Four-time Tony Award-winning producer Ron Simons has died at age 63. The news was revealed by his production company, Simon Says Entertainment, who wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved, blessed, and highly favored friend, Ronald Keith Simons.”
Ron Simons, a towering figure in the theater community, was known for his unwavering dedication to amplifying Black voices on Broadway. His contributions to the arts were not merely about winning accolades but about fostering a more inclusive and representative theatrical landscape.
Ron Simons was an American actor and producer, and a four-time Tony Award winner. Mr. Simons was born Ronald Keith Simons in Detroit, Michigan, on November 30, 1960. He was an only child to a single mom and was primarily raised by his grandparents. Growing up in Detroit, Simons was imbued with a sense of resilience and determination, traits that would later define his career.
Initially, Simons did not set out to pursue theatre. He embarked on a different path, pursuing business. He graduated from Columbia Business School in 1989 with an MBA in marketing and international business. This academic achievement led to his hiring at Microsoft as a product manager in San Francisco, California. His role at Microsoft was prestigious and promising, but something was missing. The corporate world of tech, while rewarding in many ways, did not fulfill his creative spirit.
At the age of 39, Simons made a bold and unconventional decision. He decided to quit his tech job to follow his true passion—acting. This was not a decision made lightly. It came from a deep-seated desire to engage with storytelling and performance, to explore the human condition through the arts. He moved from New York to California, immersing himself in the world of theatre. He became a company member of The Classical Theatre of Harlem, honing his craft and building a network within the theatrical community.
Simons’ dedication to his new path bore fruit as he secured an agent and started booking screen acting gigs. His screen credits include appearances in Marvel’s The Defenders and Daredevil, as well as multiple episodes of Law & Order. However, while acting brought him joy, Simons was dissatisfied with the type of roles and narratives available to Black actors. He recognized a gap in the industry—a need for more diverse stories and voices.
In 2009, driven by this realization, Simons decided to expand his horizons and venture into producing. He founded Simon Says Entertainment, a production company that would become a beacon for underrepresented voices in the industry. His first foray into producing was the 2010 film Night Catches Us, starring Kerry Washington and Anthony Mackie. The film was well-received and set the stage for Simons’ subsequent endeavors.
Simons’ first theatre producing credit was the 2012 revival of Porgy and Bess, starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis. This production was a resounding success, earning critical acclaim and solidifying Simons’ reputation as a formidable producer. Over the next decade, he co-produced numerous Broadway shows, winning Tony Awards for Porgy and Bess, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Jitney. Each of these productions showcased Simons’ keen eye for quality and his commitment to elevating Black stories.
His other notable credits include producing on Ain’t Too Proud and the 2012 revival of A Streetcar Named Desire, which featured a majority-Black cast for the Tennessee Williams classic. These productions were more than just theatrical events; they were statements about the importance of representation and diversity in the arts.
In a 2022 interview with The Root, Simons spoke passionately about his personal mission to bring more Black storytellers and, crucially, more Black producers to Broadway: “It doesn’t have to be $25,000 or $10,000. But people need to stand up and recognize that without support, we could go away. We could really, seriously, truly go away. And what a loss that would be because if I went away, there would be nobody telling all the stories I‘ve been telling. Maybe somebody, probably not…One by one, show by show, it’s my job to make people understand that Black stories are not only important—they’re viable. I always want to get more Black people to see our stories, to tell our truths. And that’s why I support Black storytellers.”
Simons’ words resonate deeply, highlighting the fragility and importance of cultural representation. His work was not just about entertainment; it was about ensuring that the stories of Black people were told authentically and with respect. His commitment to this cause earned him admiration and respect from peers and audiences alike.
The National Theatre of Harlem, where Simons once served as a trustee, expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken to learn of our friend and former trustee Ron Simons’ passing. Our thoughts are with his family. Ron has left behind an unmatched legacy on Broadway and beyond. We will always remember his kindness and incredible talent that inspired so many.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed, adding a layer of mystery and sadness to the news. Funeral details will be forthcoming, as family, friends, and fans prepare to bid farewell to a man who changed the face of Broadway.
Ron Simons’ life and career are a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even when it means taking risks. His journey from a tech executive to a celebrated producer is inspiring, illustrating that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. His legacy will live on through the many productions he brought to life and the countless artists he supported and inspired.
In reflecting on Simons’ impact, it is important to acknowledge the broader implications of his work. He not only created space for Black voices on stage but also challenged the industry to recognize the value and importance of diversity. His efforts have paved the way for future generations of Black artists and producers, ensuring that their stories will continue to be told.
Simons’ death is a significant loss to the theatre community and beyond. Yet, his legacy provides a source of hope and inspiration. As the industry mourns his passing, it also celebrates his contributions and the indelible mark he has left on Broadway and the world of entertainment. Ron Simons may be gone, but his spirit and his work will continue to resonate for years to come.
