Suburban Representation At The Oscars

There were at least two suburban natives who were in the spotlight during last night’s Academy Awards.

The first we all know: Melissa McCarthy. She grew up in Plainfield and was a graduate of Joliet Catholic Academy. She was nominated for best lead actress for her role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Quite the step up from her past roles!

The other local tie, and one that I have some major pride in, is Louis Virtel. By his own account, he fulfilled a dream by co-hosting The Oscar’s official pre-show show “Oscars All Access: Red Carpet Live” which was broadcast on The Academy’s official Twitter account.

Louis has been in a reporter/commentator/writer/comedian in Hollywood for a number of years, but this has been his biggest gig yet (besides maybe an appearance on Jeopardy!). I grew up across the alley from Louis and his family in Lemont back in the day. It’s so great to see a local kid fulfill a dream like that. I was totally rooting for him!

Here are videos of Louis and his co-host interviewing McCarthy (dropping a line about living in the ‘burbs), Bradley Cooper, and Mahershala Ali.