After becoming a member of What I Like About You with Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth, Simon Rex was nowhere to be found 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 effectively till a miscommunication on Valentine’s Day made Val assume she was going to get proposed to. As a substitute, Jeff revealed he by no means wished to get married and so they subsequently referred to as it quits. They briefly reconciled, however in the end didn’t get again collectively — and Jeff was MIA when What I Like About You returned for season 2.
Rex, 51, never specifically addressed his departure from What I Like About You, however many followers assume his story line simply ran its course. Years later, he spoke about how his appearing 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 Web in 2021 whereas selling Crimson Rocket. “Previously, 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 develop into a great 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 major hole between tasks earlier than his critically acclaimed efficiency in Sean Baker‘s 2021 drama movie Crimson Rocket.
Rex recalled not feeling in “management” on the time, including within the 2021 interview, “I lived in Hollywood, surrounded by lovely girls and limitless events. I’d present as much as auditions hungover — I wasn’t taking my work significantly.”
He continued: “As I received older, my physique and thoughts simply couldn’t sustain with that life-style anymore. So I advised myself, ‘OK, it’s time to develop up.’ I’m fortunate to be a working actor, and now all my vitality is concentrated on my craft.”
Regardless of the challenges, Rex made it clear he had no regrets.
“If I had executed issues in a different way, I wouldn’t be right here now, so I assume the reply isn’t any. In fact, I’ve damage folks, and I’ve been damage too,” he shared. “I’ve made loads of errors — however I’ve realized from them. In the long run, every little thing led me to this second, so I’m at peace with my regrets.”
What I Like About You aired for three more 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 at the moment streaming on Netflix.












