Sterling K. Brown Is The First Black Actor In Nearly 20 Years To Win A Lead Actor Drama Emmy

Sterling K. Brown had one hell of a night on Sunday.

The This Is Us actor took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, marking the first time in nearly 20 years that a Black actor has won in the category. Andre Braugher won the award in 1998 for his role in Homicide: Life on the Street. 

Brown plays Randall Pearson, an adopted son who meets his father on the hit series. Last year, Brown told ESSENCE, “I lost my father when I was 10, so although the circumstances aren’t specific to my life, the story line resonates. This show can go in so many directions, and I’m curious to see how it all unfolds.”

Brown received a standing ovation as he accepted the award, thanking the cast of the show and his wife. “You are the best white family a brother has ever had,” he joked. “Susan Kelechi Watson it is my pleasure to rep black love with you, sister. Let’s keep doing it like Martin and Gina.”

This Is Us also received nominations for Outstanding Drama Series with Ron Cephas Jones, who plays Randall’s biological father William, nominated in the supporting category.