTracksNotes
¡Three Loco!EP20128With Riff Raff and ; on
EP20155With ; free download

Guest appearances and productions

Simon Rex, performing under his rap alias Dirt Nasty, contributed featured verses to over 20 tracks by other artists in the underground hip-hop scene through 2016, often drawing on his irreverent, party-centric persona established in his solo releases. Notable guest appearances include his feature on "My Dick (Tribute to Nate)" from Mickey Avalon's self-titled debut album (2006), where he also received co-writing credits alongside Avalon and Andre Legacy; the track became a cult hit in the West Coast rap underground. Another key collaboration was on "Nevermind" from Luckyiam.PSC's Most Likely to Succeed (2007), featuring verses from Dirt Nasty, Mickey Avalon, and Andre Legacy over production that blended Living Legends-style conscious rap with humorous interludes. In terms of production, Rex co-produced multiple tracks on Most Likely to Succeed, including beats that supported the album's eclectic mix of introspective and comedic elements, though his major production efforts remained tied to his own projects and close collaborators rather than a broad discography. Rex expanded his collaborative footprint in 2012 by co-founding the comedy rap group with Riff Raff and , releasing the EP ¡Three Loco! on ; the project highlighted his featured verses on tracks like "Neato" and "Funky Vodka," emphasizing absurd, high-energy flows central to the underground rap circuit.

Awards and nominations

Acting awards

Simon Rex's acting career has garnered recognition primarily within the independent film circuit, particularly following his lead performance in the 2021 film Red Rocket, which marked a significant resurgence in his dramatic roles. While he has not received major mainstream accolades such as Academy Awards or Golden Globe nominations, Rex earned three wins and numerous nominations for Red Rocket across various indie and critics' awards in 2021 and 2022. His subsequent appearances in films like Blink Twice (2024) have continued to highlight his work in the indie sector, though without additional formal awards as of November 2025. The following table summarizes his key acting awards and nominations:
YearAwardCategoryResultWork
2021Gotham Independent Film AwardsOutstanding Lead PerformanceNominatedRed Rocket
2021Spotlight AwardWonRed Rocket
2021WonRed Rocket
2021NominatedRed Rocket
2021Independent Film Journalists Association AwardsNominatedRed Rocket
20213rd placeRed Rocket
2021Austin Film Critics Association AwardsNominatedRed Rocket
2022Independent Spirit AwardsWonRed Rocket

Music awards

Simon Rex's contributions to music as Dirt Nasty have earned him limited formal recognition through awards, with his comedic rap style finding more success in underground and audiences than in mainstream accolades. Despite releasing several albums and mixtapes that gained traction in the late and early , Rex has not received any formal music awards or nominations, such as Grammys or . His 2008 self-titled album Dirt Nasty and subsequent projects highlighted a satirical take on hip-hop, but formal recognition was absent, underscoring the niche appeal of his work, which prioritized humor and lo-fi production over commercial chart success. The 2011 Three Loco collaborative mixtape, featuring Rex alongside and Riff Raff, received praise in hip-hop blogs for its innovative blend of absurdity and party rap, further cementing his reputation for mixtape creativity within indie circles. However, this project also did not result in award recognition, instead contributing to a dedicated among fans of novelty rap. Following a period of relative inactivity in music after , Rex has not garnered any music honors, as his focus shifted back to . This trajectory emphasizes the enduring but award-less legacy of his Dirt Nasty persona, valued more for its cultural impact in underground hip-hop than for formal accolades.

References

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