Emmys Cast Aways: Can Actors Like Robert Downey Jr. and Maya Rudolph Win If They’re the Only Nominations From Their Series?
variety.comClayton Davis Senior Awards Editor What do Robert Downey Jr., Idris Elba, Lily Gladstone and Maya Rudolph have in common? These four stars are not only nominees at this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards but are also the sole representatives of their respective series: Downey (supporting actor in a limited series for “The Sympathizer”), Elba (lead drama actor for “Hijack”), Gladstone (supporting actress in a limited series for “Under the Bridge”) and Rudolph (lead comedy actress for “Loot”).
While each of these talented actors has a shot at winning, history shows that it’s rare for someone to take home an Emmy when their show has no other nominations.
Over the past four decades, only six actors have won an Emmy as the sole nominee from their show: Louie Anderson (supporting comedy actor for “Baskets” in 2016), Richard Kiley (lead drama actor for “A Year in the Life” in 1987), Regina King (lead actress limited for “Seven Seconds” in 2018), Helen Mirren (lead actress limited for “Prime Suspect: The Scent of Darkness” in 1996), Tatiana Maslany (lead drama actress for “Orphan Black” in 2016) and Mark Ruffalo (lead actor limited for “I Know This Much Is True” in 2020).
These wins were influenced by various factors, including the COVID pandemic, past Emmy triumphs, and the deep respect each actor commands within the industry.
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