Tramell Tillman Makes Emmy History with “Severance” Win

Lead: Tramell Tillman became the first Black man to win the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, earning the award at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025.

Nut Graf: Tillman’s victory for his role as Seth Milchick in Apple TV+‘s thriller “Severance” not only marks a personal milestone-his first Emmy nomination and win-but also breaks a 77-year barrier in the awards’ acting categories, spotlighting wider strides toward diversity on television.

Historic Triumph

• Tillman, 40, competed against nominees including John Turturro and Sam Rockwell.
• He celebrated onstage and paid tribute to his mother, calling her his “first acting coach” and dedicating the honor to her unwavering support.

Impact on Representation

• This win fills the only remaining gap in Emmy acting history for Black performers.
• Tillman acknowledged trailblazers like Andre Braugher and Michael K. Williams as inspirations whose work paved the way for his achievement.

“Severance”’s Awards Surge

• The series led all shows with 27 nominations this year.
• Co-star Britt Lower won Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, contributing to the show’s eight total Emmy wins.

Actor’s Journey

• A former pre-med student at Xavier University, Tillman shifted to acting after encouragement from peers pursuing their passions.
• He described his path as “taking a chance on yourself,” underscoring the importance of perseverance in creative careers.

Looking Ahead

• Following “Severance,” Tillman will appear in Lena Dunham’s film “Good Sex” and join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
• His performance has set a new benchmark for supporting roles, promising further high-profile opportunities.