Personal Life and Oscar Speech
Simmons recollected how his mature appearance affected his personal life, especially after getting married at 41 and having his son, Joe, at age 43.
"We didn't get married until I was 41, and Joe was born when I was 43," he said.
"I would, you know, have him in the Baby Bjorn or whatever at the grocery store when he was, like, six months or whatever, and the checkout lady would say, 'Oh, you've got the grandson today.'
Like, and I'd go …. 'Sure.'"
Reflecting on his intense role in the 2015 movie "Whiplash," Simmons specified that the atmosphere remained light-hearted between takes with co-star Miles Teller.
"Total idiots. You know, talking sports and giving each other hard time.
Miles was just being Miles, and me being my dumb-ass self," he said.
His performance in "Whiplash" earned him an Academy Award, where he delivered a memorable speech urging viewers to contact their parents directly.
"Call your mom, call your dad. If you're lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call 'em.
Don't text, don't email.
Call them 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.
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Thank you. Thank you, Mom and Dad," Simmons said.
The speech resonated deeply with the public, resulting in numerous personal messages sent to the actor regarding family reconciliations.
