For the many years that the Primetime Emmy Awards have been presented — since 1949 — by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, it’s amazing that less than 50 black actors and actresses have won throughout the many categories awarded.
As popular as Bill Cosby was when he was on ‘The Cosby Show’ during its reign as the #1 television show in the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons, the beloved comedian never won an Emmy as Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
But despite some obvious omissions, there have been a few surprise inclusions.
It shouldn’t have come as no surprise that Halle Berry won one for her biographical ode to Dorothy Dandridge; but don’t forget that Jackee Harry snagged the prize for portraying sassy Sandra Clark on NBC’s ’227.’ And then there are the legends , like the late, great Roscoe Lee Browne and the one and only Cicely Tyson, who always bring out the best with their guest performances.
Overall, there have been 36 notable black Emmy winners in main categories that include seven winners with multiple wins.
