1990–2002: Modeling and transition to acting Simmons' parents wanted her to become an actress at the age of three but they waited until she turned five to pursue a career. She started modeling and appeared in commercials. Simmons made her TV miniseries debut in
It (1990) as Laurie Anne Winterbarger. She went on to star in the 1991 award-nominated family film
Bingo, her first theatrical release, and appeared in several television shows as a child star.
2002–2009: Television work and return to film Simmons returned to acting seven years later, giving up her modeling career. It involved Simmons' first nude scene, which she initially didn't want to do. The script required her to be topless during a tanning booth scene. When she expressed her reluctance to director James Wong, he convinced her it was important because it made the scene more realistic, so she agreed. The set was closed off during filming and only the cameraman was present, so it made her and actress
Crystal Lowe, who was also topless, feel more comfortable. Simmons also starred in the Direct-to-DVD sequel
Dr. Dolittle 3 before appearing in small roles in the teen comedy
John Tucker Must Die and the horror
Wind Chill. 2009–present: Return to television and further work Simmons won the role of recurring character Hillary in the
ABC Family show
Kyle XY. She portrayed Hillary for three years until the show was canceled in 2009 after three seasons. Simmons also had a recurring role in the short-lived comedy series
About a Girl. Simmons continued her film roles in
Good Luck Chuck alongside
Dane Cook and
Jessica Alba. The film was critically panned. Simmons portrayed
Lindsay Lohan in the television film
Paparazzi Princess: The Paris Hilton Story. In 2010, Simmons had a small role as a
lotus eater in
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. The film grossed $226,497,209 worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film Simmons has appeared in to date. Simmons also starred in the critically well received and award-winning comedy-horror film
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. Simmons landed a regular role on
The L.A. Complex as Alicia Lowe, "a sensitive, aspiring dancer from Regina who will do whatever it takes to make ends meet." The show premiered on the Canadian network
MuchMusic on Jan. 10, 2012. and aired in the U.S. on
The CW. Simmons became a guest star during the shows second season and final season. Simmons provided the voice for the character Liz Ramsey in the children's animated television show
Action Dad which is yet to premiere. At the end of 2012, Simmons had appeared in one episode on the
CBS sitcom
How I Met Your Mother, before guest starring on an episode of
Hannibal in 2013, in which she reprised her role as
Gretchen Speck whom she portrayed in the short lived series
Wonderfalls. Simmons appeared as Kayla in the horror sequel
See No Evil 2 released direct to DVD in October 2014. ==Filmography==