Quinta Brunson made history at the 75th Emmy Awards on Monday night. The creator and star of the hit ABC comedy series “Abbott Elementary” took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. In doing so, Brunson became the first Black actress to win the award in over 40 years.
The Last Black Emmy Winner For Lead Comedy Actress
Before Brunson, the last Black actress to win in the Lead Comedy Actress category was Isabel Sanford in 1981 for her iconic role as Louise Jefferson on the classic sitcom “The Jeffersons” (1975-1985).
Sanford’s win came during an important time when the representation of Black stories and characters on television was just starting to improve after decades of exclusion and harmful stereotypes.
Quinta Brunson’s Historic Win
Brunson seemed genuinely surprised when her name was announced by legendary comic actress Carol Burnett, who presented the award.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Brunson said “I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy, I say it every time, but I just love comedy so much.” She went on to thank her parents, husband, castmates, and the “Abbott Elementary” creative team.
The 32-year-old Brunson is only in her second Emmy season as an actress and creator, indicating she’ll likely be returning to the stage again in the future. She won her first Emmy last year for Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary.”
This year she made history with three nominations, becoming the first Black woman to receive three comedy nominations at the Emmys in a single year. In addition to her wins for Writing and Actress, she was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series as creator of “Abbott Elementary.”
The Impact of Quinta Brunson’s Win
Brunson has credited other Black women in comedy with paving the way for her success. Iconic “Martin” stars Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold emotionally embraced Brunson on the red carpet Monday night, telling a reporter that representation matters: “to see that people are now that look like us, being nominated and winning and creating and creating behind the scenes, it really means a lot to so many people right now.”
In only a few years, Brunson has made a meteoric impact on the television landscape. She continues to blaze a trail while also paying respect to the Black women who came before her.
With her outstanding writing, producing, and acting talent on full display in the hit comedy “Abbott Elementary,” she serves as an inspiration for young, diverse storytellers and creators hoping to make their own mark someday.
For now, Brunson can revel in the satisfaction of her trailblazing Emmy win – a victory for both her budding career and for Black representation across the television comedy landscape.
