It’s A Philly thing! Philadelphia native, Quinta Brunson won big at the 75th Annual Emmy Awards January 15th, 2024 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The “Abbott Elementary” star and creator won the Emmy for Best Actress in a comedy becoming the second Black female since 1981 to win the coveted award. Isabel Sanford was the first Black actress to win the category in 1981 for her role in the culturally-iconic sitcom “The Jeffersons”.
Quinta Brunson Gets Emotional
Now a two-time Emmy winner, Quinta Brunson delivered an emotional speech.
“I don’t even know why I’m so emotional. I think, like, the Carol Burnett of it all,” Brunson said, as she began to choke up at the top of her acceptance speech. Burnett, who presented the award, smiled at the remark.
“Thank you so much. I love making ‘Abbott Elementary’ so much. And I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy. I say that every time. I just love comedy so much. I’m so happy to be able to get this. I didn’t prepare anything, because I just didn’t think — oh god,” Brunson said, clutching her statuette. “I love my mom, my dad, my sisters, my brothers, my entire family so much. I love my husband. I’m so happy. I love my cast. I love ‘Abbott Elementary.’ Thank you so much.”
Brunson previously won an Emmy in 2022 for outstanding writing in a comedy series for her work on “Abbott Elementary”.
It’s A Philly Thing
“Abbott Elementary” is a workplace comedy based off her hometown of Philadelphia (it is filmed in Los Angeles). The show depicts a group of teachers at a local public school in Philly who, despite their lack of resources, work toward helping their students succeed.
Although it is not primarily filmed in Philly, the show depicts the essence and spirit of Philadelphians- the underdog that doesn’t give up!
Last year, the show did film an episode in Philadelphia and featured the city’s very prestigious and world-renowned mural arts program.
“Abbott Elementary” has been renewed for a third season. You can catch up on past episodes here.
Congratulations Quinta Brunson!