Who is Rev Run? See Net-worth, Quote, Awards, Fact, Wiki

May 2024 · 14 minute read

Joseph Ward Simmons Wiki Biography

Joseph Ward Simmons, to the public known by the stage name of Rev Run or simply DJ Run, is a famous American disc jockey, rap artist, actor, television producer, as well as a minister of religion. Rev Run is probably best known as the co-founder of a popular hip-hop group from Queens, New York called “Run D.M.C”. Considered to be among the best known hip hop acts in the 1980s, “Run D.M.C” is one of the groups that introduced the new-school genre into the hip hop music. Founded in 1981, the group included Simmons, Darryl McDaniels and Jam Master Jay, who was murdered in 2002 at the age of 37. An award-winning group, “Run D.M.C” has released seven studio albums, one of which, namely “King of Rock” (1985) was the first album to ever receive a Platinum certification. “Run D.M.C” was also the first hip hop group that had their music videos shown on MTV and they were the first ones to be featured on a music-performance show hosted by Dick Clark called “American Bandstand”, as well as the cover of “Rolling Stones” magazine. “Run D.M.C” was named “The Greatest Hip Hop Group of All Time” and in 2009 they were honored by being inducted into the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”. It is obvious that “Run D.M.C’s” contribution to the music industry is of great value and importance.

Rev Run Net Worth $70 Million

A famous disc jockey and rapper, how rich is Rev Run? According to sources, Rev Run’s net worth is estimated to be $70 million. Undoubtedly, the majority of Rev Run’s net worth comes from his involvement in the music industry.

Joseph Simmons was born in 1964, in Queens, New York. Prior to his mainstream success, Simmons was a part of another rap group entitled “The Force”, yet eventually he founded “Run D.M.C” and focused on making music with this band. Soon afterwards, Simmons became a Pentecostal minister and, as a result, changed his stage name to Rev Run. After the death of Jam Master Jay, the group announced its breakup, and therefore two former members Simmons and Darryl McDaniels went their separate ways. Several years later, in 2005, Simmons released his first solo work entitled “Distortion”, which peaked at #98 on the Pop 100 chart, and had one of the songs, namely “Mind on the Road”, featured on the soundtrack of “Madden NFL 06” video game. That same year Simmons came out with his own reality series called “Run’s House”, which featured his wife Justine Simmons, as well as his daughters and sons. The show was on air for 6 seasons and produced a total of 59 episodes.

Some of Simmons’ other ventures include the publication of a book called “Take Back Your Family: A Challenge to America’s Parents”, as well as the premiere of two of his newest series entitled “Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers” and “Rev Run’s Renovation”. Both of these shows debuted on screens in 2014.

A famous rapper, television personality and an author, Rev Run has an estimated net worth of $70 million.



Net Worth$70 Million
Date Of BirthNovember 14, 1964
Place Of BirthNew York, USA
Height1.73 m, 1.73 m
ProfessionAmerican disc jockey, rap artist, actor, television producer, hip hop mogul, tv show personality
EducationNorthern Highlands Regional High School
NationalityAmerican
SpouseJustine Simmons (m. 1994)
ChildrenDiggy Simmons, Russell Simmons II, Miley Justine Simmons, Victoria Anne Simmons, Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons
ParentsDaniel Simmons, Evelyn Simmons, Evelyn Simmons, Daniel Simmons
SiblingsRussell Simmons, Daniel Simmons, Jr.
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/RevRunWisdom
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/revrunwisdom
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/revwon/
IMDBwww.imdb.com/name/nm0799807
Albums“King of Rock” (1985), “Raising Hell”, “Distortion”, soundtrack: “Madden NFL 06”
Music GroupsRun-D.M.C. (1981 – 2002), “The Force”
NominationsNamed: “Protege of the Year Award” (2004), Honored as a BMI Icon at the annual BMI Urban Awards
MoviesTougher Than Leather, Red Dragon, Graffiti Rock, Run DMC: Forever Kings, Rapmania: The Roots of Rap, Through the Years of Hip-Hop: Vol. 1: Graffiti, MTV 20: Jams, 2 Turntables and a Microphone: The Life and Death of Jam Master Jay, 5 Sides of a Coin, Breaking Out: The Alcatraz Concert, Hip Hop Time …
TV Shows“Run’s House” (2005-2009), “Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers” (2014-), “Rev Run’s Renovation” (2014-), “Daddy’s Girls” (2009)
Fact
1Friend of Tyrese Gibson.
2Granddaughter, Ava Marie Jenn, was born February 13, 2014.
3Has a TV show, Run’s House (2005), on MTV. [September 2005]
4Rev Run and his wife, Justine Simmons, have adopted a baby girl who they named Miley Simmons (aka Miley Justine Simmons) (2007).
5He and his wife, Justine Simmons, tragically lost their 3rd child together, due to omphalocele. Their baby girl was born 21 September 2006 and passed away shortly after her birth.
6Has five children. Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons and Joseph Simmons Jr. are from his first wife, Valerie Vaughn. Daniel Simmons Jr and Russell Simmons Jr. are from his current marriage to Justine Simmons Simmons.
7Younger brother of Russell Simmons, hip-hop record producer and Def Comedy Jam (1992) creator.
8Brother of actor/producer Russell Simmons and Daniel J. Simmons.
9Son of Daniel Simmons.
10Run-D.M.C. was voted the 48th Greatest Artists in Rock ‘n’ Roll by “Rolling Stone” magazine.
11The youngest member of Run-D.M.C., he was born less than a month after the youngest member of the Beastie Boys, Adam Horovitz (aka “Ad-Rock”). Coincidentally, all three members of Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys were born on corresponding years, with Darryl McDaniels (aka “DMC”) & Adam Yauch (aka “MCA”) having been born in 1964 and “Jam Master Jay” Jason Mizell & Mike D Diamond having been born in 1965.
12Ex-brother-in-law of Kimora Lee Simmons.
13One-third of the rap trio Run-D.M.C..

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Rev Runs Around the World2015-2016TV Series executive producer – 16 episodes
Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers2014-2016TV Series executive producer – 32 episodes
Rev Run’s Renovation2014-2015TV Series executive producer – 20 episodes
Rev Run’s Happy Holidays2014TV Movie executive producer
Daddy’s GirlsTV Series executive producer – 15 episodes, 2009 network executive – 1 episode, 2009

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Undeclared2001TV Series writer – 1 episode
Scratch2001Documentary writer: “Sucker MCs Krush Groove 1” – as Joseph Ward Simmons
Run-DMC: Together Forever – Greatest Hits 1983-20002000Video writer: “Rock Box”, “King of Rock”, “Down With the King”, “Pause”, “It’s Tricky”, “Walk This Way”
Road Trip2000writer: “It’s Tricky”
Ready to Rumble2000writer: “King Of Rock”
Skate and Destroy1999Video Game producer: “King of Rock” / writer: “King of Rock”
Dogma1999writer: “Run’s House”, “It’s Like That” – as J. Simmons
The Corruptor1999performer: “5 Boroughs” – as Run / writer: “5 Boroughs” – as J. Simmons
Can’t Hardly Wait1998writer: “It’s Tricky”
Top of the Pops1987-1998TV Series writer – 3 episodes
Half Baked1998writer: “You Be Illin'” – as Joseph Ward Simmons
Judgment Night1993writer: “Me, Myself & My Microphone” – as Joseph “Run” Simmons
CB41993writer: “King of Rock” – as Joseph W. Simmons
Laws of Gravity1992writer: “Christmas in Hollis”
Boyz n the Hood1991writer: “Sucker M.C.’s” – as J. Simmons
Crossing Delancey1988writer: “IT’S LIKE THAT”
Die Hard1988writer: “Christmas in Hollis”
Less Than Zero1987lyrics: “Christmas In Hollis” – as J. Simmons / music: “Christmas In Hollis” – as J. Simmons
Krush Groove1985writer: “King of Rock”, “It’s Like That”, “Krush Groovin'” – as J. Simmons
Desperately Seeking Susan1985writer: “SUCKER M.C.’S”
Graffiti Rock1984TV Movie writer: “Sucker MC’s”
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon2014-2016TV Series writer – 5 episodes
Britain’s Got More Talent2016TV Series writer – 1 episode
How to Be Single2016writer: “Christmas In Hollis”
Mike & Mike2013-2015TV Series writer – 3 episodes
Dolezal Backstage2015TV Series documentary writer – 1 episode
Sounds of the 80s2015TV Series writer – 1 episode
The Night Before2015/IIwriter: “Christmas in Hollis”
Straight Outta Compton2015writer: “Jam-Master Jay”
Lip Sync Battle2015TV Series writer – 2 episodes
The Official Top 50 Best-Selling Singles of the 90s and 00s2015TV Movie writer: “It’s Like That”
Fresh Dressed2015Documentary writer: “Sucker MC’s”, “My Adidas”
19872014writer: “It’s Like That”
Born to Be Wild: The Golden Age of American Rock2014TV Series documentary writer – 1 episode
Brooklyn Nine-NineTV Series performer – 1 episode, 2013 writer – 1 episode, 2013
Turbo2013writer: “It’s Tricky”
The ’80s: The Decade That Made Us2013TV Mini-Series documentary writer – 1 episode
Dancing with the Stars2012TV Series writer – 1 episode
The We and the I2012writer: “It’s Like That” – as Joseph Ward Simmons
Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap2012Documentary writer: “Sucker MC’s”
Jack and Jill2011/Iwriter: “It’s Tricky”
Showboaters2011TV Series writer – 1 episode
Due Date2010writer: “This Is Why I’m Hot”
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon2010TV Series writer – 1 episode
Angel Camouflaged2010writer: “It’s Tricky”
Madonna: Sticky & Sweet Tour2010Video documentary writer: “Into the Groove”
The Bounty Hunter2010/Iwriter: “It’s Tricky”
Cop Out2010writer: “King of Rock”
Nitro Circus2009TV Series writer – 1 episode
Fast & Furious2009writer: “Raising Hell” – as Joseph Ward Simmons
Chuck2007TV Series writer – 1 episode
SingStar ’80s2007Video Game writer: “It’s Tricky”
Illegal Tender2007writer: “It’s Like That”
Who’s Your Caddy?2007writer: “Tell Me When to Go” – as Joseph Ward Simmons
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories2006Video Game writer: “It’s Like That”
The Office2005TV Series writer – 1 episode
Everybody Hates Chris2005TV Series writer – 2 episodes
Madden NFL 20062005Video Game performer: “Mind on the Road”
The Longest Yard2005as Joseph Ward Simmons, “Oh”
Friday Night Lights2004writer: “It’s Tricky”
White Chicks2004writer: “It’s Tricky”
My Baby’s Daddy2004writer: “Peter Piper” – as Simmons
Tony Hawk’s Underground 22004Video Game writer: “Soul Brother #1” – as Joseph Ward
Amplitude2003Video Game writer: “King Of Rock”
2 Fast 2 Furious2003writer: “Peter Piper” – as Joseph Ward Simmons
Malibu’s Most Wanted2003writer: “It’s Tricky”
The Hot Chick2002writer: “It’s Tricky” – as Joseph Ward Simmons
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 42002Video Game writer: “My Adidas”
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City2002Video Game writer: “Rock Box”

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Daddy’s Girls2009TV Series 15 episodes

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Red Dragon2002Janitor
Grounded for Life2002TV SeriesRun
Who’s the Man?1993Detective (as Run)
WWF Challenge1989TV SeriesRun
Tougher Than Leather1988Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons
Reading Rainbow1986TV SeriesRun

Composer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Run-DMC: Together Forever – Greatest Hits 1983-20002000Video
Reading Rainbow1986TV Series 1 episode

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Rev Runs Around the World2015-2016TV SeriesHimself – Host
Guy’s Big Bite2016TV SeriesHimself
Food’s Greatest Hits2016TV SeriesHimself
Food Network Star2016TV SeriesHimself – Guest Judge
The Meredith Vieira Show2016TV SeriesHimself
Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers2014-2016TV SeriesHimself – Host
It’s Not You, It’s Men2016TV SeriesHimself / Himself – Co-Host
The Doctors2014-2016TV SeriesHimself
E! Live from the Red Carpet2016TV SeriesHimself
The Kitchen2016TV SeriesHimself – Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers
Hollywood Today Live2016TV SeriesHimself
Access Hollywood Live2015-2016TV SeriesHimself
Entertainment Tonight2016TV SeriesHimself
Rachael Ray2013-2016TV SeriesHimself
The View2016TV SeriesHimself
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert2016TV SeriesHimself
Today2014-2016TV SeriesHimself
Growing Up Hip Hop2016TV SeriesHimself
FabLife2015TV SeriesHimself – Guest
Larry King Now2015TV SeriesHimself – guest
The Real2015TV SeriesHimself
Sidewalks Entertainment2015TV SeriesHimself – Guest
Lip Sync Battle2015TV SeriesHimself
Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf2015TV SeriesHimself
Rev Run’s Renovation2014-2015TV SeriesHimself – Host
Rev Run’s Happy Holidays2014TV MovieHimself – Host (as Rev Run)
The Insider2014TV SeriesHimself
The Tanning of America2014TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Katie2014TV SeriesHimself
Jingle Bell Rocks!2013DocumentaryHimself (Aka Reverend Run DMC)
Made in America2013DocumentaryHimself
Full Throttle Saloon2013TV SeriesHimself
Steve Harvey2013TV SeriesHimself
Big Morning Buzz Live2013TV SeriesHimself
Chrissy & Mr. Jones2012TV SeriesHimself
20th Annual Trumpet Awards2012TV SpecialHimself (as Rev Run)
Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap2012DocumentaryHimself
Sesame Street2010TV SeriesHimself
Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 20102010TV SpecialHimself (as Rev Run)
School Gyrls2009Himself
Rap Therapy2009DocumentaryHimself
The Mo’Nique Show2009TV SeriesHimself
Run’s House2005-2009TV Series documentaryJoJo / Himself / Joey, Rev. Run
Life on the Road with Mr. and Mrs. Brown2009DocumentaryHimself (as Rev Run)
MOBO Awards 20082008TV SpecialHimself (as Rev Run)
Biography2008TV Series documentary
Tila Tequila’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade 20082008TV MovieHimself (as Rev Run)
J.A.M. Awards & Concert2007TV SpecialHimself
The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 20072007TV SpecialHimself
21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards2007TV SpecialHimself (as Rev Run)
Impact: Songs That Changed the World2007TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the Cops2006DocumentaryHimself
Behind the Label2006TV SeriesHimself
MTV Video Music Awards 20062006TV SpecialHimself – Audience (uncredited)
Total Request Live2006TV SeriesHimself
Legends Ball2006TV Movie documentaryHimself (as Rev Run)
Lockdown, USA2006DocumentaryHimself (as Rev Run)
Sound Off2005TV SeriesHimself – Guest (2005)
Weekends at the DL2005TV SeriesHimself
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno2001-2005TV SeriesHimself / Themselves – Musical Guest
Live with Kelly and Michael2005TV SeriesHimself
2nd Annual VH1 Hip-Hop Honors2005TV MovieHimself – Host (as Rev Run)
Def Poetry2005TV Series documentaryHimself
Before, During and ‘After the Sunset’2005Video documentaryHimself
Hip-Hop Honors2004TV SpecialHimself – Honoree
And You Don’t Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop2004TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Run DMC: Forever Kings2004Video documentaryHimself
Inside the Industry2003Video documentaryHimself
MTV Video Music Awards 20032003TV SpecialHimself (as Run-DMC)
Lyricist Lounge: Hip Hop Video Classics2003VideoHimself (segment “Walk This Way”) (as Run-D.M.C.)
A Director’s Journey: The Making of ‘Red Dragon’2003Video documentary shortHimself
VH1 Big in 2002 Awards2002TV SpecialHimself (as Rev Run)
The 2002 Billboard Music Awards2002TV SpecialHimself (as Rev Run)
American Rap Stars2002Video documentaryHimself (as Run)
Run-D.M.C. and Jam Master Jay: The Last Interview2002TV Short documentaryHimself
Weakest Link2002TV SeriesHimself
Through the Years of Hip Hop, Vol. 1: Graffiti2002Video documentaryHimself (segment “Rock Box”)
Behind the Music2000-2001TV Series documentaryHimself
MTV 20: Live & Almost Legal2001TV Movie documentaryHimself (as Run-DMC)
MTV 20: Jams2001VideoHimself (segment “Walk This Way”) (as Run-DMC)
The 15th Annual Soul Train Music Awards2001TV SpecialHimself (as Rev Run)
Run-DMC: Together Forever – Greatest Hits 1983-20002000VideoHimself (as Run-DMC)
MTV Video Music Awards 19991999TV SpecialHimself (as Run-DMC)
The 1999 Source Hip-Hop Music Awards1999TV SpecialHimself (as Run-DMC)
The Chris Rock Show1997TV SeriesHimself
The 1995 Source Hip-Hop Music Awards1995TV SpecialHimself
Freaks, Nerds & Weirdos1994TV MovieHimself (as Run)
Soul Train1986-1993TV Series documentaryHimself
The 7th Annual Soul Train Music Awards1993TV SpecialHimself – Presenter
The Ben Stiller Show1992TV SeriesHimself
The 5th Annual Soul Train Music Awards1991TV SpecialHimself – Presenter (as Run-DMC)
The Howard Stern Show1991TV SeriesHimself
Rapmania: The Roots of Rap1990TV Movie documentaryHimself (as Run DMC)
The 3rd Annual Soul Train Music Awards1989TV SpecialHimself – Presenter (as Run-DMC)
WrestleMania V1989TV SpecialRun
Yo! MTV Raps1988TV SeriesHimself
The 2nd Annual Soul Train Music Awards1988TV SpecialHimself (as Run-DMC)
The 30th Annual Grammy Awards1988TV SpecialHimself (as Run-D.M.C.)
Motown Merry Christmas1987TV MovieHimself
Showtime at the Apollo1987TV SeriesHimself
Ebony/Jet Showcase1987TV SeriesHimself
The 1st Annual Soul Train Music Awards1987TV SpecialHimself
Run-DMC: The Video1987Video shortHimself
The 3rd Annual Black Gold Awards1986TV SpecialHimself
Big Fun in the Big Town1986TV Movie documentaryHimself (as Run)
Krush Groove1985Himself (Run-D.M.C)
MTV Video Music Awards 19851985TV SpecialHimself – Performer (as Run-DMC)
New American Bandstand 19651985TV SeriesHimself
Live Aid1985TV Special documentaryHimself (as Run-D.M.C.)
Graffiti Rock1984TV MovieHimself (as Run-D.M.C.)

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The ’80s: The Decade That Made Us2013TV Mini-Series documentaryHimself
Big Morning Buzz Live2013TV SeriesHimself
Onyx: 15 Years of Videos, History & Violence2008Video documentaryHimself (video “Slam”)
Video on Trial2006TV SeriesThe Reverend
DMC: My Adoption Journey2006TV Movie documentaryHimself
Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme2000DocumentaryHimself

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2007Teen Choice AwardTeen Choice AwardsChoice TV: Male Reality/Variety StarRun’s House (2005)

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