Scottish star Richard Gadd has urged other writers to follow their dreams after he collected three top gongs at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards for writing, producing and starring in Netflix hit series Baby Reindeer.
Gadd, who based the show his real-life experiences of stalking and sexual assault, said he was "down and out" a decade ago and did not believe he would ever achieve success.
The ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles featured a handful of TV reunions including father and son hosts Eugene and Dan Levy with their Schitt’s Creek co-stars Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy, as well as the cast of drama West Wing.
“I never ever thought I’d be able to rectify myself what had happened to me and get myself back on my feet again, and then here I am, just over a decade later, picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television.
“I don’t mean that to sound arrogant. I mean it as encouragement for anyone who’s going through a difficult time right now to persevere.
“I don’t know much about this life, I don’t know why we are here, none of that, but I do know that nothing lasts forever, and no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better.
“So if you’re struggling, keep going – keep going and I promise you things will be okay.”
Jessica Gunning, left, winner of the awards for outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie, and outstanding limited or anthology series for Baby Reindeer and Richard Gadd, winner of the awards for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie, and outstanding limited or anthology series for Baby Reindeer (Jae C Hong/AP) (Image: PA)
After collecting his acting prize, Gadd thanked his mother and father who “never, ever told me what I needed to do with my life”, which he described as “the greatest gift a parent can give a child”.
“They always said follow your heart and the rest will fall into place, and I think it’s good advice, follow your heart and the rest will fall into place,” he said.
Gadd added that the gongs for Baby Reindeer proved that “there’s no set formula” to success, with the only constant being “good storytelling”.
The show made headlines after a woman, who claimed to be the inspiration behind the character Martha, filed a lawsuit against Netflix and accused the story of being inaccurate.
Gadd’s co-star Jessica Gunning won her first Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited or anthology series for playing Martha Scott, who stalks Gadd’s character Donny Dunn in the show.
Japanese historical drama Shogun has secured the top gongs at the awards.
Shogun won in the outstanding lead actor and actress in a drama category for its stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, before the cast picked up the gong for outstanding drama marking its 18th Emmy.
Justin Marks, left center, and Hiroyuki Sanada, center right, and the team from Shogun accepts the award for outstanding drama series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards (Chris Pizzello/AP)
The show, based on James Clavell’s best-selling novel set during the 1600s, already held the record for the most wins by a show in a single year – having secured 14 gongs at the Creative Arts Emmys.
READ MORE:
- Richard Gadd hopes legacy of Baby Reindeer is a positive one
- Scots MP writes to Netflix bosses over Baby Reindeer claims
Japanese actor Sanada, who plays embattled samurai warlord Lord Yoshii Toranaga, said he was “beyond honoured” to receive the award, describing the drama as an “east meets west dream project with respect”.
“Shogun taught me that when people work together, we can make miracles. We can create a better future together,” he added.
While Sawai, who plays Lady Toda Mariko in the series, said she had been emotional all day. “This is to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone,” she said.
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