Simon Rex has revealed that his audition for the 1997 film Good Will Hunting was so poor that Matt Damon began laughing at him. The 51-year-old actor, who started his career as an MTV video jockey, said he was invited to audition by director Gus Van Sant but had no prior acting experience.
“I was reading the lines like a robot because I had never acted before,” Rex told People magazine at a screening of his new film, Americana. “And Matt Damon was laughing at me as I’m reading the lines like this.”
Rex recalled that Van Sant advised him to attend acting school, saying, “You’re not ready, but you should go to acting school.” After gaining experience, Rex went on to star in the Scary Movie franchise and the sitcom What I Like About You.
Rex’s latest film, Americana, premiered at SXSW Festival in 2023 and has received positive reviews. The film, set for release on 15 August, features a cast including Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, and Eric Dane.
Rex, who also performs as rapper Dirt Nasty, said he is unlikely to revive his music career. “I just don’t want to be rapping anymore,” he told People. “I’m 51 years old. This is what I should be doing.”
