Rhea Seehorn of ‘Pluribus’ wins first Emmy for lead actress in a drama
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The hive mind has even more to be happy about: Rhea Seehorn has secured her first Emmy for her turn as a pessimistic romantasy author who finds herself as one of the last people with free will in “Pluribus.”
Seehorn won lead actress in a drama series for her portrayal of the lonesome Carol Sturka in Apple TV’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama from Vince Gilligan. As she clutched her award on stage, she congratulated and thanked her fellow nominees, including Keri Russell, who she said sent her card with a quote from Gloria Steinem.
From Mariska Hargitay’s carefree hosting style and musical numbers to an emotional moment with Michael J. Fox and surprises by presenters, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were a pleasant evening of distraction.
“We didn’t know that we would lose her so soon, but quoting Gloria Steinem, saying we are linked, not ranked, and I feel that way about all you women. So thank you for that,” Seehorn said. “Thank you, Vince Gilligan, for giving me not only the role of a lifetime, but for creating sets where we all get to collaborate and we are actually made to feel safe to take risks so that we get better as artists.”
In addition to Russell, who stars in “The Diplomat,” Seehorn beat out a field that included Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”), Chase Infiniti (“The Testaments”) and Zendaya (“Euphoria”). The win isn’t unexpected — Seehorn entered the night as the frontrunner to win the category. But after earning critical acclaim and two supporting Emmy nominations for her turn as type A, ponytail-loving Kim Wexler on “Better Call Saul” without a win, many prognosticators noted recognition for Seehorn was long overdue.
“Widow’s Bay” dominated the night with 14 wins. Matthew Rhys, Sally Field and Stephen Root all made Emmys history. “The Pitt” and Jean Smart took home more hardware at the 78th Emmy Awards.
“Pluribus” reunites Seehorn and Gilligan, who previously worked together on the “Breaking Bad’s” prequel spinoff. Premiering in November 2025, the nine-episode debut season had Seehorn essentially giving a one-woman show of emotions — with a heavy dose of sadness and anger — in an existential nightmare where she’s forced to save the world from happiness and the hive mind.
A return date for Season 2 has not been announced, but it’s getting closer to arriving on screens. Last month, Gilligan shared that writing for the new season had wrapped and filming is expected to begin this fall.
