Tramell Tillman has made history with his Emmy win on Sunday night for Severance Season 2.

In winning the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Seth Milchick in the Apple TV+ drama series, he is the first Black actor to nab the trophy. The Supporting Actor category was the only Emmys category to not have a Black winner.

Tillman is also the first openly gay Black man to be nominated in and win the category.

He won the award over co-stars Zach Cherry and John Tuturro, as well as The White Lotus‘s Walton Goggins, Jason Issacs and Sam Rockwell, and Paradise‘s James Marsden.

The actor paid tribute to his mother in his acceptance speech.

Tramell Tillman’s 2025 Oscars acceptance speech

He said in part, “You remember what you want to remember. You make time for what you want to make time for, do the work, show up, and most importantly, for the love of God, don’t embarrass me in public. My first acting coach was tough, y’all, but all great mothers are. Mama, you were there for me when no one else was and no one else would show up. Your loving kindness stays with me, and this is for you. Thank you to the Academy. I am full. I am humbled. I am honored. And as my mama would say, ‘Look at God.’”

Tramell Tillman wins Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the #Emmys for #Severance, dedicating the honor to his mom. pic.twitter.com/R3nMGF2MKR
— Variety (@Variety) September 15, 2025

‘Severance’ led to to his ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise role

Tillman told Blavity’s Shadow and Act earlier this year that his role in Severance led to him being cast in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

“Well, I learned that [director/co-writer] Christopher McQuarrie is a huge fan of Severance. And so as I chatted with him, he told me that he was a big fan of Milchick as well,” Tillman said. “So, you know, I think the success of the show and my work on the show Severance really did set me up, because if he hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t have been in a Mission: Impossible [film], you know? And he’s such a talented and wonderful director and writer. The man knows how to tell a story.”

Season 3 of the show is anticipated to debut in 2026 or 2027.

Tramell Tillman

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