Vanessa Simmons to Star in New Play

Vanessa Simmons was a hit during her stint on Guiding Light.

Now, the daughter of Reverend Run, Vanessa Simmons is to starring in The Actor's Rap, a new major off-Broadway production written, produced, and directed by playwright and Obie-Award winning actor J Kyle Manzay.

The hip-hop infused comedy - where pop culture meets satire - examines the downward spiral of an African-American actor who begins to lose roles (and girlfriend) to a famous rapper-turned-actor. Fed up, the play's protagonist takes matters into his own hands by hatching a plan to kidnap his rival by calling upon his classically trained actor buddies to help him pull off the caper.

The major Off-Broadway production of The Actors Rap debuted last at the Engleman Recital Hall of the Baruch Performing Arts Center and runs until March 1.

The phenomenon of rappers turned actors has been prevalent since Run DMC starred in Fat Boys, or when Krush Groove was cast.

"I think that it's good that people are giving rappers the opportunity to be film stars, but at the same time I feel that because of a name, real hard working actors miss out on great parts where they know they can deliver," said Simmons.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.