Article by Matty Cardarople/Answers written by Sam Simmons
Sam Simmons Interview – Ctrl Alt Delete Stress
Sam Simmons is an award-winning comedian and actor, and is known for creating the Silly Billy Walk with his daughter.
Hey Sam! Thanks so much for chatting with us. First off, I’m a huge fan of your work! Also, I want to thank you very much as my wife surprised me with a Cameo from you when I was under the weather and it really cheered me up. Okay, enough of me fanboying. Let’s get this interview rolling!
- Where are you from? What was the moment you knew you wanted to be a comedian? What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
Hi Matty, thank you very much for reaching out. I’m a big fan of your goofiness too. I come from the city of Adelaide in South Australia. I guess the closest comparison I found in the U.S. was Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s a weird place full of lots of odd stories and lots of unsolved murders.
I think my favorite project is always live, but I had the absolute pleasure to create my own pseudo-weirdo sketch show back in 2012 called Problems. It only ran for four episodes as it confused the commissioners.
- What is a Silly Billy Walk for those that don’t know? And what inspired you to use silly walks as a way to connect with people and support their mental health journey?
The silly walk is a thing I used to do every weekend with my daughter— we would dress up like idiots and walk around the streets. Eventually more and more people asked why we were doing it, and eventually, they joined. Sadly, I don’t do the walk as much as I used to, as my little girl is growing up.
- Have you noticed any specific benefits or changes in people’s moods when they try silly walks themselves?
I think to be silly in life has many benefits, especially reminding yourself of the child you used to be. I think we take life way too seriously these days and silliness provides positives for mental health and overall happiness. No matter what, I will never not be silly.
- Do you think there’s a connection between physical humor, like silly walks, and reducing anxiety and stress? Why do you think it works?
I think any type of playfulness or silliness is totally beneficial to your mental health. I think especially in men, the inability to connect on a more playful level except when drunk poses lots of problems. I know for certain a lot of older men will only ever share feelings with their other male friends when they’re drunk. You don’t need alcohol as an excuse to “get silly.”
- How do you balance being funny and keeping things light-hearted while addressing the serious topic of mental health?
Even though I’ve pretty much retired from live stand-up, I’ll never escape my silly. It’s in my bones. I have funny bones and that is probably why I had such a fantastic career. Sadly, due to an inability to overcome my own anxiety and lack of ego and drive, I find myself withdrawing more and more from the world of entertainment. This is not a bad thing— instead of worrying about where my next paycheck comes from or being on the road for long stretches of time, I’d like to be present for my little girl.
- If someone feels too shy or self-conscious to try a silly walk, what advice would you give them to take that first step (or silly step?)
The best thing about the Silly Billy Walk is the ability to dress up and disguise yourself, and also, you’re surrounded by a group of likewise silly people also probably a bit embarrassed about what they’re doing! But that was the best thing about it— safety in numbers and anonymity (if needed.)
- What’s next for you career-wise and where can people find you?
Not much Matty, we have a pretty tiny market over here in Australia, so I’m just getting along supporting my partner and being a good dad. Hopefully you’ll see me soon in a film called The Deb directed by the very talented Rebel Wilson. I guess that will be screening in 2025. Other than that, you’ll find me making school lunches and being silly in the schoolyard.
If you’re interested in getting silly with Sam:
Instagram: @samthebamsimmons
IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm3065900/
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