J.K. Simmons’ onscreen presence has always commanded attention, partly because he brings such gravitas and intensity to his roles. He’s exceptionally adept at playing morally gray characters — antagonists, anti-heroes, and outright villains. He may have delivered his career-best performance in Whiplash, as a sadistic musical mentor with a warped ego, and that film showcased some really intense moments which, in retrospect, may mirror the final scene of The Westies‘ penultimate episode.

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