What to Know About Best Supporting Actor Winner J.K. Simmons

— -- J.K. Simmons has been entertaining audiences for decades and now he can add an Oscar to his sparkling resume for his role in "Whiplash."

Simmons, 60, may not have been a star before "Whiplash," but he had the acting chops all along, taking on a variety of roles: In "Oz," he played evil Vern Schillinger, in the "Spider-Man" franchise, he portrayed grumpy editor J. Jonah Jameson and in "Juno," he showed off his softer side, playing an understanding father to a pregnant teenager. (Plus, he's pretty awesome in those Farmers Insurance ads.)

In "Whiplash," Simmons, a married father of three in real life, plays Fletcher, the borderline abusive band teacher who pushed Miles Teller's character to the brink of greatness or maybe breaking point.

Simmons' performance as a music instructor has also earned him a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Award.

Simmons, who was born in Detroit, married Michelle Schumacher in 1996. The couple has three children.

Growing up in Detroit, Simmons naturally rooted for the Tigers and still attends baseball games. In the 1999 Kevin Costner film "For Love of the Game," Simmons played the Tigers' manager.

ABC News' Anthony Castellano contributed to this report.