Beloved Sitcom Star’s Trailblazing 227 Performance Lands Trophy
When actress Jackee Harry took home the 1987 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on 227, she etched her name in entertainment history. Harry became the first African American woman to ever win the coveted award.
Harry immediately won fans on the popular NBC sitcom with her portrayal of Sandra Clark, the flashy foil to series lead Mary Jenkins. As 227 grew into a surprise hit, Harry’s scene-stealing performance made her the show’s breakout star.
So when Harry heard her name called at the 1987 Emmy awards, it represented a breakthrough achievement for Black women in Hollywood after decades of struggle for recognition.
Win Cements Place as Sitcom Icon
With her kitschy fashion sense, quick wit and boundless confidence, Harry’s Sandra Clark became one of TV’s most memorable characters of the 1980s. Her Emmy win validated 227 fans who adored her hilarious work opposite comedy veterans like Marla Gibbs.
The trophy also marked Harry as a creative talent to watch, leading NBC producers to develop a spin-off pilot entitled Jackée. Though the show did not move forward, the award kickstarted a prolific sitcom career spanning decades.
Harry charmed new generations as mom Lisa Landry on the 90s hit Sister, Sister. She also popped up on comedy staples like Amen, Designing Women, The Royal Family, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Paves Way for Black Women in Comedy
Since her groundbreaking Emmy triumph, only Sheryl Lee Ralph has matched Harry’s feat for Black women in the comedy acting categories. But Harry remains the pioneer whose success inspired sitcom producers to showcase more diverse talent.
At 67, the still-glamorous star continues passing the torch by directing comedy specials and mentoring young Black talent. Her trailblazing work opened doors so new voices like Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri could usher in the next generation.
Though the fickle Sandra Clark caused headaches for Mary Jenkins on 227, Jackee Harry’s historic Emmy win was a dream come true in the real world.
