Simon Rex is back in the spotlight after fans rediscovered the Scary Movie star’s brief early career in adult entertainment.
Rex, who is best known to many audiences for playing George in Scary Movie 3, Scary Movie 4 and Scary Movie 5, has also appeared in projects including Superhero Movie, Jack & Jill and Baywatch. He did not return for the recently released sixth instalment of the franchise.
The renewed attention began after social media users started circulating details of Rex’s early adult work, with some fans expressing surprise that the actor had once performed under the name Sebastian.
According to The Tab, Rex was 19 in 1993 when he responded to an advertisement in a Los Angeles magazine from photographer Brad Posey, who was looking for nude models.
By 1994, Rex had appeared in several adult videos for Club 1821 under the alias Sebastian. His time in the adult industry was short-lived, with modelling soon leading him into mainstream entertainment.
Rex went on to model for major brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Versace and Levi’s, before being hired by MTV as a video jockey.
While some actors may try to distance themselves from adult work, Rex has previously been open about that chapter of his life. He later starred as a former adult film performer in the critically acclaimed film Red Rocket.
“I thought I could shoot four porn movies, find fame and live in a world where this past wouldn’t come out,” Rex previously admitted.
The resurfaced attention has also highlighted how his early adult work affected his career. Rex has said he lost out on a Disney show because of the videos, while MTV reportedly questioned him about what appeared in the tapes.
For fans just discovering this part of Rex’s story, the reaction has ranged from shock to curiosity. For Rex, however, it appears to be a long-known chapter in an unconventional career that has taken him from adult work to MTV, comedy franchises, fashion campaigns and award-winning indie film.
