What was up with Fred Simmons on Conan?

Question

Yah...was he for real or what? he never laughed and apparently he's a fictional character. I was really confused with him on Conan breaking those fake boards and blocks. He kept asking for re-do's and stuff, wtf? And then he said "F**k this show!" in his performance, and told off Will Ferrel. Anyone know what was up with this guy?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

What I am really wondering though is was there really some animosity between Will and "Fred Simmons", Danny McBride, because he really did leave a sour taste in everyone's mouth with his acting; impersonating being frustrated while cutting everyone else off rudely... either something went awry and off sync with Conan's, Will's, and everyone else's vibe being too new and nerve-racking to this "blooming" comedian, McBride, so he barked and bit a lot in trying to accentuate the role while fumblingly overwhelming it, with the comedic tone in his farce or everyone who was involved in this fiasco is a powerful actor. I have a gut feeling for some reason though, and I don't want it to be true, that something didn't go as planned as maybe the comedian's tone and conversational rhythm was a little too intense and so it kind of startled everyone and he got some reactions he didn't like to see all of a sudden which created a snowball effect of awkward and unprepared responses from everyone involved.

*Wow everybody... no.. really!? We all went to the website thefootfistway.com... right!? We should all know be now that it was a publicity stunt for a movie... and if you searched Fred Simmons online you would see he is a character in this movie about a Tae Kwon Do instructor with tempermental issues. The real question is was... did it all go right or did some informalties get squeezed in there when Conan and Will were caught off guard causing the comedian to turn the skit on them and act out on them a little more sharply and shortly as an advertisement for the intense comedy in the movie and as a disguise for his actual abrasion towards Conan and Will!? Maybe they started to isolate him in the beggining because he seemed too rapid or intense and in turn he became a little offended by this and his humor actually had a bite to it because he was actually a little ticked off!? And he used this bite as a testament to the realistic and intense acting, that always amplifies the effect of comedy, that his movie "will have" and it makes him instead just seem to be a more believable actor. You know when the guy with anger management problems is the movie's entire punchline... it is funny to see the character in his world being really serious and intense and especially in his Tae Kwon Do demonstrations. And if this is what REALLY happened then that actor has some emotional issues and needs to mature quite a bit.

*Antwan, actually you seem "butt-hurt" as well because you are making actually a pretty well justified point but it's application can only go so far. You are not thinking outside the realm of normality that when someone does a shock-skit like this one... their job is to push the boundaries but you are forgetting that actors shine in these skits as well because of their attempt to act like they're normal and as if everything happening is real, when it really isn't of course, and also they have an ace up their sleeves that will cause an uproar of laughter or elation in the future when the act is revealed. And, very commonly, there is confusion and isolation in these skits as well that may produce the sort of "on the spot" thinking, acting, and dialogue that wasn't planned and actor/comedians with reputations, such as Will and Conan, might come across as intimidating to this aspiring actor/comedian who has to act out a role of a mean idiot live, in a way because they won't "cut" and play in a show because of an audience and it would throw them off, so he in turn becomes short with them and disguises it under his passionate acting in comedy which always makes it funnier. You are completely sitting on the fact that skits can go wrong... because I have a feeling something actually happened between Will, Conan, and the actor and since it was a skit... Conan would be contractually obligated to never say, because he received money for the promo and it could ruin an actor's career, and we might never know. You are in fact not even thinking if it is a possibility so you must be "butt-hurt" because they might have done one over on you when you were mentally asleep watcing a skit that you felt went completely satisfactorily for all of the actor's involved. We all know, by the way, that "the cameras", "do-overs", the cardboard boards, and the "F*** it" were a part of the skit as well as the "shut up and dance naked some more, Will". But, that comment to Will could have also been improv as well and we might never know. He might have been supposed to tell Will off but used words that Will found offensive actually... being the way the actor layed it on him was almost like the actor was saying his acting and comedic talent was just as good or better than Will's with his tone not wavering at all like it should a bit when doing these types of skits to put the joke on yourself. He stayed solid and almost made it seem it was a joke on normal actor/comedians being caught off guard when a new actor/comedian is in charge of a show/skit. It really appeared the actor was actually against Will and Conan either because he was intimdated by their solid reputations and control of the crowd or it was because he wanted to shake them up because he felt they were just too privledged. Shaking them up would score points for him being able to have power and influence over other actor/comedians and it would make him seem like an incredible actor for a comedian... if you don't have the courage to question whether he was a genuine actor or a genuine *** actor. Genuine *** actors make the audience laugh but have actually made an *** out of everyone else involved in the skit because they catch them off guard when, especially, *** actors were the rude guy in the skit and the audience just loves him, the *** actor, because he is an actor and the other actor's seem "a bit put off" so they don't get nearly as much adoration. This normally happens when a laugh hungry comedian steps outside normal rythms and preplanned conversations on purpose to catch the other actor's off guard and in turn makes the skit much more emotionally authentic. This also happens when an inexperienced actor though doesn't know how to deal with people's emotions correctly, especially while in the zone on stage trying to impersonate a mean idiot while not trying to actually be emotionally involved because it has to seem authentic, so he begins to jab at places in conversational rythm that Conan and Will are not comfortable with in actuality and they weren't expecting THIS type of short behavior with his version of SERIOUS tone that actually was rude and made Conan and Will seem kind of putt off, when they actually were, and this makes them seem like sour actors if they cannot "handle the heat" in a skit such as this one. I really do believe the actor was abusing these buttons that he was pushing for the emphatic effect of the skit and it's comedy but he used raw emotion because he was either inxperienced, immature, a sudden grudge between him and Conan and Will formed amidst the skit causing a snowball effect, or he is just an *** actor who does this to get laughs because he enjoys catching privledged actor/comedians off guard for his benefit. And if you don't think this could happen... then you are wrong because the fact is this happens to every actor and occurs ALL the time either in suttle ways or large ways and it could occur commonly also as just an actor making an honest bad call on the emotion of the other actor(s) in the scene touching raw emotion a tad too much and also in cutting off their emotions as well. Actors battle with not contorting another's emotions or rubbing on raw emotion too much because they need to learn the other actor's emotions as well before they step on someone by accident. This skit actually seemed like he did it on purpose in amplifying his role and authenticating his acting ability to draw out seemingly real emotion from the other actors, Conan and Will, when he was actually abusing their emotion and reputations, for the sake of power and control in his skit, to make him seem like he was strong through the whole ordeal while famous actors are actually caught off guard and show real distress that which makes him seem like he is just a really good actor who is more professional and authentic in this skit than the others involved. This is a ploy that is very often used, almost everytime, when a blooming actor or comedian takes the stage with people with large reputations and especially in a shock-skit. You must understand this if you are ever entered into the world of acting; meaning into becoming an actor like I am. This is common knowledge that nearly everything is preplanned out but it doesn't always go they way it is supposed to. Though... I won't completely rule out that if Danny McBride actually did everything right in accordance with the other actor/comedians involved, Conan and Will, then he is a talent of an actor/comedian. And if that is the case... then McBride definetly deserves kudos in my oppinion because then he must of been really focused in his role and I would have to say wow, because then he really did an incredible job.

Answer 2

yeah.. that was weird, i don't think any of that was supposed to happen. Will Farrell looked genuienly frightened. but what do you mean fred simmons is fictional?

Answer 3

I don't know, but it was hilarious!!!!!

I could tell that guy was gonna snap after he was asking those weird questions about the website being displayed on the screen...I didn't get what he was trying to ask. And then the re-do thing made me crack up!! He was like "If I don't get a redo I'll look like a fool on nation TV"...and then he says **** this show and leaves. Even after Will Farell apologized, he was still an ***. That guy had no sense of humor.

Answer 4

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10006472/
its from a movie?

What was the website he said to go to?

Answer 5

Apparently this is for a spoof movie called foot fist way. However, the marketing attempt just came off as incredibly awkward and will Ferrell did not look pleased.

Answer 6

I'm 90% sure it was fake. Fred Simmons is a fictional character played by Danny R. McBride in the upcoming movie "The Foot Fist Way". It's possible he was actually angry, but I'm thinking this McBride character is trying his best to become the next "Borat". Too bad he failed.

Source(s):

movies.yahoo.com
search Danny R. McBride or The Foot Fist Way

Answer 7

Fred Simmons appearance on 'Late Night' was a promo for a movie that was made called 'The Foot Fist Way' I believe. It features an off-color martial arts instructor of the same name. I think the entire bit was a satire, serving as a promo for the movie. I think I remember Sasha Cohen doing a similar promo for his 'Borat' movie, in which he appeared only 'in character.'

Answer 8

No he was never actually mad, he was in character the entire time as some stupid karate master

Answer 9

This skit was so confusing! I didn't know whether to laugh or to feel sorry for this Simmons guy. I had to know if this guy was legit or not. Did some quick web surfing, Fred Simmons is a fake, possibly promoting the year old Foot Fist Way movie. I think Will Ferrel was the only one who actually pulled off a convincing act which made it more convincing that it was real. Last night's Conan was so much better.

Answer 10

he was "rico" on "hot rod" and the movie, "the foot fist way" is under will ferrell's production company. it was all rigged.

Answer 11

I know it was fake, but the guy still came off as a complete douchebag. Doesn't make me want to see his movie at all. In fact, it makes me not want to see it.

Answer 12

I'm impressed with his performance. I hated him so much after his appearance I had to figure out what he was all about.

Now that I know he was only in character and intended on acting the way he did still leaves me confused as to whether I love'em or hate'em.

But now I know his name and new movie by heart. Mission accomplished if you ask me.

Answer 13

I think it was a publicity stunt - though not pulled off very well. It was quite painful to watch actually. The best part was when he walked off and yelled at his group. Oh well

Source(s):

saw the show

Answer 14

Look it up on imdb.com It was great marketing because it made everyone who didn't recognize the guy go wtf, and now you are at least curious about him. And since I already knew him from Hot Rod, was laughing my head off the whole time. The guy is hilarious. Will Ferrell and him know each other already. Ferrell is producing a show that Danny McBride (real actor) is writing, he also exec produced Hot Rod.

Danny McBride will be on Drillbit Taylor coming out soon.

Answer 15

i went to Simmons' website, which address i will not mention in protest of how such an asinine dirt-bag made it to my TV screen. The site has an age requirement and displays the logo for a "R" MPAA rating for language and sexual content. The site also links to Paramount Vantage, a site with film related news. This leads me to believe that his performance on Conan tonight is purely part of some viral marketing scheme for a movie.

it seems to me that this schmuck Simmons is a wannabe comedian attempting antics reminiscent of Ali G. However, the disgusting ignorance Simmons displays and the alarmingly conflicted messages found on his website confirms that this guy is a moronic boob, better left without his 15 minutes of fame.

Answer 16

Jody Hill's "The Foot Fist Way" tells the story of small town Tae Kwon Do instructor Fred Simmons (Danny McBride), who relishes in the power that comes from being the king of a small kingdom. A former champion, Mr. Simmons fancies himself one in the same as his hero, Chuck "The Truck" Wallace (Ben Best), a B-movie Martial Arts film star. Mr. Simmons openly boasts about his self-proclaimed status as "king of the demo" [Tae Kwon Do demonstration], even though he can't nail one to save his life. His only vulnerability lies in his adoration of his wife Suzie (Mary Jane Bostic) - a weakness that comes bubbling to the surface when Mr. Simmons discovers Suzie has cheated on him with her new boss. When Suzie leaves him, Mr. Simmons finds himself slipping into a crushing downward spiral. He struggles to keep "the power" by abusing anyone who challenges him. After losing students and making a fool out of himself, he finds allies in Julio Chavez (Spencer Moreno), his nine-year-old apprentice, and Henry Harrison (Carlos Lopez), one of his students with an "obvious confidence problem." When his bizarre best friend Mike McAllister (Hill) comes to visit, the four make a pilgrimage to meet the greatest Martial Artist of all time, "The Truck," at a Tae Kwon Do convention . What starts as a crazy man's expedition to escape turns into a trip of discovery, as Mr. Simmons and his crew party with "The Truck" and Mr. Simmons convinces him to perform a demo at his Tae Kwon Do school during the upcoming belt-qualifying testing. Inspired with renewed strength, Fred returns from the convention clear-headed and at the top of his game, until he is shocked by an unexpected turn of events when Suzie returns home, and the "The Truck" flies in from Hollywood to appear at his Tae Kwon Do school. In the end, Mr. Simmons faces the greatest test of his power and finds the strength he outwardly projects within his own spirit

Source(s):

imdb.com

Answer 17

I thought it was awesome. Remember super troopers? Go Team Ramrod!

Answer 18

It was staged because Will Ferrell own the production company for Danny R. McBride's , who is Fred Simmons on Conan, movie The Fist Foot Way. I had to do a little research to find this info. But, it did look real.

Answer 19

So was everyone except the audience and viewers informed about this stunt? I mean I was feeling bad for him at first because he looked really nervous, but once he started disrespecting Will, I totally thought that was uncalled-for...Anyways, in the end, I don't think it was a smart thing to do. I absolutely do not want to watch that movie just because of that act. EPIC FAIL!

Answer 20

I have been proud to call North Carolina my home for my entire life. Many people from other parts of the country move here to live a better life. I was not at all impressed or entertained with Fred Simmons' (McBride's) appearance on Conan. Now that I see that Will Ferrell was behind it as well, I will be sure never to see any movie or show in which either actor has so much as a cameo performance. I also will not use any products from any company that sponsor their programming.

I like Conan very much and am disappointed he took part in that offensive 'skit'.

Answer 21

yea i was just... what the feck is goin on??? now i know its some type of marketing thing, the marketing people for that movie needs to be fired cuz i just didnt get it... and was will ferrell in on it or what??? it was a good show till that weirdo simmons came in, that gig was a huge mistake what a mess it was... oh and how is it offensive to north carolina??? i dont get you...

Answer 22

D Mcbride is the sh#$....keep your girlfriends close..

Answer 23

That was awesome! At first I thought it was real and then I realized it had to be a set up. It was pretty believable though.

Answer 24

wow. I was taken back by that. I watched the episode online on NBC.com and that was just waayy too awkward. I feel like I'm back in middle school. They did a horrible job. I'm definitely NOT watching any movie with that guy in it.

Answer 25

yeah so this guy simmons is actually a guy by the last name Mc bride, he was the character rico in the film "hot rod", the movie hot rod is so bad, but it is not near as bad as this douche, and apparently will ferell is somehow actually envolved in the redistribution of mcbride first film the way of the foot or some crap, he is trying to create a character somewhat like an ali g but he is failing tremendously, nothing was funny on connan at all people felt akward and he swore on stage which i don't think he is supposed to do. they bleeped it out, and at the end the closing was so not funny at all, this dude sucks if it was real or fake. will ferell seemed displeased with this dude, mcbride or simmons or whatever needs to stay off late night and probably the movies in general, and once again for anyone has never seen the movie HOT ROD it is the worst, not even close to the quality of a ANCHORMAN or OLD SCHOOL.

Source(s):

my brain

Answer 26

That was pretty funny, obviously those boards were breaking very easily. I knew he looked familiar because he was in Hot Rod. The producers would never let someone like him on the show if his persona was really like that, especially with that crappy Tae Kwon Do demonstration. He was in character and he did a good job because a lot of people on this board believed it. Well the movie is a comedy coming out in April or something and I read that it was pretty funny, I mean if Will thinks its funny then it can't be that bad, and he was the one who got it picked up by paramount. If you saw the actress next to Danny, she was laughing the whole time, giving a clue that she was probably in on the act, or he would've yelled at her, the audience, and Conan for that matter. If it was real then Conan would've probably been angry which he wasn't at all.

Source(s):

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117960242.html?categoryid=2453&cs=1

Answer 27

IT WAS A JOKE. YEAYYAYAYAY.

Answer 28

I actually thought it was pretty funny, in an andy kaufman kind of way.

Answer 29

Viral Marketing like this is definitely a popular trend, and hey, it worked. It had us all look up this Fred Simmons guy.

Answer 30

That was the most unfunny skit on Conan I've seen in a while. I figured it was fake, but that only works if it's actually, you know, funny. Incredibly lame in my opinion. Just uncomfortable all around and I felt bad for the guy that it was a flop.

Answer 31

C'mon guys. It was so obvious from the first second he walked on stage all confused about the cameras. Have you ever seen a guest confused about the cameras? It was a stunt and it was hilarious. I thought he was funny as hell. Didn't you see the wood boards he was breaking? they were already broken in half. It was all so obvious. You guys are just mad cause you fell for it.