Tramell Tillman has become the first Black man to win an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series, recognised for his role in Apple TV+’s thriller “Severance.”
The Associated Press (AP) reported that Tillman, 40, accepted the award on Sunday, dedicating it to his mother, whom he said “was there for me when no one else was and when no one else could be.”
Backstage, he credited pioneers such as the late Andre Braugher and Michael K. Williams for inspiring his craft. “I’ve been taken by their work for years and I’ve borrowed from them, so I’m just honoured to be in the class,” he said.
His victory contributed to eight total Emmy wins for “Severance,” which led this year’s nominations with 27. Britt Lower also secured best lead actress in a drama for the series, which explores a workplace where employees’ memories are split between professional and personal lives.
Tillman portrays Seth Milchick, the company floor manager and a central antagonist. He noted the character’s race was vital to the story, saying he wanted to play Milchick as “a man that was aware of his race and aware that he was in a place where he was one of few.”
“The second season explored how race folds into the world of Lumon,” he said. “I never wanted to lose sight of that and I’m grateful I was part of a team that also didn’t want to lose sight of that.”
Trained in medicine before switching to acting, Tillman recalled being told the career was “a dead end.” Inspired by classmates at Xavier University pursuing their passions, he said, “I thought, if they can do that, why can’t I do what I’m passionate about?”
