The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series is an award presented annually by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). It is given in honor of an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a guest starring role on a television drama series for the primetime network season.
The award was first presented at the 27th Primetime Emmy Awards on May 19, 1975, to Patrick McGoohan for his performance on Columbo: By Dawn's Early Light. It has undergone several name changes, originally honoring leading and supporting actors in single appearances on drama and comedy series through 1978. The award was reintroduced at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards under the name Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series, honoring actors and actresses in guest starring roles on television drama series. In 1989, the category was split into categories for each gender, resulting in the name change to its current title. Beginning with the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, performers are no longer eligible in guest acting categories if they were previously nominated for a lead or supporting award for playing the same character role in the same series.[1]
Since its inception, the award has been given to 36 actors. Charles S. Dutton, John Lithgow, Ron Cephas Jones and Patrick McGoohan have won the most awards in this category with two each. Michael J. Fox has been nominated for the award on seven occasions, the most within the category.
Winners and nominees
Listed below are the winners of the award for each year, as well as the other nominees.
^Christopher Lloyd won in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his guest appearance on Road to Avonlea.
^Kirk Douglas was nominated in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his guest appearance on Tales from the Crypt.
^Richard Kiley was nominated in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his guest appearance on The Ray Bradbury Theater, but lost to Richard Dysart, who won for his role on L.A. Law.
^Harrison Page was nominated in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his guest appearance on Quantum Leap.
^Jimmy Smits was nominated in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his guest appearance on L.A. Law, but lost to his co-star, Richard Dysart.
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