As we kick off 2026, the landscape of streaming television is shifting, and one of its most recognizable faces is ready to step out of the multicam spotlight and into something far more visceral. Jermelle Simon, known to millions as Bernard on the hit Netflix sitcom The Upshaws, is finally closing the door on the character that defined his early career—and he’s doing so by opening up about the personal terrors he’s conquered off-screen.
Putting the Sitcom Persona to Rest
In a recent soul-baring interview with Hollywood Reporter TV, Simon made it clear that the end of The Upshaws wasn’t just the conclusion of a contract; it was the beginning of a resurrection. “I wasn’t in denial about my sexuality; I was afraid of it,” Simon revealed, reflecting on the years spent navigating the industry under the weight of expectations. For horror fans, this narrative of the 'hidden self' is a familiar and potent trope, often serving as the psychological backbone for the genre’s most compelling protagonists.
Simon noted that his character, Bernard, eventually became the catalyst for his own personal liberation. By playing a man coming to terms with his own identity on screen, Simon found the strength to mirror that journey in reality. “I put Bernard to rest with a smile on my face,” he stated, signaling that he is finished with the masks and ready for roles that demand raw, unfiltered honesty. At ScreamDesk, we recognize this as the perfect foundation for a pivot into the horror genre, where the line between the internal monster and the external reality is constantly blurred.
The 'Horror-Verified' Path Forward
Why are we tracking a sitcom star’s coming-out story? Because the industry buzz suggests Simon is officially 'horror-verified' for upcoming projects. The transition from comedy to horror is a storied tradition—think Jordan Peele or the early careers of genre staples like Bill Hader. Simon possesses a unique blend of physical presence and deep-seated emotional vulnerability that makes him a prime candidate for the 'Final Man' archetype or a complex antagonist in a psychological thriller.
The horror community has long been a sanctuary for stories of the 'other,' and Simon’s desire to live his truth resonates deeply with the themes of modern genre cinema. Whether it’s an A24-style slow burn or a high-concept Blumhouse slasher, Simon’s newfound authenticity provides him with a toolkit that most actors spend decades trying to unlock. He isn't just an actor looking for work; he's an artist who has survived his own internal 'haunting' and emerged stronger on the other side.
Redefining Genre Representation
As the genre continues to evolve in 2026, the demand for authentic Black queer voices in horror has never been higher. Simon’s departure from the safety of a sitcom structure suggests he is looking for work that challenges the status quo. In our analysis, Simon is no longer interested in playing the 'safe' neighbor or the comic relief. He is positioned to lead the next wave of elevated horror, bringing a level of gravitas that only comes from someone who has spent years staring down their own fears.
The end of The Upshaws marks the death of a character, but for horror enthusiasts, it marks the birth of a potential new icon. We will be watching closely to see which studio is the first to cast Simon in a role that lets him truly scream. If his recent revelations are any indication, Jermelle Simon is done being afraid—and that makes him the most dangerous, and exciting, man in the room.