After becoming a member of What I Like About You with Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth, Simon Rex was nowhere to be discovered after the primary season of the hit WB sitcom.
What I Like About You adopted the lives of two sisters residing collectively in New York Metropolis — teenager Holly (Bynes) and her accountable older sister, Val (Garth). Rex was launched as Val’s boyfriend, Jeff, when the present premiered in 2002.
Jeff and Val’s relationship was going properly till a miscommunication on Valentine’s Day made Val assume she was going to get proposed to. As an alternative, Jeff revealed he by no means wished to get married and so they subsequently referred to as it quits. They briefly reconciled, however finally didn’t get again collectively — and Jeff was MIA when What I Like About You returned for season 2.
Rex, 51, by no means particularly addressed his departure from What I Like About Youhowever many followers assume his story line simply ran its course. Years later, he spoke about how his performing profession suffered as he tried to navigate life within the highlight.
“In America, we love watching somebody rise — then fail. After which we love watching them come again. People love the cycle. It’s simply extra fascinating,” he advised information outlet Y Internet in 2021 whereas selling Purple Rocket. “Prior to now, I used to be distracted by girls and events, at all times chasing pleasure. However for the primary time in my life, I’m centered on creating significant work — and on humility. It took me a very long time to turn out to be a very good Jewish man however I’m lastly there.”
Rex rose to fame as an MTV VJ earlier than starring within the Scary Film franchise and making the transition into music together with his rap persona: Filth Nasty. The actor, who was beforehand concerned in intercourse work, launched a number of albums and had different onscreen roles however he had a big hole between tasks earlier than his critically acclaimed efficiency in Sean Baker‘s 2021 drama movie Purple Rocket.
Rex recalled not feeling in “management” on the time, including within the 2021 interview, “I lived in Hollywood, surrounded by lovely girls and countless events. I’d present as much as auditions hungover — I wasn’t taking my work significantly.”
He continued: “As I obtained older, my physique and thoughts simply couldn’t sustain with that way of life anymore. So I advised myself, ‘OK, it’s time to develop up.’ I’m fortunate to be a working actor, and now all my power is targeted on my craft.”
Regardless of the challenges, Rex made it clear he had no regrets.
“If I had carried out issues in another way, I wouldn’t be right here now, so I suppose the reply isn’t any. In fact, I’ve damage individuals, and I’ve been damage too,” he shared. “I’ve made loads of errors — however I’ve discovered from them. In the long run, every thing led me to this second, so I’m at peace with my regrets.”
What I Like About You aired for 3 extra seasons after Rex’s disappearance. Along with Bynes, 39, and Garth, 53, the collection starred Wesley Jonathan, Leslie Grossman, Michael McMillian, Nick Zano, Allison Munn, Dan Cortese, Edward Kerr and David de Lautour.
What I Like About You is presently streaming on Netflix.

