Primetime Emmy Tally: Two
How She Got the Gold: In 2000 and 2006, for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, for her role as Karen Walker in NBC's Will & Grace.
Now for the Noms: Five more consecutive nominations, 2001-05, in the same category, for the same role.
Cherished Character: "I think that Karen's extreme confidence and outspokenness, coupled with a total lack of self-awareness, was a powerful jumping-off point for a comedic character. As an actor, I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of that combo."
Emmy Memory: "The first win was a thrill. Not only was I thunderstruck, but it was also so much about my mom and my friends from high school, who were all really happy and excited. In many ways, I experienced it through their eyes."
Keeping Discreet: "I keep my Emmys in a closet — but it's a very nice closet. It doesn't mean I don't treasure them. I'm just not one to display memorabilia. People who come to visit don't like the fact that they're in a closet. I have been strongly urged to take them out."
Sense of Self: "[The role of] Karen Walker taught me so much about myself as a comedic actress — and also about myself as a person — when the success of the show grew far beyond anything I had ever experienced. It wasn't until Will & Grace that it dawned on me that I might be considered above average."
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This article originally appeared in emmy magazine, Issue No. 4, 2014
