Kijan Simmons‘ journey to Hollywood was lots totally different than most. After leaving the army, he began his personal safety firm the place he would supply safety for celebrities and different high-end shoppers. He would work 12-16 hour shifts doing safety, and in his off time, he was taking performing courses. His preparation lastly met alternative when he was forged on “The Household Enterprise: New Orleans.” Since then, he’s additionally competed in one of many most-watched TV collection of 2024, “The Beast Video games.”
Simmons stepped into the Star Studio to inform us about his performing roles and drop some gems.
What was it like while you discovered you’ll be on “The Household Enterprise: New Orleans“?
Oh, man, yeah, that was a loopy expertise. I had actually utilized to be an additional simply, you realize, you most likely wouldn’t even see my face. I used to be strolling round with a masks on at a celebration, that was my function, and I obtained on set, and Carl Weber was like, I made this function for you. They usually took me to a trailer. I mentioned, I obtained a trailer? I mentioned, Wait, what are we doing right here? Yeah, man, however when I discovered [out] that he hand-picked the [role] for me, he was like, “Yeah, you ought to be the bodyguard for the household …” And he had already picked out the function. He didn’t even look ahead to me to reply. He [was] identical to, “That is your trailer. Right here’s your meals. Don’t come out till we let you know it’s time.”
What three issues ought to aspiring actors do at the moment?
Okay, to start with, don’t observe my footsteps. Go get your [headshots] carried out. That’s the very very first thing I’d say, [headshots]. Take courses. Proceed taking courses … I nonetheless haven’t stopped taking courses. I’ve been to all forms of [improv] and stuff that I don’t even actually do. It’s not my specialty, essentially, however it’s these instruments to have in your bag. I’ve taken comedy courses. I’m not a comic, however you realize, if a job pops up, I would like to have the ability to do it. So, yeah, simply proceed studying. Get your [headshots] carried out and learn to promote your self. Your presentation and your first impression, it actually does matter.
Inform me about competing on “The Beast Video games.”
Simply watching it, it seemed insane, bro. It was [intense], while you [bring] 2000 strangers collectively… [Around] 98% of everyone had been strangers. There [were] a pair people who was like, “Oh, I’ve seen you earlier than,” however strangers, 2000 folks. [We] first did it within the Raiders Stadium, the [Allegiant] Stadium. And, yeah, it was loopy. We slept on the ground at a stadium. We had been most likely the one folks, nonetheless most likely the one folks ever to sleep on the ground in Raiders Stadium. [From] that have, I’ve gained so many new pals, new connections, new partnerships. It was undoubtedly an incredible expertise.
What was the worst and greatest a part of being on “The Beast Video games”?
It’s actually the identical reply for each: the folks I’ve met and the folks I’ve met. [There are] two forms of folks, [those] who’ve consideration for others and people who don’t. When you will have 2000 folks sleeping in the identical space, there’s a variety of totally different hygiene rituals that go on or [don’t]. And there’s a variety of attitudes, a variety of other ways folks view life. There was a variety of complaining from lots of people, and being within the army, I’m like, that is nice. I’m like, we may very well be outdoors and it may very well be raining and we may have animals making an attempt to [eat] our meals, however that is nice.
How is Mr. Beast in actual life?
He’s the identical particular person. He’s superb. Similar excessive power. He’s very relatable, very personable. He made a degree to come back round and speak to all of us as a lot as he may. He and his complete staff nonetheless [check] up on us.