He was the fearless Aussie surfer who battled flying sharks alongside Fin in one of the most gloriously absurd movies ever made—remember Baz Hogan from Sharknado?
But here's where it gets controversial: while most of us were laughing at chainsaw-wielding heroes and tornadoes full of great whites, some fans argue that characters like Baz brought a surprising layer of heart to the chaos. And this is the part most people miss—behind the over-the-top special effects and campy dialogue was a cast that fully committed to the madness, and Jaason Simmons, who played Baz, was no exception.
Back in 2013, when Sharknado exploded onto screens and into pop culture history, Simmons was 43 years old. He stepped into the role of Baz Hogan—the loyal, sun-kissed Australian surfer and trusted ally to Ian Ziering’s character, Fin Shepard. With his rugged charm and fearless attitude, Baz wasn’t just along for the ride; he was part of the core team trying to survive a meteorological nightmare where sharks rained from the sky. It was ridiculous, thrilling, and oddly unforgettable.
Simmons shared the screen with a memorable ensemble, including Ian Ziering (the face of the franchise), Cassie Scerbo (who played Nova Clarke, the fearless weather reporter), and Adrian Bustamante (who portrayed Matt Shepard, Fin’s son). Together, they turned what could’ve been just another B-movie into a cult phenomenon that sparked sequels, memes, and even parody talk shows.
Now, fast forward to today—Simmons is in his mid-50s. So, what does he look like now? If you’re curious, there are recent photos available that show how the actor has aged with grace, still carrying that laid-back, coastal vibe that made his character so iconic in the first place. While he may not be dodging airborne sharks these days, his legacy in the Sharknado universe remains a fun footnote in modern sci-fi camp.
And here’s a thought that might stir the pot: does a movie like Sharknado deserve more credit than we’ve given it? Sure, it’s absurd—but it also brought people together, inspired Halloween costumes, and proved that sometimes, the most ridiculous ideas make the biggest cultural splash. Was Jaason Simmons’ performance underrated, or was it always meant to be just another piece of the over-the-top puzzle?
We want to hear from you: do you think characters like Baz Hogan added real value to the story, or were they just there for comic relief and surfboard stunts? Drop your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your favorite Sharknado moment. Let’s get the debate swimming!
