Me and My Emmy: Lynn Whitfield

Emmy Tally: One

How She Got the Gold: For Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special in 1991, for playing the titular role in The Josephine Baker Story.

Now for the Noms: Whitfield won on her first nomination.

State of the Art: “I keep my Emmy statuette in repose in her beautiful satin-lined box, but I’ll often show her off near other sculptures. She is, after all, a work of art in her own right. I am inspired by my statuette because the family of Emmy winners is a very exclusive group.”

Creative Fire: “The win continues to be the wind at my back to keep my acting fresh, honest and entertaining. If the work was good enough to win an Emmy then, my performances had better be on point now. Who knows, I just might be blessed enough to give Emmy a sister to keep her company.”

Family Fortune: “When my name was announced as the winner, I was immediately struck by what a shower of good fortune it was. Not only because of the industry recognition for me, but it was a real family affair. I was sitting next to my mother and father. My husband, Brian Gibson, who directed the film, had already won in his category earlier in the evening, and waiting for us at home was our three-week-old daughter Grace, our greatest production. It was an unforgettable evening of validation and gifts!

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This article originally appeared in magazine issue #8, 2023.