Johnny Simmons grew up in Dallas before making the big move to Los Angeles right after high school, all in pursuit of an acting career. Things started falling into place not too long after he arrived. With just a single previous role in a short film to his name, he landed the lead in My Ambition, a 2006 short film centered around a teen with a deep fascination for vampires. That same year, he made his television debut in the crime series Numbers.
In 2007, Johnny Simmons took on the role of Dylan Baxter, the son of the main character in the comedy Evan Almighty, a follow-up to the successful Bruce Almighty. Although the film didn’t match the popularity of its predecessor, it served as a major turning point for Johnny Simmons, marking his breakout performance.
Following that, he continued to build his career with standout roles in several memorable films. In 2009, he appeared in Hotel for Dogs, a family-friendly comedy, and later in the horror-comedy Jennifer’s Body. In 2010, he played a quirky role in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, an unconventional blend of action and romance.
By 2011, Johnny Simmons had expanded his range further, starring in the dramatic TV movie Cinema Verite, alongside Tim Robbins and Diane Lane. That same year, he also joined the cast of the big-screen reboot of 21 Jump Street and played a key role in the coming-of-age hit The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which also starred his then-girlfriend, Emma Watson.
Johnny Simmons has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, with his highest rated project being Transpecos (2016), which received strong praise from both critics and audiences. On the other hand, his lowest rated film to date is The Spirit (2008), which didn’t quite resonate as well with viewers or reviewers. While Johnny Simmons has taken on a range of roles, these two films represent the peaks and valleys of his filmography in terms of public reception.