Mike Simmons is a key character in Netflix’s action thriller Rebel Ridge, portrayed by C.J. LeBlanc. He is the cousin of the film’s protagonist, Terry Richmond, and his imprisonment serves as the catalyst for the story’s events. Mike finds himself in trouble with the law, and Terry’s mission to bail him out drives much of the plot. Despite Terry’s efforts to save him, Mike’s tragic fate plays a crucial role in exposing the corruption within the local police force.

Trivia/Facts

• Mike Simmons is the cousin of the protagonist, Terry Richmond, in the movie Rebel Ridge. He is portrayed by actor C.J. LeBlanc. Mike gets into trouble with the law, leading to his imprisonment in Shelby Springs. His situation sets off the events in the film as Terry tries to bail him out.
• Terry makes Mike’s bail his top priority after authorities falsely seize his money during a police search. Mike’s imprisonment becomes the driving force behind Terry’s actions in the story. Terry faces numerous challenges in his attempt to save Mike from further harm in prison. Despite his best efforts, Mike’s situation worsens as the story unfolds.

Aaron Pierre in Rebel Ridge (2024)

• Throughout the movie, Mike remains in a vulnerable position as Terry fights against corruption within the local police force. Unfortunately, Mike faces danger while incarcerated, sustaining severe injuries before Terry can meet him. His fate becomes a central part of Terry’s motivation to seek justice. Mike’s life is tragically cut short before he can reunite with his cousin.
• Mike’s tragic death significantly impacts Terry’s journey in the film. Although Terry initially focuses on Mike’s safety, his cousin’s death pushes him to fight the corrupt police system. The emotional toll of losing Mike drives Terry to take extreme actions. Mike’s death becomes a catalyst for the larger fight against corruption in Rebel Ridge.

Mike Simmons’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Terry Richmond (Cousin): Mike Simmons has a close bond with his cousin Terry Richmond. Terry cares deeply for Mike and goes to great lengths to bail him out of jail. Throughout the story, Terry fights against corrupt police officers to save Mike, showing his strong sense of responsibility towards him. Unfortunately, Terry is unable to save Mike, and his death deeply affects Terry.
• Chief Sandy Burnne (Police Chief): Chief Sandy Burnne is the main antagonist who indirectly influences Mike’s fate. As the corrupt head of the local police, Burnne prevents Terry from reaching Mike in time. Mike becomes a victim of the chief’s corruption, and his life is used as leverage in the conflict with Terry.

C.J. LeBlanc in Rebel Ridge (2024)

• Officer Marston (Police Officer): Officer Marston works under Chief Burnne and plays a role in Mike’s tragic fate. Marston is part of the corrupt police force that complicates Terry’s efforts to bail out Mike. Though he doesn’t interact with Mike directly, his actions help create the obstacles that Terry faces.
• Summer McBride (Court Clerk): Summer McBride, a court clerk, indirectly connects with Mike by assisting Terry in his legal efforts to post bail. She becomes a key ally in Terry’s fight against the corrupt system. Though she never meets Mike, her help to Terry impacts the overall situation.