Danny Simmons, Painter and Brother of Rev Run and Russell Simmons, Dies at 72: 'The True Artist in the Family'
Danny Simmons, Painter and Brother of Rev Run and Russell Simmons, Dies at 72: 'The True Artist in the Family'
Rachel DeSantisMon, June 15, 2026 at 8:58 PM UTC
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Danny Simmons in Bridgehampton, N.Y. in July 2013.Credit: Eugene Gologursky/Getty
Danny Simmons, an abstract painter, author, philanthropist and older brother of Russell Simmons and Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, has died. He was 72.
A family statement shared to social media on Monday, June 15 announced Simmons' death, describing him as a "beacon of love and creativity."
"It is with a profound sense of loss that we honor and celebrate the life of Danny Simmons Jr., a beacon of love and creativity. He was not just a brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and loving husband; he was a vibrant artist, dedicated supporter of creatives, and a cherished friend," the statement read.
It continued, "Though he has transitioned from this world, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and artistic brilliance will forever shine brightly in our hearts. The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time."
In a statement of his own, Russell, 68, called his older brother "the true artist in the family."
"His poetry, art, and ideas shaped how we think and gave us the freedom to dream beyond limits. He cared deeply about the underserved communities of color and encouraged us to give back," he wrote. "Danny was my best friend—we spoke every day. He taught me how to be a better human being and how to be a man."
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Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons, Danny Simmons and Russell Simmons in East Hampton, N.Y. in July 2011.Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Simmons was born and raised in Queens, N.Y., the son of a truant officer and Black history professor father and a teacher mother who painted as a hobby. After earning a social work degree from New York University and a master's in public finance from Long Island University, Simmons began painting upon realizing how much he hated his job with the Bureau of Child Support.
"Danny embraced fine arts while watching his mother, also an artist and painter," his website says. "He'd eventually take on her love for painting and his father's love for the written word — becoming renowned in both avenues of expression."
Simmons' art appears in places like the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Museum and the Smithsonian. He was also the author of several books, including his 2003 debut novel Three Days as the Crow Flies and a number of poetry and painting books.
Danny Simmons in New York City in October 2011.Credit: Anna Webber/WireImage
Simmons was a co-creator of Def Poetry Jam, which aired on HBO from 2002 to 2007, and also co-founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation alongside his brothers in 1995 to help disadvantaged urban youth get better access and exposure to the arts.
"My Uncle Danny has kept Rush Philanthropic running ALONE for years, because he did not want to stop serving the children in his community and giving them the opportunity to experience the healing, transformation and self understanding and self confidence that art brings," his niece Aoki Lee Simmons, Russell's daughter with ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons, wrote in a tribute post on Instagram. "He held the early Simmons family together, there is no Run DMC, no Def Jam, no NOTHING without Danny Simmons."
He is survived by his wife Keia and son Jamel.
on People
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