Suburban-tied 'Glee' a big winner at Golden Globes

The suburbs had a big reason to cheer Sunday when "Glee" won a Golden Globe Award for best comedy or musical TV series.

Ian Brennan, co-creator and writer of the hit show, is a graduate of Prospect High School in Mount Prospect and based the show on his experiences in his high school's show choir.

Brennan's family and friends were gathered at the Chicago home of Ian's sister Sarah Brennan when the award was announced.

"They just stopped screaming about a second ago," Ian's father, John Brennan, said minutes after the win. "Ian was not expecting it. This really was a neat, neat, neat surprise."

Ian's parents, John and Charman, had not yet been able to congratulate their son, but John said Ian and his daughter had been exchanging text messages during the awards ceremony.

"He's kind of with us in spirit," John said. "All of us are very close to him."

Although the series did not win the acting prizes it was up for, Ian's father said the show's other nominations - particularly Chicago native Jane Lynch's nod for best supporting actress - were a testament to Ian's work ethic and writing talent.

"I think he brings the best out in people," John said. "He's a hard, hard worker."

Lastly, John said his son's education in Mount Prospect-area schools was a big reason for his success.

"It's a lot of the training and support that he got at Prospect High School," John said. "They can really take credit, too, for helping him develop his talent."