Advertisement

Golden Globes 2015: Michael Keaton chokes up thanking his son

Michael Keaton arrives at the 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. He later won in the category of lead actor, comedy or musical.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Share

As Michael Keaton accepted the award for lead actor in a musical or comedy for his performance in “Birdman,” many Golden Globes watchers may have been surprised to see the actor suddenly get choked up and fight back tears.

Keaton himself certainly seemed surprised. “Shoot, two things I said I wasn’t going to do: Cry and give air quotes,” Keaton joked.

The emotional moment, one of the most memorable in all of the night’s speeches, came as Keaton, 63, acknowledged his parents, his six brothers and sisters -- and, above all, his son.

Advertisement

PHOTOS: Red Carpet | Show highlights | Fashion | Quotes | Top nominees | Best and worst moments

“My best friend is kind, intelligent, funny, talented, considerate, thoughtful,” Keaton said, his voice catching. “He also happens to be my son, Sean. I love you with all my heart, buddy.”

After the camera panned to a shot of Keaton’s son, Sean Douglas, 31, in the crowd, the Twittersphere quickly filled with swooning reactions. “Oh hello, Michael Keaton’s son,” Mindy Kaling tweeted.

Douglas is the only child of Keaton and actress Caroline McWilliams, to whom he was married from 1982 to 1990. McWilliams died of cancer in 2010 at age 64.

He is an accomplished singer-songwriter and music producer who has worked with artists including Madonna, Demi Lovato and Timbaland, among others. His hits include the songs “Talk Dirty” and “Wiggle,” performed by Jason Derulo, and “Heart Attack,” performed by Demi Lovato.

Backstage at the Globes, Keaton said the first thing he’d do to celebrate would be to get rid of a headache that developed during the show.

Advertisement

“I guess there was a little more tension in the room than I thought,” he said with a laugh.

Follow @joshrottenberg on Twitter for movie news.

-----

LATIMES.COM/EXPERIENCES: Enter for a chance to walk the red carpet with the stars at the 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards

Advertisement