Mika Simmons is a multifaceted British actress, boasting a rich heritage of Irish, Canadian-Swedish descent. Born in the vibrant city of Greenwich, she spent her early years in South East London, surrounded by the bustling energy of the metropolitan area. However, her family's move to the picturesque county of Somerset marked a significant turning point in her life.
Mika's academic pursuits led her to the University of Leeds, where she earned a degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies. She further honed her craft by training at the esteemed Drama Studio.
Throughout her illustrious career, Mika has appeared in a plethora of notable productions, including the BBC's Showtrial, ITV's Frenchman's Creek, Channel 4's Unforgotten, and the BAFTA award-winning Falling Apart. Her impressive filmography also includes Film London's Balcony, which garnered the Crystal Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and Dictynna Hood's Us Among the Stones, which received a nomination from the BFI.
Mika's directorial debut, Rain Stops Play, won the coveted Silver Remi for best comedy at the Houston World Film Festival, and subsequently earned nominations at the BAFTA qualifying Underwire Festival and CBFF. Her subsequent short film, Breach, earned her the award for Best International Director at the Portland Comedy Festival, which premiered at the BAFTA qualifying BUFF in November 2021. Her most recent work as Director, My Week With Maisy, took home the top prize for best diversity and women's film at the Cleveland International Film Festival, and Mika was long listed as Best Director at the British Short Film Awards.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Mika is deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2014, she founded the Lady Garden Foundation in honour of her late mother, Rosemary Brennan, to raise funds for research into personalized treatment of gynaecological cancers at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, under the guidance of Dr Susana Banerjee.
Mika's numerous accolades include being chosen by Harpers Bazaar as one of their female Visionaries in 2021, as well as being honoured by You Magazine's women of the year and listed as one of Mail on Sunday's YOU Magazine's 21 Women of 21.
Her brother, Keir Simmons, is the Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News and The Today Show, showcasing the strong family ties that Mika cherishes.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Mika is passionate about alternative health and wellness. She holds a qualification as a Craniosacral Therapist and Yoga Teacher, demonstrating her dedication to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
