Jermelle Simon on Overcoming Sexuality Fears Through ‘The Upshaws’
Jermelle Simon, best known for his role as Bernard “Benny” Upshaw Jr. in the Netflix sitcom The Upshaws, has undergone a remarkable journey of self-discovery through his character’s evolution. The show has allowed Simon, along with his character, to confront and embrace their sexuality.
Character Transformation in The Upshaws
For Simon, portraying Bernard has been a significant milestone and a vehicle for personal growth. “As Bernard grew, I felt a need to catch up,” Simon explained. The character’s struggles, including intricate relationships and personal ambitions, mirror Simon’s own path towards self-acceptance. Over five seasons, audiences have seen Bernard deal with various issues, from fatherhood to entrepreneurship, culminating in a fulfilling yet complex narrative.
Similarities Between Simon and Bernard
Simon relates closely to Bernard’s journey, which includes coming out as gay. On National Coming Out Day in 2024, Simon shared his own truth on social media, making his announcement a transformative experience. “That moment was incredibly freeing,” he said, describing the liberation he felt after being open about his sexuality.
Personal Background and Acting Journey
Originally from Florence, South Carolina, Simon had early aspirations in acting but faced societal pressures that led him to temporarily push his dreams aside. His determination eventually pulled him back to the craft, leading him to community theater in Virginia. Juggling fatherhood and work, Simon balanced his responsibilities while pursuing a career in acting.
Breaking Into Hollywood
His persistence paid off in 2020 when he landed the role of Bernard in The Upshaws. The opportunity allowed him to confront his fears regarding his sexuality, as he had to articulate openly who he was along with Bernard’s storyline. “I had to face my fears, and that process changed my soul,” revealed Simon.
A Fitting Conclusion for Bernard
In the final season, Simon felt a deep connection to how Bernard’s story concludes. “I put Bernard to rest with a smile on my face,” he stated. The character’s growth offered a sense of closure not only for Simon but also for the audience, who have followed his journey through struggles and triumphs.
Personal Connection on Set
During the filming of the last episodes, Simon faced a personal loss with the passing of his grandmother. Her supportive words resonated with him at a crucial time as he navigated the end of filming.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Simon is eager to take on diverse roles that resonate with audiences. He expressed interest in evolving his career beyond sitcoms, aiming to explore film opportunities that allow him to portray a wider range of characters. “I want to show range in an impactful way,” Simon stated.
Personal Life and Marriage
Simon recently married digital storyteller Obio Jones in a private ceremony. The decision to keep their wedding intimate reflects Simon’s desire to embrace authenticity in his personal life while remaining transparent with his audience. “This is my heart, and I wanted to keep our moment special,” he shared.
- Key Names: Jermelle Simon, Bernard “Benny” Upshaw Jr., Obio Jones, Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Wanda Sykes.
- Notable Dates: National Coming Out Day 2024, Wedding in October 2024.
As Simon prepares for the next chapter, he remains committed to pursuing narratives that inspire change and foster understanding, carrying the lessons learned from his time on The Upshaws.
