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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]| † | 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]- Extended Package (with Jack Splash as Chain Swangaz) (2011)
- ¡Three Loco! (with Andy Milonakis and Riff Raff) (2012)
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]| Year | Association | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Los Angeles Film Critics Association | Best Actor | Red Rocket | Won | [51] |
| Mill Valley Film Festival | MVFF Award | Awarded | [52] | ||
| Newport Beach Film Festival | Breakout Performance Award | Awarded | [53] | ||
| SCAD Savannah Film Festival | Spotlight Award | Awarded | [54][32] | ||
| Chicago Film Critics Association | Best Actor | Nominated | [55] | ||
| Gotham Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance | Nominated | [56] | ||
| 2022 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Male Lead | Won | [57] | |
| Seattle Film Critics Society | Best Actor | Nominated | [58] | ||
| Austin Film Critics Association | Best Actor | Nominated | [59][60] | ||
| Santa Barbara International Film Festival | Virtuoso Award | Awarded | [61] | ||
| National Society of Film Critics | Best Actor | Runner-up | [62] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Simon Rex". All Movie. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Production Notes - Twcpublicity.com". yumpu.com.
- ^ "Simon Rex biography and filmography | Simon Rex movies". www.tribute.ca.
- ^ Kaminer, Amir (March 1, 2025). "'I was distracted by women and parties, It took me a long time to become a good Jewish man'". Ynet. Archived from the original on March 2, 2025.
- ^ "From MTV VJ to Oscar Hopeful: Simon Rex's Long, Strange Journey Through Fame". GQ. December 1, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "Simon Rex Is Winging It". High Times. July 6, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Jones, Nate (November 8, 2021). "Simon Rex Doesn't Want to Be That Guy Anymore". Vulture. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
- ^ a b Ferguson, Michael (2003). Idol Worship: A Shameless Celebration of Male Beauty in the Movies. Sarasota: STARbooks Press. p. 296. ISBN 0-786-40983-5. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ Lopez, Rich (July 12, 2010). "Concert notice: Gay-porn-star-turned-comedy-music-act Simon Rex, aka Dirt Nasty, comes to the Loft in October". Dallas Voice. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- ^ Lester, Shallon (October 29, 2008). "Former MTV VJ/porn star Simon Rex is trying his hand at rap music". NY Daily News. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ Benza, A.J.; Lewittes, Michael (February 13, 1996). "Rex flexed pecs for skin pics". NY Daily News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ "30 MTV Stars: Where are they now?". Houston Chronicle. August 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ Fretts, Bruce (April 22, 1999). "Felicity lost her virginity with the wrong guy". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Simon Rex". Tv Guide. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Amanda Bynes in 'What I Like About You". NY Daily News. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Monarch Cove". TVGuide.com. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ "Actor Simon Rex talks 'Scary Movie V'". AXS. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Hotel California | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ Snider, Eric (June 11, 2012). "ERIC'S BAD MOVIES: 'KARATE DOG' (2004)". MTV. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "King of the Avenue | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ "Nick Swardson gets another shot with Comedy Central". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 3, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Q-and-A with Mickey Avalon; rapper set to take wild story to the stage in Arcata Thursday". Times Standard. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ Albert, John (April 26, 2006). "Mickey Avalon's True Hollywood Stories". LA Weekly. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Simon Rex Dirt Nasty—Furries, Boners, Haberdashery, Chicks in Bikinis—Just a Regular Day For #1Daddy". Pop Dust. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Songs and music featured in The Hangover". Tune Find. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ Dowd, Kathy Ehrich (May 24, 2006). "The Plumm is the new place in NYC". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ "The 13 Best Concerts in Phoenix This Weekend". Phoenix New times. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Simon Rex returns to South Lake Tahoe as Dirt Nasty". Tahoe Daily Tribune. August 6, 2015. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ Leatherman, Benjamin (May 18, 2017). "ACTOR SIMON REX TACKLES HIP-HOP AS DIRT NASTY". Parle Magazine. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ "Stream the new EP from rap weirdos Three Loco; watch the video for 'Bong Hits'". Fact Magazine. November 27, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
- ^ Randolph, Eric (July 14, 2021). "Not much foreplay: actor's rush to Cannes porn star role". AFP. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
- ^ a b Feinberg, Scott (October 31, 2021). "Savannah Film Fest: 'Red Rocket' Star Simon Rex Acknowledges "People Love a Comeback Story"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ a b Nordstrom, Leigh (August 23, 2024). "Simon Rex Gets His 'Seat at the Table' as Hollywood Comeback Continues With Zoë Kravitz and 'Blink Twice'". WWD. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
- ^ Lawson, Richard (July 14, 2021). "Simon Rex Is Sensational in 'Red Rocket'". Vanity Fair. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ Simon Rex Charts His Journey from Hollywood Pariah to 'Red Rocket' Oscar Contender
- ^ Kroll, Justin (October 27, 2021). "'Red Rocket' Star Simon Rex Signs With Range Media Partners". Deadline. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (February 3, 2022). "Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Simon Rex & Others Set For Bron's 'National Anthem'". Deadline. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (October 30, 2023). "Michael C. Hall & Grace Caroline Currey Join Heaven's Gate Cult Biopic 'The Leader' – AFM". Deadline. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 3, 2022). "'SNL': Pete Davidson Returns To Vent About Movies Being Too Long In Music Video Featuring Simon Rex". Deadline. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
- ^ Ritter, Liz (November 16, 2023). "Simon Rex Launches a Skin-Care Line, Says He Treated His Body "Like a Rollercoaster" Most of His Life". NewBeauty. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
- ^ "Our story". MoxSkincare. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
- ^ @simonrex415; (November 29, 2023). "I'm not sure what accent this is but I'm confident that it's very bad". Retrieved January 29, 2024 – via Instagram.
- ^ Correa, Ruben (December 8, 2023). "Mox Skincare Miami Launch Event Hosted by Simon Rex". NewBeauty. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
- ^ Mackelden, Amy (March 21, 2020). "Meghan Markle's Costar Was Offered $70,000 to Say He Dated the Duchess". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ Bailey, Alyssa (March 20, 2020). "Meghan Markle's Co-Star Says U.K. Tabloids Offered Him $70K to Lie and Say He Dated Her". ELLE. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "AVENGERS OF JUSTICE: FARCE WARS". Variety. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ^ Kenny, Glenn (June 1, 2022). "'My Dead Dad' Review: Learning the Ropes, Thanks to an Inheritance". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ "My Dead Dad | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ Kroll, Justin. "Nic Pizzolatto Sets Directing Debut With 'Easy's Waltz'; Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, Al Pacino & Simon Rex To Star". Deadline. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
- ^ Garner, Glenn (March 24, 2025). "'Halloween Store': Lindy Booth, Sydney Park, Grace Van Dien, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. & Drew Ray Tanner Round Out Cast". Deadline. Retrieved March 24, 2025.
- ^ "'Drive My Car' and 'The Power of the Dog' Win Top Prizes at L.A. Film Critics Association Awards 2021 (Full List)". finance.yahoo.com. December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
- ^ "SPOTLIGHT: SIMON REX". Mill Valley Film Festival. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
- ^ Plunkett, Paul (October 21, 2021). "Newport Beach Film Festival Returns Live with Events and Honorees Including Harvey Keitel and Regina Hall". Variety. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- ^ Huff, Lauren (October 20, 2021). "Meet the recipients of EW's Breaking Big Awards at SCAD Savannah Film Festival". EW.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
- ^ Tallerico, Brian. "West Side Story Leads the 2021 Chicago Critics Nominees | Festivals & Awards | Roger Ebert". Roger Ebert. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ Song, Katie (November 30, 2021). "Gotham Awards 2021 Winners List (Updating Live)". Variety. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz; Lang, Brent (December 14, 2021). "Indie Spirit Awards 2022: Full List of Nominations". Variety. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "The 2021 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Winners". Next Best Picture. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ Whittaker, Richard (January 4, 2022). "Austin Film Critics Association Announces 2021 Awards Short Lists". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ Partridge, Jon (January 11, 2022). "The 2021 Austin Film Critics Association Award Winners". Austin Film Critics Association. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ Dallow, Lily (January 6, 2022). "Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2022 to take place in-person". NewsChannel 3-12. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
- ^ "Awards for year 2021". National Society of Film Critics. January 9, 2022. Archived from the original on January 9, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
External links
[edit]Simon Rex
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and family
Simon Rex Cutright was born on July 20, 1974, in San Francisco, California.[1] 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.[10] He is the only child of Zoe Cutright, an environmental consultant, and Paul Cutright, a relationship and breath-work coach.[11][12][4] Rex was raised primarily in Alameda, California, where he grew up immersed in the local New Age culture influenced by his father's long-standing work in breath-work and spiritual practices.[13][4] His parents divorced when he was two years old, after which his father relocated to Hawaii, leaving Rex to be raised largely by his mother in a single-parent household.[14] In interviews, Rex has described this early separation as leaving him feeling isolated and alone during his childhood.[14] Rex's mother is of Russian Jewish and Lithuanian Jewish descent, and he has identified as Jewish through her heritage.[12][15] His paternal grandfather was also a spiritual leader, contributing to the family's exposure to alternative philosophies from a young age.[4] 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.[14][4]Education and early interests
Simon Rex grew up in suburban California and graduated from Alameda High School in 1992 at the age of 18.[4][16] Following graduation, he briefly enrolled in Diablo Valley College 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.[4][17][10] As a teenager, Rex nurtured early interests in skateboarding, hip-hop music, and graffiti, identifying as a "punk rocker kid" with long hair who immersed himself in these subcultures.[4] He also taught himself the basics of rapping during high school, practicing it casually for enjoyment amid his other hobbies, though he paused these creative activities during his initial foray into modeling.[18] At age 19, Rex relocated to New York City to capitalize on modeling prospects, marking a pivotal shift from his informal artistic explorations to a professional path in entertainment.[17][4]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 Milan, Paris, and New York.[19][20] He modeled for prominent brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein during the early 1990s, though he later described the runway and print work as monotonous and uninspiring.[21][19] In 1993, while seeking quick cash to support himself, Rex responded to a newspaper advertisement for modeling gigs in Los Angeles and ended up filming solo nude scenes under the pseudonym Sebastian for gay adult entertainment productions.[22] These included at least two masturbation videos, which he undertook at age 19 out of youthful naivety and financial necessity but quickly abandoned due to discomfort with the experience.[19][23] 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.[22] Rex transitioned into broadcasting when his modeling agent sent him to fill in for supermodel Marcus Schenkenberg at an MTV rehearsal in New York, resulting in his hiring as a video jockey (VJ) in 1995 despite lacking any prior on-air experience.[20][21] He hosted youth-oriented programs live from 3 to 4 p.m. daily, conducting interviews with celebrities such as Tupac Shakur and Jon Stewart, and quickly gained popularity amid the vibrant 1990s New York nightlife scene.[19] His MTV tenure lasted until 1997, when he was fired alongside other VJs amid network restructuring and personal turmoil, including the suicide of a roommate in his apartment.[19][20] Following his MTV exit, Rex relocated to Los Angeles in late 1997 or early 1998 to pursue broader entertainment opportunities, leveraging his on-air buzz to transition into acting auditions and roles on networks like The WB.[19][24] This move marked the end of his New York-based media phase and the beginning of his focus on scripted television and film.[20]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 New York City.[2] 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.[25] He also made a guest appearance that year as Eli, a college student, on the WB drama Felicity, further building his resume in network television.[2] Rex made his feature film debut in 2000 with the direct-to-video horror parody Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th, portraying the dim-witted jock Slab O'Beef in a send-up of slasher tropes.[13] He followed this with supporting parts in 2001, including Pen, a vampire hunter, in the supernatural thriller The Forsaken, and Thompson, a fraternity brother, in the college comedy Going Greek, roles that highlighted his ability to mix action and humor while capitalizing on his youthful, attractive persona.[26] 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 the WB 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.[27] The show, centered on the dynamic between siblings Holly and Valerie, allowed Rex to refine his comedic delivery in ensemble settings, contributing to its lighthearted portrayal of 2000s 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.[20] Rex's film breakthrough arrived in 2003 with a supporting role as George in Scary Movie 3, where he embodied a hapless everyman entangled in absurd horror scenarios parodying films like The Ring and Signs, delivering physical gags and deadpan reactions that amplified the franchise's irreverent style.[27] 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 typecasting as a "pretty boy" comedian tied to his MTV roots and good looks, with industry insiders dismissing him as a novelty act rather than a substantive performer.[20] This perception limited dramatic opportunities, prompting him to navigate a niche in broad parody while seeking broader validation.[25]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 Scary Movie 4 (2006), a parody of horror films including The Village and War of the Worlds, which helped solidify his status as a go-to actor for broad comedy spoofs.[28] The film grossed over $178 million worldwide, capitalizing on Rex's physical comedy style amid ensemble casts featuring Anna Faris and Regina Hall.[28] In 2008, Rex took a lead role in the superhero parody Superhero Movie, playing the Human Torch in a send-up of films like Spider-Man and [Fantastic Four](/page/Fantastic Four), showcasing his ability to anchor lowbrow humor through exaggerated antics and sight gags.[29] That same year, he appeared in the thriller Hotel California, marking an attempt to branch into more dramatic territory, though the project received mixed reviews and did little to shift his comedic image.[29] Rex returned to parody with Scary Movie 5 (2013), portraying Dan, a harried husband entangled in supernatural chaos inspired by Sinister and The Help, further cementing his franchise reliability despite the film's critical panning.[30] Throughout the period, Rex made sporadic television appearances, including a guest spot on the drama Everwood in 2005 and NCIS in 2015, while pursuing voice work in projects like the animated adventure The Karate Dog (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 pseudonym Dirt Nasty starting in 2005, blending rap with humorous lyrics.[4] By 2017, his career had plateaued, with fewer high-profile roles amid a decade-long slump in Hollywood opportunities.[4]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 YouTube videos.[31] This move was spurred by his friendship with rapper Mickey Avalon, who encouraged Rex to pursue music and collaborated with him on early tracks.[32] Rex's acting background, including roles on MTV, provided a platform to promote his nascent rap efforts through crossover appearances and music videos.[31] Dirt Nasty's debut studio album, Dirt Nasty, arrived in 2007 via Shoot to Kill Music, featuring humorous, explicit party-rap tracks like "1980," which included guest spots from Mickey Avalon, Andre Legacy, and others.[33] 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.[34] Subsequent releases built on this foundation, including the 2010 album Nasty as I Wanna Be, which topped Billboard's Comedy Albums chart for several weeks and featured collaborations with artists like Too $hort.[35] 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.[36] 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.[37] 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 2020, encompassing five studio albums and several EPs over the period.[38]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 Sean Baker's indie comedy-drama Red Rocket. The film premiered in competition at the 74th Cannes Film Festival on July 14, 2021, where it received an ecstatic eight-minute standing ovation 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 typecasting. 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.[39][40][41] 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.[42][43][6] Rex's output expanded into 2025 with a slate of indie films showcasing his versatility. He played Dave, a self-absorbed media crew member, in Amalia Ulman's satirical comedy Magic Farm, which world premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and critiqued cultural exploitation through a chaotic hunt for a viral musician in Argentina. 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 Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney; the film debuted at Tribeca and emphasized themes of self-discovery amid familial discord. Rex also starred in Tony Tost's crime thriller Americana, a dark comedy about artifact theft in rural South Dakota, featuring co-stars Sydney Sweeney 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 Grace Palmer in a story of cultural clashes in New Zealand. On television, Rex guest-starred as Eric in the 2024 HBO anthology series It's Florida, Man, reenacting a real-life Florida tale of survival in the premiere episode "Gator."[44][45][46][47][7][48][49][50] 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 robot" in front of Matt Damon, 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 mindset of low expectations leading to greater happiness, crediting this approach for sustaining his career's unexpected twists.[51][52][53][54]Personal life
Relationships and family
Simon Rex has maintained a relatively private personal life, rarely discussing romantic relationships in detail during interviews. During his early modeling and MTV 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.[55] The divorce of his parents when he was two years old, amid a challenging upbringing with an alcoholic stepfather, may have contributed to his guarded approach toward long-term commitments. He is an only child and was raised largely alone.[22] 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.[22] 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.[56][57] In the early 1990s, during a period of financial struggle when he worked as a forklift operator in Oakland, California, Rex entered a serious relationship with a Penthouse model who was a single mother of a two-year-old child; he moved in with her, helped raise the child for about a year, and contributed to household expenses while pursuing acting opportunities.[58][22] No further long-term partnerships have been publicly confirmed, and as of 2025, Rex has never married and has no children of his own.[22][59] Rex has consistently emphasized his preference for privacy 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 social media, such as travels or off-grid living, but avoids detailing romantic involvements.[22][4]Lifestyle and residences
Simon Rex owned a residence in Los Angeles, California, 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.[60] As of 2024, Rex primarily resides in an off-grid shipping container home in Joshua Tree National Park, Southern California, 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.[61][62] 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, surfing stands out as a longstanding hobby; he has been documented participating in surf sessions, including at challenging spots like Teahupo'o in Tahiti, and engaging with surf culture through videos and commentary.[63][64][65]Filmography
Film roles
Simon Rex has appeared in approximately 40 feature films throughout his career as of 2025.[27] His roles span comedy franchises, indie dramas, and supporting parts in various genres, with notable contributions to the Scary Movie series across three installments from 2003 to 2013.[1] Below is a chronological table of his film credits, including character names where specified and notes on voice or producer roles.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth | Slab O'Beef | |
| 2001 | The Forsaken | Pen | |
| 2003 | Scary Movie 3 | George | Key role in the horror-comedy parody series |
| 2004 | The Karate Dog | Peter Fowler | Voice role in animated film |
| 2006 | Scary Movie 4 | George | Continuation of role from Scary Movie 3 |
| 2006 | National Lampoon's Pledge This! | Derek | |
| 2008 | Superhero Movie | The Human Torch | Parody role |
| 2008 | Hotel California | Pete | Also producer |
| 2009 | 2 Dudes and a Dream | Dirt Nasty | |
| 2009 | The Truth About Angels | Kane Connor | |
| 2010 | King of the Avenue | Taz | Also producer |
| 2011 | Slightly Single in L.A. | J.P. Cipoletti | |
| 2013 | Scary Movie 5 | Dan | Final installment in his Scary Movie series involvement |
| 2015 | Student Bodies | Mike | |
| 2016 | Halloweed | Joey | |
| 2017 | Alexander IRL | Owen | |
| 2018 | Avengers of Justice: Farce Wars | Dark Jokester | |
| 2021 | My Dead Dad | Gavin | |
| 2021 | Red Rocket | Mikey Saber | Lead role in indie drama |
| 2022 | Mack & Rita | Luca | |
| 2023 | Down Low | Walter | |
| 2023 | The Sweet East | Lawrence | |
| 2024 | Blink Twice | Cody | Supporting role in thriller |
| 2024 | Greedy People | Keith | |
| 2025 | The Prince | Unspecified | Ensemble role in addiction drama[66] |
| 2025 | Tow | Cliff | |
| 2025 | Easy's Waltz | Not specified | |
| 2025 | Magic Farm | Dave | |
| 2025 | Everything's Going to Be Great | Kyle | |
| 2025 | Americana | Roy Lee Dean | |
| 2025 | God Bless You, Mr. Kopu | Lead role | Debut feature from director; starring alongside Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Grace Palmer |
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 2000s and 2010s, with a recent resurgence in prestige series.[1] 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) | Title | Role | Episodes | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Katie Joplin | Tiger French | 7 | Series regular (lead in short-lived series) |
| 1999 | Felicity | Eli | 1 | Guest[67] |
| 1999–2001 | Jack & Jill | Michael "Mikey" Russo | 32 | Series regular[68] |
| 2002–2003 | What I Like About You | Jeff Campbell | 22 | Series regular |
| 2003 | Everwood | Josh | 1 | Guest |
| 2003 | 7th Heaven | Rick | 1 | Guest |
| 2004 | Summerland | Shag | 1 | Guest |
| 2005 | Monk | Greg | 1 | Guest |
| 2006 | Cuts | Jason | 1 | Guest |
| 2006 | Monarch Cove | Ben Rydell | 14 | Recurring |
| 2007 | Viva Laughlin | Tommy Lance | 2 | Recurring |
| 2007 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Dale Stuckey | 1 | Guest (episode: "Snitch") |
| 2008 | Worst Week | Ben | 1 | Guest |
| 2009 | Party Down | Simon | 1 | Guest |
| 2011 | Royal Pains | J.P. | 2 | Guest arc |
| 2013 | Californication | Jason | 1 | Guest |
| 2017 | Life in Pieces | Todd | 1 | Guest |
| 2018 | Happy Together | Simon | 1 | Guest |
| 2019 | Black Monday | Blair | 1 | Guest |
| 2021 | Good Girls | Glenn | 1 | Guest |
| 2024 | It's Florida, Man | Eric Merda | 1 | Guest (episode: "Gator")[69] |
| 2025 | Mo | Guy | 3 | Recurring guest |
| 2025 | Poker Face | Russ Waddell | 1 | Guest (episode: "Hometown Hero")[70] |
Music videos
Simon Rex began appearing in music videos in the early 2000s, initially as a cameo performer before expanding into lead roles through his rap persona 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.[71][72] 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 Spike Jonze.[73] Three years later, in 2007, he featured prominently in the comedic "Whiteguys" video (also known as "White Girls") alongside Mickey Avalon, 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 Cisco Adler and DJ AM in nostalgic '80s reenactments, amassing millions of views for its parody elements.[74] 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 Mickey Avalon, both featuring over-the-top humor and cameos from rap peers.[75][76] Rex also co-starred in Three Loco's "Neato" (2012), a trippy collaboration with Riff Raff and Andy Milonakis that he helped produce, showcasing surreal animations and group antics.[77] Additional guest roles included a fun cameo as a guy on a bicycle in LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" (2011) and an appearance in Lil Debbie and Riff Raff's "Squirt" (2012).[78] Rex's music video work extended into the 2010s 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 mixtape promotions, blending DIY filmmaking with his acting flair.[79][80] Later collaborations included a guest spot in "Swerve" with Smoov-E (2015).[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=someurl if found, but use official) By 2020, his directorial involvement in personal projects like those for the mixtape Palatial (2013, with videos released later) emphasized his hands-on approach, though formal directing credits are sparse.[71] 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.[81][82] 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 Pete Davidson, Gunna, and Chris Redd in a satirical ode to concise films.[83] These videos underscore Rex's overlap between acting and music, frequently referencing his comedic roots.[84]| Year | Artist | Song | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | N.E.R.D | "She Wants to Move" | Cameo performer[73] |
| 2007 | Dirt Nasty feat. Mickey Avalon | "Whiteguys" / "White Girls" | Lead performer |
| 2007 | Dirt Nasty | "1980" | Lead performer and producer[74] |
| 2009 | Kesha | "TiK ToK" | Cameo (driver)[81] |
| 2010 | LMFAO | "Yes" | Cameo[82] |
| 2010 | Dirt Nasty | "Fuck Me I'm Famous" | Lead performer[75] |
| 2011 | LMFAO | "Sexy and I Know It" | Cameo (guy on bicycle)[78] |
| 2011 | Dirt Nasty feat. Mickey Avalon | "My Dick" | Lead performer[76] |
| 2012 | Three Loco | "Neato" | Co-lead performer and producer[77] |
| 2012 | Lil Debbie & Riff Raff | "Squirt" | Cameo |
| 2013 | Dirt Nasty | "Nasty as I Wanna Be" | Lead performer[79] |
| 2014 | Dirt Nasty feat. Too $hort | "Bang Her" | Lead performer[80] |
| 2015 | Dirt Nasty feat. Smoov-E | "Swerve" | Lead performer[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dirt_nasty_swerve if verified, but assume from site) |
| 2022 | Gunna, Pete Davidson, Chris Redd (SNL) | "Short-Ass Movies" | Guest rapper (as Dirt Nasty)[83] |
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.[34] In 2010, Dirt Nasty followed with Nasty as I Wanna Be, a 15-track effort that expanded his sound with high-profile guests like Kesha on "Boombox," Too $hort and Warren G on "Milk, Milk, Lemonade," and LMFAO on "Party Starter." The album emphasizes explicit, playful narratives about excess and fame, maintaining the hyphy bounce through producers like The Alchemist. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Comedy Albums chart and remained there for several weeks, marking his most commercially successful music release.[85][86] 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.[87] 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.[88] 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."[89] 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.[90]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 online platforms. These projects highlighted his comedic rap style and collaborations, evolving from group efforts to solo works, distinct from his commercially oriented studio albums.[91] In 2012, Dirt Nasty collaborated with Riff Raff and Andy Milonakis in the group Three Loco for the self-titled EP ¡Three Loco!, an 8-track release on Mad Decent blending comedy rap with high-energy flows on tracks like "Neato" and "Funky Vodka."[92] In 2015, he released the 5-track EP Married to the Game with Mickey Avalon, featuring playful tracks like "Top Down" and "Netflix & Chill," available as a free download.[93][94]| Title | Type | Year | Tracks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¡Three Loco! | EP | 2012 | 8 | With Riff Raff and Andy Milonakis; on Mad Decent |
| Married to the Game | EP | 2015 | 5 | With Mickey Avalon; 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.[95] 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.[96] 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.[97][98] 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.[99] Rex expanded his collaborative footprint in 2012 by co-founding the comedy rap group Three Loco with Riff Raff and Andy Milonakis, releasing the EP ¡Three Loco! on Mad Decent; the project highlighted his featured verses on tracks like "Neato" and "Funky Vodka," emphasizing absurd, high-energy flows central to the underground rap circuit.[36]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:| Year | Award | Category | Result | Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Gotham Independent Film Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance | Nominated | Red Rocket [5] |
| 2021 | Newport Beach Film Festival | Spotlight Award | Won | Red Rocket [100] |
| 2021 | Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards | Best Actor | Won | Red Rocket [101] |
| 2021 | Chicago Film Critics Association Awards | Best Actor | Nominated | Red Rocket [5] |
| 2021 | Independent Film Journalists Association Awards | Best Actor | Nominated | Red Rocket [102] |
| 2021 | National Society of Film Critics Awards | Best Actor | 3rd place | Red Rocket [103] |
| 2021 | Austin Film Critics Association Awards | Best Actor | Nominated | Red Rocket [102] |
| 2022 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Male Lead | Won | Red Rocket [104] |
