After graduating, he accepted a position at a prestigious Fortune 500 company, and it was only a short while later that he decided to pursue acting full-time. Simmons began his acting career while doing odd jobs to support himself, and often spent nights sleeping on a friend's couch or in the back room of the theater in which he was performing.

He got his lucky break while rehearsing for an independent feature film. Although that film was never produced, it led to a role in the New Line feature, Above the Rim. What followed were numerous on-stage appearances at LaMaMa Theatre Company and at other esteemed institutions.

In 1996, Simmons landed a role in a pilot, which led to a role on the soap, Another World. Other television credits include appearances on New York Undercover, Swift Justice, Saturday Night Live and The Cosby Mysteries. He also joined the soap, One Life to Live. Later, Simmons joined the cast of ABC's long-running and critically-acclaimed series NYPD Blue. Although Simmons' role as Detective Baldwin Jones wasn't supposed to become a permanent character, executive producer Steven Bochco became impressed with Simmons' acting skills, personality and physique and allowed Simmons to gain regular cast member status. And Bochco wasn't the only person who was impressed with Simmons' physique. He has graced his face on many publications including People Magazine, Essence, Jet, etc.

Simmons also stars in the soon-to-be-released independent romantic comedy, Let It Snow. He also starred in the independent film, On the QT, in which he portrays the son of James Earl Jones' character, and A Gentleman's Game.

Simmons has two sisters (his twin, Heather, is a casting agent), and maintains a close relationship with his family.

Television Personalities,