J.K. Simmons
A Detroit native got a big shout out at the Oscars Sunday night.
Julie Hinds of the Detroit Free Press points out that J.K. Simmons, who won an Oscar last night for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Whiplash," is a native Detroiter and Detroit Tigers fan.
Hinds writes:
The 60-year-old Detroit native was honored for his explosive performance as a sadistic jazz band instructor in "Whiplash." His Oscar joins numerous prizes already given to Simmons for "Whiplash," a list that includes the Independent Spirit Awards, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, BAFTAs and more.
In his acceptance speech, he thanked his wife -- "I am grateful every day for the most remarkable person I know, my wife, the wonderful Michelle Schumacher" -- before jokingly referencing their "above-average children."
He then left with a heartfelt plea:
"Call your mom, everybody. I'm told there's like a billion people or so (watching). Call your mom, call your dad, if you are lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet. Don't text. Don't email. Call 'em on the phone. Tell them you love them, and thank them, and listen to them for as long as they want to talk to you. Thank you. Thank you, Mom and Dad."
The Freep reports that Simmons grew up in the Grosse Pointes, where his father taught music and choir at Parcells Middle School in Grosse Pointe Woods.
He moved to Ohio with his family when he was 10, but still feels a connection to Detroit, the Freep reports.
