“Whiplash” Star J.K. Simmons Says Being Called a ‘Character Actor’ Means You’re ‘Not Super Handsome’

Tereza ShkurtajFri, July 3, 2026 at 5:21 PM UTC

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J.K. Simmons.Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage -

J.K. Simmons recently reflected on what the label "character actor" has come to mean in Hollywood

The 71-year-old Whiplash actor argued that some of the industry's biggest leading men are character actors, too

Simmons also pointed to his own decades-long career as an example of embracing memorable roles across every genre

J.K. Simmons has spent decades building a career around unforgettable performances, but he's never been overly concerned with the labels attached to his work.

During a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the Oscar winner reflected on the term "character actor" and why he believes it has taken on a meaning that doesn't quite match the reality of the profession.

“I mean, to me, that's always just been an actor who's, like, not super handsome,” the 71-year-old told CBS News correspondent Tracy Smith.

J.K. Simmons in 'Spider-Man 2.'Credit: Everett

During the conversation, Simmons made it clear that he doesn't believe great acting falls into separate categories. In fact, he argued that many of Hollywood's most recognizable leading men fit the description of “character actor” just as well as anyone else.

“Because Brad Pitt is a character actor… Tom Hanks is a character actor… [George] Clooney…” he said, pointing to stars whose careers have been built on inhabiting a wide range of roles. And by that definition, Simmons has also spent his entire career as a character actor.

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J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller in 'Whiplash.'Credit: Everett

Whether delivering an unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance as Terence Fletcher in Whiplash, portraying the ruthless Vernon Schillinger in Oz, bringing laughs in Juno, or becoming a fan favorite as J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man franchise, Simmons has consistently disappeared into his distinctive characters.

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George Clooney and J.K. Simmons in 'Up in the Air.'Credit: Everett

For Simmons, that's ultimately what acting has always been about.

While he acknowledged that "character actor" has become associated with someone who is "the second banana" instead of the leading man, he believes the strongest performers all share the same goal, regardless of billing.

“All my favorite actors, whether they're leading men or generally supporting characters, are, you know, character actors, 'cause you want to play characters.” Simmons told CBS. “I mean, that's why most of us want to do this.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”