Liza Colón-Zayas made history last night when she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2024 Emmys for her role in Hulu’s The Bear. Outshining even Hollywood legend Meryl Streep, the Bronx native became the first Latina to win an Emmy in the category. Even she couldn't believe she won.
“Thank you to my husband, David Zayas. He told me to write a speech and I didn't because I didn't think it would be possible. How could I have thought that it would be possible to be in the presence of Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett and Hannah?” Colón-Zayas said her acceptance speech.
The victory, landing on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, marked a big win for Colón-Zayas and for all Latinas alike.
Liza Colón-Zayas Makes Emmy History
“I'm processing it. Pero, it's a huge honor to be the person who, at my age, from the South Bronx, is showing that you can do it. Yes, we matter — our stories, our faces, all that we bring to the table,” she told Extra TV’s Melvin Robert, in some Spanglish, backstage.
Today, on social media, her win was one of the most shared moments of the night in the Latino community. “ …and in the first day of Latino Heritage Month oh she’s takin it 😩😫😫😫” @cipisonline commented on Instagram.
It’s all quite a feat for an Afro-Latina who grew up thinking she had “superpowers.”
A Bronx-Born Talent
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Colón-Zayas says she was a “wildly energetic kid who played double dutch, ... like, I thought I had superpowers.”
She started her career in theater, off-Broadway. But it wasn’t easy. She said she had many “survival jobs” before landing her dream jobs in television and film. Along the way, Colón-Zayas says her Puerto Rican heritage and upbringing deeply influenced her work. She often portrays strong, complex Latina characters who challenge stereotypes, like Tina in “The Bear.”
Her Role in “The Bear”
In “The Bear,” Colón-Zayas plays Tina, a no-nonsense chef with depth and emotional range.
“I can personally relate to so much of Tina's life and journey,” Colón-Zayas explains.
Her portrayal of this layered character connected with both audiences and critics, making her a standout in the show's ensemble cast.
A Historic Emmy Win
Winning an Emmy in a category that included icons like Meryl Streep was monumental for a Latina actress. As Colón-Zayas has explained in interviews over the years, for decades, Latinas have been underrepresented and typecast in limited roles.
“Had I listened and just worried about what the world sees me as, I wouldn't be here,” Colón-Zayas said in a recent interview.
Her win signifies a shift, showing that Latina performers can stand shoulder to shoulder with the industry's best. And win. It also shined a light on the growing Latina influence during the United States' 2024 Presidential election season. And Colón-Zayas knew it, and embraced the moment.
“ … to all the latinas who are looking at me, keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights. Thank you. Thank you.,” she said before leaving the stage.
No, thank you, Liza!
Feature image courtesy of Deposit Photos.
