'Gary From Chicago' Might Be Oscar Night's Biggest Winner

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Chicago can't seem to stay off the national stage lately, whether it's being the target of President Donald Trump's tweets or being the apparent hometown of a guy whose main identifier sounds like it should be followed by "long-time listener, first-time caller."

With his appearance at the Academy Awards on Sunday, "Gary from Chicago" has captured people's hearts in a way not seen since Keyboard Cat, Grumpy Cat or other cat-based online videos and memes.

Gary — whom Time magazine identified as Gary Alan Cole — was one of the tourists, along with fiancée Vickie, on a Hollywood tour bus who was invited by Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel into the Dolby Theatre as a surprise during Sunday's live broadcast. Without much delay, Gary and Vickie took over the show, hobnobbing with celebrities and even getting unofficially married by Denzel Washington.

RELATED: Best Picture Oscar Erroneously Awarded To 'La La Land'; Plus, Full List Of Winners

The only thing that received more face time during the segment was the back of Gary's cellphone, which was barely ever lowered from his face as he photographed and videotaped the couple's moment of fame.

WATCH: Gary from Chicago steals the show at the Academy Awards on Sunday:

Almost instantly, Gary and Vickie became internet darlings Sunday night, spawning online memes …

… and offers of swag from a few Chicago-based institutions:

Naturally, Gary will be appearing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" at 10:35 p.m. Chicago time (11:35 Eastern) Monday, Feb. 27, on ABC, according to the Chicago Tribune. Because what kind of talk show host can't book the person he helped make a star?

So far, the only thing reported about Gary has been his name. But in a few days, everything about Gary and Vickie — from where they work to any embarrassing Reddit posts they might have — will be known before they join Ken Bone (Ken who?) as another colorful patch in pop culture's tapestry.

RELATED: Ken Bone Wins America's Heart In Presidential Town Hall Debate

But before that, let's enjoy Gary and Vickie's time in the spotlight, and let's hope they leverage that internet fame to invite all their new celebrity friends to a real, all-expenses paid wedding.

UPDATED (11:43 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27)

Gary from Chicago (center) and his fiancée, Vickie, were two of the tourists Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel surprised during the 89th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26. (Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images)

Like What You're Reading? Stay Patched In!

• Like our Crime page on Facebook
• Live Traffic and Transit Updates