What a first week out it's been for Gary from Chicago, the man who stole the spotlight when he and a bus full of Hollywood tourists were unwittingly ushered into the Dolby Theater on Sunday night during the Academy Awards.
As revealed in a new interview with ABC 7, Gary was let out of a California prison three days prior to his surprise appearance at the Oscars. He had been locked up for 20 years due to multiple felonies. Further details on his crimes were not provided.
While in prison, Gary met his fiancée Vickie, who was also part of the tourist group that ended up on prime time TV. Denzel Washington unofficially wed the delighted couple, who introduced themselves to the auditorium full of Hollywood elites. Gary also moved along the front row and kissed the hands of actresses like Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep.
"Change is possible. It's a sad day to be in prison for 20 years and not be able to be a dad, granddad to your children," Gary told ABC 7. "You know what my son told me today, man, and I almost come to tears. He said he's proud of me. So to hear your children say that they're proud of me means the world to me."
Gary and Vickie have set an official wedding date in July.