Veteran actor J.K. Simmons is preparing for his upcoming role in the MGM+ series "The Westies," where he portrays a formidable Irish-American mob boss. Reflecting on his diverse fifty-year career, Simmons discussed his journey from struggling, starving artist in 1980s New York to an Academy Award winner. He shared personal anecdotes regarding his early days working at Joe Allen and the financial hardships he faced, including a pivotal moment when friend Gregg Edelman provided him with $100. Simmons, known for playing complex characters ranging from the brutal conductor in "Whiplash" to the bombastic boss in "Spider-Man," emphasized his desire to find the humanity in even the most villainous roles. Looking forward, he is set to appear alongside Brad Pitt in the September film "Heart of the Beast," continuing his prolific career as a dedicated character actor.