Ron Simons

Simons had degrees in theater and computer science from Columbia University, and did not go to drama school until he was 39. He also received a degree from Columbia Business School. He had wanted to go into acting since high school, but was unable to due to his living circumstances. "[A]s the only member of my family to have graduated college with retired grandparents and a mom who had me at a slightly older age, I felt the need to become the family breadwinner." He finally quit corporate business to enter film business at the age of 47. He further expanded into producing despite not being fully aware of what that position entailed. He would end up producing films such as Gun Hill Road and Blue Caprice, but continue to act in projects along the way.