Tramell Tillman Makes Emmy History As First Black Man to Win Best Supporting Actor in a Drama
Written by b87fm on 09/15/2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Tramell Tillman accepts the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award for “Severance” onstage during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
History was made at the 2025 Emmy Awards when Tramell Tillman became the first Black man ever to win Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series — breaking a 77-year streak where the category had never honored a Black performer.
Tillman, who plays the unforgettable Milchick on Apple TV+’s Severance, also became the first openly gay Black man to even be nominated — and now, to win. He beat out heavyweights like his own co-stars Zach Cherry and John Turturro, plus Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Sam Rockwell (The White Lotus), and James Marsden (Paradise).
The actor took the stage visibly emotional, grounding his speech in love, faith, and family.
“You remember what you want to remember. You make time for what you want to make time for, do the work, show up,” he told the audience. “And most importantly, for the love of God, don’t embarrass me in public.”
“Severance” actor Tramell Tillman has won the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series. He is the first Black man ever to win the award #Emmys pic.twitter.com/SQXZEZAFqs
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 15, 2025
He reserved the deepest thanks for the woman who first believed in him: his mother.
“My first acting coach was tough, y’all, but all great mothers are,” Tillman said. “Mama, you were there for me when no one else was and no one else would show up. Your loving kindness stays with me, and this is for you. Thank you to the Academy. I’m full… And as my mama would say, ‘look at God.’”
Speaking afterward, Tillman said sharing the night with his mother was a full-circle blessing. “It’s a dream,” he told E! host Zuri Hall. “She’s the reason that I’m here in so many ways, and to be able to have this moment—to bring her here. I think it’s such a lesson.”
This win isn’t just personal — it’s cultural. Tillman now stands as a symbol of overdue recognition in a category that had locked out Black men for nearly eight decades. Back in August, he told Variety he didn’t feel “pressure,” only honor, at being part of that history: “Do I feel a weight? No. I feel honored to join the legacy of these incredible storytellers.”
Severance racked up a massive 27 nominations this year, further cementing the Apple TV+ hit as one of TV’s most acclaimed dramas. Outside of the series, Tillman is showing range on the big screen — with a role in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning and a turn opposite Natalie Portman in the upcoming film Good Sex. He’s also slated for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
From Brick City roots to Emmy gold, Tramell Tillman’s win is more than history — it’s proof that barriers can break, ceilings can shatter, and legacy can be rewritten live on stage.
