TL;DR
- Simon Rex filmed gay solo movies at 18.
- He did it to avoid homelessness.
- Rex reflects on his past choices.
- He later became a Hollywood star.
- His adult film past resurfaces with new projects.
In a world where Hollywood often tries to bury the past, Simon Rex is flipping the script. The Scary Movie star is back in the spotlight, and this time, it’s not just for his comedic chops. As the sixth installment of the iconic spoof franchise hits theaters, Rex’s brief and controversial career in gay adult films has resurfaced, and boy, does he have a story to tell.
When Rex was just 18, he took on the persona of “Sebastian” and filmed a handful of gay solo movies. Titles like Young, Hard & Solo and The Hot Sessions might raise eyebrows, but for Rex, it was a matter of survival. In a candid interview with VladTV back in 2014, he opened up about the tough choices he faced at such a young age.
“I was about to be homeless with my girl and her kid,” he revealed. “We were about to be on the streets. I had nothing. So it was kind of like, my back was against the wall.” With rent to pay and a busboy salary of just $8 an hour, Rex made the decision that many would judge, but few could understand. “I never thought I’d be in show-business later. Like, what the f***, no one’s ever gonna see, who gives a s***. I was living in the moment,” he explained.
But hindsight is 20/20, and looking back, Rex admits, “It wasn’t the best move.” Yet, he also acknowledges that everything happens for a reason. From those early days of filming solo scenes, he transitioned into a more mainstream career, modeling for big names like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein before landing a gig as a VJ on MTV.
His acting career took off in the late ’90s with roles in popular shows like Jack & Jill and Baywatch, eventually leading to his iconic roles in the Scary Movie series. And just when you thought he was done with his past, he made a return to the adult film narrative, albeit in a fictional sense, with his role in the A24 black comedy Red Rocket, where he plays a washed-up adult actor named Mikey.
Rex’s journey is a testament to resilience and the complexities of life in the entertainment industry. While some may try to erase their past, he embraces it, proving that every chapter of his life has contributed to the star he is today. So, whether you love him or judge him, one thing is for sure: Simon Rex is here to stay, and he’s not afraid to share his truth.