“Severance” star Tramell Tillman made history at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville graduate is no stranger to being a trailblazer.
Tillman took home the Emmy for best supporting actor in a drama series on Sept. 14, becoming the first Black actor ever to win that category.
“I am full. I am humbled. I am honored. And as my mama would say, ‘Woo! Look at God,’” he said during his emotional acceptance speech, which he dedicated to his mother.
Backstage, Tillman acknowledged the historic moment and some of the Black actors who helped pave the path.
“I am fortunate to be in the company of such great actors that have gone before me, like Andre Braugher, Ossie Davis, Michael K. Williams, that have done beautiful work, and those that are still with us today, like Giancarlo Esposito and Jeffrey Wright,” he said. “These men, I’ve been taken by their work for years, and I borrow from them. So, I’m just honored to be in the class.”
‘Severance’ star got his acting start at University of Tennessee
But before Tillman was making history at the Emmys, he made history at UT. In 2014, he was the first Black man to graduate from UT’s master’s in fine arts acting program, and he did so at the top of his class.
“Congratulations to UT alumnus Tramell Tillman (’14) for winning his first Emmy!” the University of Tennessee College of Arts & Sciences posted on Facebook.
“Congratulations, Tramell!! We are so incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and so excited for you!!” Clarence Brown Theatre posted on Facebook.
Tillman was a Volunteer 40 Under 40 alumni recipient in 2024. The honor recognizes young alumni who have excelled personally and professionally since completing their degree at UT.
“This year I join a class of distinguished alums! Thank you @utknoxville and @tennalum for the honor. Hope to see you all soon in Knoxville! #govols🍊 #utk #utktheatre #gratitude,” Tillman wrote on Instagram in 2024.
In between working with Al Pacino (“Hunters”) and Tom Cruise (“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”) and on Broadway, Tillman has kept close ties with UT. He has guest lectured for UT’s diverse plays and playwrights class, led career development seminars for UT Theater and participated in the Class of 2020 Virtual Alma Mater, according to alumni.utk.edu.
What is ‘Severance’ about?
‘Severance’ is a sci-fi thriller TV series about the employees of a mysterious biotechnology corporation who have undergone a surgical procedure that separates their work memories from their personal lives. Tillman portrays Seth Milchick, the floor manager at the company.
‘Severance’ had the most nominations (27) at the 77th Emmy Awards and won eight. The Apple TV series premiered in 2022 and has been renewed for a third season.
Tillman’s upcoming projects include joining the Marvel universe in next year’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and staring in Emmy winner Lena Dunham’s new movie “Good Sex.”
USA TODAY contributed to this article.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: ‘Severance’ star and Tennessee graduate Tramell Tillman makes history
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