The Emmy Awards celebrate outstanding performances in television, recognizing achievements in lead, supporting, and guest roles. This year, Kathy Bates and Uzo Aduba are strong contenders for joining the exclusive group of performers who have won in all three categories.
Lead, Supporting, and Guest Acting Emmy Trifecta: Kathy Bates and Uzo Aduba Could Be Next
Every year, the Television Academy bestows Emmy Awards for lead, supporting, and guest acting performances based on screen time and eligibility factors like episode count. Winning in all three categories over a career is rare but not impossible.
At the 2025 Emmys, Best Drama Actress nominee Kathy Bates (Matlock) and Best Comedy Actress nominee Uzo Aduba (The Residence) could join an esteemed list of iconic television personalities.
Bates, a frontrunner for CBS’ reimagined Matlock, has previously won in supporting for the limited series American Horror Story: Coven (2014) and in guest for the comedy series Two and a Half Men (2012). Aduba, currently ranked fifth for the recently canceled The Residence, is a double champion in supporting for Mrs. America (2020) and Orange Is the New Black (2015), plus she won in guest for the latter when it was classified as a comedy series in 2014.
Below is an alphabetical listing of five performers who have won lead, supporting, and guest Emmys throughout their careers, regardless of genre. Will Bates or Aduba be added next?
Cloris Leachman
The versatile comedian, who died in 2021 at age 94, was an eight-time winner at the Primetime Emmys and an Oscar champion for The Last Picture Show (1971). Leachman’s career spanned eight decades, showcasing her ability to transition between hilarious comedic performances and powerful dramatic roles.
Lead: A Brand New Life (TV movie) in 1973 as Victoria Douglas
Supporting: The Mary Tyler Moore Show (comedy) in 1974 as Phyllis Lindstrom; Cher (variety) in 1975 as herself
Guest: The Mary Tyler Moore Show (comedy) in 1975 as Phyllis Lindstrom; Promised Land (drama) in 1998 as Aunt Mooster; Malcolm in the Middle (comedy) in 2002 and 2006 as Grandma Ida
John Lithgow
The acclaimed American actor impressed viewers with his portrayal of U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and he will soon be sporting another British accent for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series as Albus Dumbledore. In addition to his Emmy history, Lithgow also claimed two Oscar nominations for The World According to Garp (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983).
Lead: 3rd Rock From the Sun (comedy) in 1996, 1997, and 1999 as Dick Solomon
Supporting: The Crown (drama) in 2017 as Winston Churchill
Guest: Amazing Stories (drama) in 1986 as John Walters; Dexter (drama) in 2010 as Arthur Mitchell
Jean Smart
Unlike other performers on this list, Smart’s Emmy victories in lead, supporting, and guest all came for comedy series, showcasing her gift for making audiences laugh. However, the actress has also impressed with dramatic Emmy-nominated performances in programs like 24, Fargo, Watchmen, and Mare of Easttown.
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Lead: Hacks (comedy) in 2021, 2022, and 2024 as Deborah Vance
Supporting: Samantha Who? (comedy) in 2008 as Regina Newly
Guest: Frasier (comedy) in 2000 and 2001 as Lorna Lynley and Lana Gardner
Betty White
The beloved actress, comedian, game show vet, and animal lover entertained audiences for eight decades until her death at age 99 on Dec. 31, 2021. In addition to her Primetime Emmy victories, White was honored at the Daytime Emmys in 2015 with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lead: The Golden Girls (comedy) in 1986 as Rose Nylund
Supporting: The Mary Tyler Moore Show (comedy) in 1975 and 1976 as Sue Ann Nivens
Guest: The John Larroquette Show (comedy) in 1996 as herself; Saturday Night Live (variety) in 2010 as various characters
Alfre Woodard
Woodard made history in 1997 as the first Black person to win lead, supporting, and guest Emmys for the miniseries Miss Evers’ Boys. She also received an Oscar nomination for Cross Creek (1983). Throughout her career, Woodard has shown unwavering commitment to social justice and advocacy.
Lead: Miss Evers’ Boys (miniseries) in 1997 as Eunice Evers
Supporting: Hill Street Blues (drama) in 1984 as Doris Robson
Guest: L.A. Law (drama) in 1987 as Adrain Moore; The Practice (drama) in 2003 as Denise Freeman
