Henry Simmons Takes Spotlight As Newest Hunk On `NYPD Blue'

Jet, May 8, 2000

Henry Simmons, who joined the cast of the hit ABC drama "NYPD Blue" this year, is not a household name yet. But sexy posters and calendars are probably just around the corner for prime-time television's newest hunk.

He's the reason tons of women-Black and White-are glued to the set (Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. EST) when the drama about the personal and professional relationships of officers in a precinct of the New York Police Department.

Maybe that's because the 29-year-old, 6-foot-4, 205-pound actor has already been called on to show off his well-chiseled torso a few times. "I'm sure by the end of the season it will be bare butt," he told the Chicago Tribune. "David Milch (co-creator of the show) is not ashamed, as he says, to use whatever we have here." And the creators certainly make maximum use of his perfectly toned body. After all, how many actors in Hollywood have stories written about them that include their shoe size? Simmons' is size 14.

His character, Detective Baldwin Jones, is the new kid on the squad and is still learning the ropes from Lt. Arthur Fancy (James McDonald), the only other Black officer in the squad room. Of course, he still has to prove himself to the veteran officers who are wary of any newcomers, especially a handsome, tall Black one.

The show also is dealing with the prickly issue of race because one of the reasons Jones appears to get some flack from Dennis Franz's character is because he's Black. And some officers aren't too comfortable with that.

Simmons, a native of Stamford, CT, attended Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire where he played basketball but also dabbled a bit in acting. He studied business. His twin sister, Heather, involved in casting, helped keep him focused on acting when he realized financial management was not for him.

He performed in the hit daytime drama "Another World," "New York Undercover" and "The Cosby Mysteries." His film work included Above the Rim, Snow Days and On the QT. He's also appeared on stage in productions with the LaMaMa Theater Company. Last year he auditioned for a recurring role on "NYPD Blue." But, the show's creators were so impressed with Simmons and the fact that they could take his character into so many different directions that his role was expanded and turned into a regular cast member.

He could have easily been a highly paid model but quickly dismissed that. "Modeling is not my thing," he told the New York Daily News. "I'm not very good at having my picture taken. I've never been comfortable with someone telling me, `Okay do this.' But with movies and TV, it's not really me. I didn't choose acting for the glitz and glamour but as a way to be creative. I'm not trying to feed my ego and see my face everywhere. I get uncomfortable with an intense amount of attention. My parents drilled into me that working hard and doing your best is the only way you'll get what you want in life."

He isn't the first character on the show to show a little flesh. Dennis Franz bared a bit in a segment. But, Simmons, in a short amount of time, is already the topic of water-cooler conversation.

Because the show is so well-written, he doesn't mind showing those abs and pecs. And feet. And there are millions of viewers anxiously waiting to see if and when he'll show more.