JK Simmons: 'I was happy to strip in new film... because my wife directed it'

JK Simmons has said that being directed by his wife helped him to “literally and figuratively” bare it all in new film, I’m Not Here.

The Oscar-winning actor, 62, felt more comfortable stripping off on camera for the new indie film because his wife Michelle Schumacher was in the director's chair.

“I think honestly it makes it easier,” he told the Standard. “I think especially in a film like this where I’m literally and figuratively baring it all, it was nice to have any director that I had a comfort level with.”

Simmons plays an isolated man, struggling to come to terms with the events of his past, in a largely mute role.

“It was an interesting lesson in that regard. Coming from the theatre as both my wife and I do, my script study tends to be all about dialogue, so this was an opportunity to explore something else,” he said.

“My third of the film is mainly non-verbal on my part so I’d be in a room on my own reflecting or in a house by myself. It was a challenge and an opportunity.”

Former Broadway star Schumacher also co-wrote the film, which co-stars Sebastian Stan and Maika Monroe.

“I didn’t really have any input in the writing at all, she would occasionally talk about it, but more like a husband and wife than a writer and an actor,” said Simmons.

“Just chatting in bed at night or as the day was going along. But as usual with her work I’m mostly a spectator until it came time for me to do my part.”

Simmons experienced a career resurgence thanks to his Oscar-winning role in 2014 film Whiplash, and has since been switching between indie roles and big-budget blockbusters such as Batman and Justice League.

“One of the blessings of the career I've been fortunate to have is I do have opportunities to play different charters in different kinds of films. I’m always looking for something that’s different from whatever it is I’ve just done,” he said.

Simmons and Schumacher spent time in London over the summer as their teenage daughter Olivia took part in a Rada workshop.

“We’re big fans of London. Our daughter has been doing a two week workshop for teenage aspiring actor at Rada,” he said.

Having cut his teeth on stage, Simmons is keen to line up his next theatre role, which he hopes will be in the West End.

“I saw Tom Hiddleston’s Hamlet with my wife and daughter and he and I were chatting and he asked me that same question,” he said.

“I think not in the next year or two because our daughter is still in high school and I want to stay home in LA but I’d love to get back on stage starting in 2019 or 2020. I’d love to be doing something in the West End.”