Liza Colón-Zayas Makes History as First Latina Actress to Win Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Liza Colón-Zayas, an acclaimed American actress and playwright, achieved a significant milestone by winning her first Primetime Emmy Award 2024 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. This recognition came for her outstanding performance as Tina Marrero in the psychological comedy-drama series The Bear, which has been on the air since 2022.

Receiving the award on September 15, 2024, she addressed global guests and fans, marking a historic moment as the first Latin American actress to attain this honor. Liza humorously shared that her husband had pushed her to write a victory speech, to which she candidly replied, “I didn’t.”

In her emotional speech, Colón-Zayas expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout her journey and cheered on her fellow nominees in the category. She particularly motivated women and girls from her cultural background, stating:

“All the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights. Thank you. Thank you. Gracias,” said Liza Colón-Zayas.

Liza Colón-Zayas’ Primetime Emmy Award 2024 Achievement for The Bear

Liza Colón-Zayas, widely recognized for her role as Tina Marrero in the FX comedy series The Bear, received her first Emmy Award during the 76th season of this prestigious awards ceremony.

She won in the highly competitive category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, competing against notable nominees such as Carol Burnett for Palm Royale, Hannah Einbinder for Hacks, Janelle James for Abbott Elementary, Sheryl Lee Ralph for Abbott Elementary, and Meryl Streep for Only Murders in the Building.

Other notable winners at the Primetime Emmy Award 2024 included Jeremy Allen White for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, both from the same series.

In The Bear, Tina Marrero plays a sous chef who is seen as a motherly figure within the restaurant’s environment. Her character’s journey involves embracing personal values, each episode featuring her development, especially spotlighted in the latest season.

Throughout this season, Tina hones her culinary skills and discovers a newfound passion for her profession beyond mere employment.

Who is Liza Colón-Zayas?

Liza Colón-Zayas is a talented Latin-American actress born in 1972 in The Bronx, New York City, United States. Raised in a Puerto Rican family, she pursued her passion for the arts and earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from the State University of New York at Albany.

On November 21, 1998, she married actor David Zayas, well-known for his portrayal of Angel Batista on Showtime’s Dexter, who also co-starred with her in The Bear.

Colón-Zayas has an impressive filmography, featuring roles in movies such as Righteous Kill (2008) as Judge Angel Rodriguez, Collateral Beauty (2016) as Trevor’s mother, and Allswell in New York (2022) as Daisy.

Her television credits include notable roles like Dolores Rodriguez in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2004-2015), Detective Jessica Perez in Titans (2018), and Rita Ortiz in In Treatment (2021).

Colón-Zayas has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the 2015 Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, the 2020 Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Play, and the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

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