J.K. Simmons has opened up about the unusual audition process that led to him becoming the voice of the Yellow M&M.

During an interview with TODAY, Simmons said he entered the audition expecting to read for the fast-talking Red M&M. Casting director Janet Eisenberg instead told him she believed he was better suited for Yellow.

Simmons recalled that the two went back and forth over the characters as though they were discussing major dramatic roles. He eventually trusted Eisenberg’s judgment and auditioned for Yellow, a decision that became one of the longest-running jobs of his career.

Simmons began voicing the Yellow M&M in 1996, replacing John Goodman. Billy West joined the campaign as the voice of Red during the same year.

The actor has since described the role as an important part of his career. In an earlier interview, he explained that the long-running advertising work gave him greater financial freedom and allowed him to be more selective about acting projects.

More than three decades later, Simmons continues to voice the Yellow M&M and now credits Eisenberg for recognizing which character suited him best.