African-American Actors Who Have Won Emmys

The Primetime Emmy Awards have long served as a benchmark for excellence in the television industry, celebrating outstanding performances across various genres. Over the decades, African-American actors have broken barriers and delivered iconic portrayals that earned them this prestigious recognition. From pioneering wins in the 1960s to the record-breaking achievements of contemporary stars, these performers have shaped the landscape of small-screen storytelling. This list highlights forty actors who have secured Emmy trophies for their exceptional contributions to television.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby became the first African-American to win a Primetime Emmy Award for acting in a leading role. He secured the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for three consecutive years, beginning in 1966. These accolades were for his portrayal of Alexander Scott in the secret-agent series ‘I Spy’. His success marked a historic milestone for Black performers in the television industry during the Civil Rights era.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume earned recognition for his comedic timing and versatility in two different series. He first won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1979 for his role in ‘Soap’. Later, he transitioned to a leading role in the spin-off ‘Benson’, which earned him the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1985. He remains the only African-American man to win the Lead Actor category for a comedy.

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford made history in 1981 by becoming the first African-American woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. She received this honor for her long-running portrayal of Louise Jefferson on the sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’. Sanford was nominated for the role seven consecutive times before securing the win. Her performance remains a cornerstone of 1970s and 1980s television history.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a decorated actress whose career included multiple Emmy wins across several decades. In 1974, she won two awards for her performance in the television movie ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. She later won another Emmy in 1994 for her supporting role in ‘Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All’. Tyson’s work often focused on portraying strong, historical Black women with depth and dignity.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones achieved a rare feat in 1991 by winning two Primetime Emmy Awards in the same year. He won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work in ‘Gabriel’s Fire’. Simultaneously, he took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special for ‘Heat Wave’. His distinct voice and commanding screen presence made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher was a two-time Emmy winner known for his intense and nuanced dramatic performances. His first win came in 1998 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’. He secured a second trophy in 2006 for his lead role in the miniseries ‘Thief’. Braugher later became widely recognized for his comedic turn in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, for which he received multiple nominations.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most honored performers in Emmy history, having won four awards across different categories. Her wins include Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Hill Street Blues’ and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for ‘L.A. Law’. She also secured a win for her lead role in the television film ‘Miss Evers’ Boys’ and another for ‘The Practice’. Her career is distinguished by her ability to move seamlessly between guest roles and lead performances.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved a historic win in 2015 when she became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. This recognition was for her portrayal of Annalise Keating in the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. During her acceptance speech, she famously noted that the only thing separating women of color from anyone else is opportunity. This win contributed to her later achieving EGOT status.

Regina King

Regina King has secured four Primetime Emmy Awards, making her one of the most successful actors in the history of the ceremony. She earned two consecutive trophies for her supporting roles in the anthology series ‘American Crime’. In 2018, she won for her work in the miniseries ‘Seven Seconds’, followed by another win in 2020 for ‘Watchmen’. Her career has seen a successful transition from child stardom to leading dramatic roles.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his performances in high-profile television dramas. His first win occurred in 2016 for his portrayal of Christopher Darden in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. He followed this with a win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2017 for ‘This Is Us’. Brown was the first African-American man to win the Lead Actor in a Drama category in nearly 20 years.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is a three-time Emmy winner who achieved the rare distinction of winning in both comedy and drama categories for the same character. She won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014 and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2015 for her role as Suzanne Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. In 2020, she won a third Emmy for her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’. Aduba is recognized for her transformative character work.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance has won two Emmy Awards for his work in dramatic television. He received his first win in 2016 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role as Johnnie Cochran in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. In 2021, he won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in ‘Lovecraft Country’. His work is frequently noted for its precision and gravitas.

Zendaya

Zendaya made history as the youngest two-time winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She secured her first win in 2020 and her second in 2022 for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in ‘Euphoria’. These wins established her as a major force in the television industry at a young age. Her performance in the series has been highlighted for its raw portrayal of addiction and mental health.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019. He earned this honor for his performance as Pray Tell in the series ‘Pose’, which explores the ballroom culture of New York City. Porter’s win was historic, as he was the first openly gay Black man to win in a lead acting category. His performance was central to the show’s exploration of the LGBTQ+ community and the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover is a multi-talented creator and actor who won two Emmy Awards in 2017. He took home the trophies for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for his show ‘Atlanta’. These wins made him the first African-American to win an Emmy for directing a comedy series. Glover’s work on ‘Atlanta’ has been recognized for its surrealism and commentary on social issues.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson is the creator and star of the mockumentary series ‘Abbott Elementary’, for which she has won two Emmys. In 2022, she won for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, followed by a 2024 win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She is the first Black woman to be nominated for three comedy categories in a single year. Her work has been credited with revitalizing the network sitcom format.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph won her first Primetime Emmy Award in 2022 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. This recognition was for her portrayal of Barbara Howard, a veteran kindergarten teacher on ‘Abbott Elementary’. Her win came decades after her Broadway debut in ‘Dreamgirls’, marking a significant moment in her long-standing career. Ralph’s acceptance speech became a viral moment of the ceremony.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2024. She received the award for her role as Sydney Adamu, a talented young chef in the series ‘The Bear’. Edebiri’s performance has been a breakout success, contributing to the critical acclaim of the show. Her win reflects the rising prominence of a new generation of Black comedic talent.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts won a Primetime Emmy in 2024 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. She earned the award for her dramatic performance as Glenda Cleveland in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. While long known for her comedic roles, this win highlighted her range as a dramatic actress. She used her acceptance speech to advocate for the voices of overlooked Black women.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie in 2019. He was honored for his portrayal of Korey Wise in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’, which tells the story of the Central Park Five. Jerome was only 21 years old at the time of his win, making him one of the youngest actors to receive the award. His performance was praised for its emotional depth and physical transformation.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright won an Emmy Award in 2004 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie. He received the trophy for his performance in the adaptation of ‘Angels in America’. Wright reprised the role he had originally performed on Broadway, for which he had also won a Tony Award. Since then, he has received multiple nominations for his leading role in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’.

Ron Cephas Jones

Ron Cephas Jones was a two-time Emmy winner for his role as William Hill on the drama series ‘This Is Us’. He won the award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2018 and again in 2020. His character’s storyline was a pivotal element of the show’s exploration of family and redemption. Jones’s wins highlighted the emotional resonance of his performance in a recurring capacity.

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Jasmine Cephas Jones won a Primetime Emmy in 2020 for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. She was recognized for her role in the series ‘#FreeRayshawn’. Her win was historic, as she and her father, Ron Cephas Jones, became the first father-daughter duo to win Emmys in the same year. This achievement remains a unique milestone in the history of the television academy.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie in 2020. He earned the award for his portrayal of Cal Abar and Dr. Manhattan in the series ‘Watchmen’. The role required a complex performance involving secret identities and supernatural abilities. His win was part of a major sweep for the series at that year’s ceremony.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo secured a Primetime Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. He won for his performance as Ali, a recovery sponsor, in the series ‘Euphoria’. Domingo’s role was central to several of the show’s most dialogue-heavy and emotionally intense scenes. This win recognized his long career in theater, film, and television.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne has won three Primetime Emmy Awards throughout his extensive career. His first win came in 1993 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for ‘TriBeCa’. He later won in 1997 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for ‘The Box’. More recently, he secured a third trophy for his performance in the short-form series ‘#FreeRayshawn’ in 2020.

Jackée Harry

Jackée Harry became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1987. She received the award for her portrayal of Sandra Clark on the sitcom ‘227’. Her character was known for her distinctive voice and comedic timing, becoming a fan favorite. This win helped pave the way for other Black women in the supporting comedy category.

Beah Richards

Beah Richards was a distinguished actress who won two Primetime Emmy Awards for guest performances. Her first win was in 1988 for her role in the comedy series ‘Frank’s Place’. In 2000, she won her second Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for ‘The Practice’. She received the second award just days before she passed away at the age of 80.

Madge Sinclair

Madge Sinclair won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1991 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She earned the honor for her role as Empress Josephine in the series ‘Gabriel’s Fire’. Sinclair was a veteran actress who also provided the voice for Sarabi in ‘The Lion King’. Her win in 1991 was shared with her co-star James Earl Jones, who won the lead actor category for the same show.

Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2008. He was recognized for his role as Alex Prince, Sr. in the HBO series ‘In Treatment’. Turman has had a long career dating back to his childhood appearance in the original Broadway production of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. He continues to be a prolific figure in television, earning several guest nominations in recent years.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2011 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. She received the award for her recurring role as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Devine’s performance captured the character’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, earning widespread critical praise. She is also well known for her original role in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’.

Joe Morton

Joe Morton won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2014. He was honored for his portrayal of Rowan “Eli” Pope on the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. His character was the formidable father of the protagonist and the head of a secret government organization. Morton’s intense monologues and commanding performance became a signature element of the show.

Reg E. Cathey

Reg E. Cathey was a veteran actor who won a Primetime Emmy in 2015. He was awarded Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Freddy Hayes in ‘House of Cards’. Cathey’s performance as the proprietor of a rib joint and confidant to the lead character was a fan-favorite element of the series. He received three consecutive nominations for the role before securing the win.

Katt Williams

Katt Williams won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He received the award for his role as Willie, the “Alligator Man,” in the series ‘Atlanta’. Williams’ performance in the episode titled “Alligator Man” was noted for its balance of humor and dramatic tension. This win marked a significant achievement in his transition into character acting.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish won an Emmy in 2018 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. She earned the award for hosting an episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’ following her breakout role in the film ‘Girls Trip’. Her win made her the first Black female stand-up comedian to host the show and win an Emmy for it. Since then, she has continued to build a presence in both television and film.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, particularly for her work on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has secured wins for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Kamala Harris. Additionally, she has won several awards for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for her work in the animated series ‘Big Mouth’. Rudolph is recognized as one of the most versatile performers in modern comedy.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He received the trophy for returning to host ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time in 35 years. The episode featured him reprising some of his most iconic characters from the 1980s. Despite his decades of success in the entertainment industry, this was his first win from the Television Academy.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle has won several Primetime Emmy Awards for his work in comedy and variety programming. He secured wins for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2017 and 2021. His monologues on the show were widely discussed for their commentary on the American political climate. Chappelle also holds multiple Emmys for his stand-up specials.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie in 2005. She was honored for her performance as Nanny in the television film ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Merkerson is perhaps best known for her long-running role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’. Her Emmy win showcased her ability to lead a dramatic narrative outside of the procedural format.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashad won her first Primetime Emmy Award in 2022 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. She was recognized for her role as Carol Clarke in ‘This Is Us’. Rashad was previously nominated multiple times for her iconic role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. Her win in 2022 acknowledged her enduring influence as a leading figure in American television.

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