Liza Colón-Zayas makes history as the first Latina to win an Emmy in comedy

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Boricua actress Liza Colón-Zayas made history this Sunday by winning her first Emmy in the category of Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She is the first Latina to win in this category, and in a comedy overall.

She was competing against entertainment industry giants like Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett.

The New York-born actress of Puerto Rican descent initially thought winning an Emmy was out of reach, especially given the level of her competition. Her husband, fellow actor David Zayas (known for "Dexter"), suggested she prepare a speech, but Liza dismissed the idea, thinking it would be "a waste of time."

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Colón-Zayas captivated the Television Academy with her portrayal of Tina Marrero in "The Bear," a series set in Chicago, where the Puerto Rican community plays a significant role.

Tina begins as a fryer of French fries and hamburgers but gradually evolves into a chef as the series progresses. Along with her character's development, Colón-Zayas's presence in "The Bear" grew. The series, available on Hulu, has already been renewed for its fourth season.

Her Emmy was the third for the 'The Bear' during the gala. Her cast mates Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jeremy Allen White had already taken the Emmy as Best Secondary Actor and Best Actor in a Comedy Series.

A Speech with Purpose

In her emotional acceptance speech, Colón-Zayas acknowledged her rivals in the category but took the moment to urge the Latino community to participate in the upcoming presidential elections in December in the United States.

"To all the Latinas watching: keep believing that it's possible and vote, vote for your rights."

Colón-Zayas started her career in the off-Broadway circuit after graduating in theater from SUNY Albany. She has been a member of the LAByrinth Theater Company since its founding in 1992. She wrote, produced, and starred in Sistah Supreme, a semi-autobiographical monologue about growing up as a Latina in New York during the 1970s and 80s. Around that time, she landed small roles in film and television, continuing to find occasional parts in shows like Law & Order, Sex and the City, Nurse Jackie, and many others.

In 2019, she earned her first recurring role in the short-lived drama David Makes Man on OWN, followed by another recurring role in HBO's In Treatment in 2021.

The following year, Colón-Zayas took on the role of Tina in The Bear, describing the experience as a "pinch-me moment" in an interview with Shondaland.