Actor Timothy Simons, a native of Readfield, is up for a Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Simons plays Sasha Roklov on the Netflix show “Nobody Wants This.”

“Nobody Wants This” was nominated for three Emmys in 2025, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

Simons previously played the odious Jonah Ryan on the critically acclaimed HBO political satire “Veep,” which received multiple awards nominations, but the Critics Choice nod is Simons’ first major nomination as an individual actor.

“I’m delighted to be nominated, but nothing in film production is a solo work,” Simons said in an email Friday. “If I’m nominated, it’s because of the exemplary work of the ensemble of cast, writers and crew. It’s a reflection of their work as much as it is mine. I’m happy to be along for the ride.” 

Simons, 47, grew up in Readfield and attended Maranacook High School. He developed his love for acting while attending University of Maine in Orono.

From Maine, Simons moved to Kentucky, where he worked in children’s theater before moving to Chicago, and ultimately Los Angeles.

Simons appeared in a Geico insurance ad as Abraham Lincoln 15 years ago, and the silly spot caught the eye of a “Veep” casting director.

The commercial marked a turning point in his career, and brought Simons his best-known role as Jonah Ryan. The HBO show ran for seven seasons from 2012-2019.

“Veep” was nominated every season for best Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and won three times.

“Nobody Wants This” premiered in 2024. Its second season was released in October, and season three will air later this year.

On the show, Simons plays Sasha, the older brother of rabbi Noah Roklov, played by Adam Brody, who starts a romantic relationship with the agnostic sex and dating podcaster Joanne Williams, played by Kristen Bell.