Ernest Harden Jr. Wins First Emmy At 73

Ernest Harden Jr. has won his first Emmy Award at the age of 73 for his role as Louie Cloverfield on HBO Max's medical drama The Pitt. He received the award in the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series category during Night 2 of the 2026 Emmys.

Harden Jr. dedicated his Emmy Award to Bette Davis, with whom he had a leading role opposite in the 1980 TV movie While Mama. Davis had received an Emmy nomination for her performance in White Mama but didn't win.

Harden Jr. has been in the business since 1974, with a career spanning over four decades. He had a recurring role on the Norman Lear sitcom The Jeffersons from 1977-1979 and has appeared in various other roles throughout his career.

The Pitt is an HBO Max medical drama, and Harden Jr.'s character on the show would die in Season 2. Despite this, his performance earned him his first Emmy nomination, which he converted into a win.

## Why it matters Harden Jr.'s win is an inspiration to journeyman actors, showing that success can come at any age. His dedication to Bette Davis is a testament to the impact she had on his career, and his win is a recognition of his talent and perseverance in the industry.

Harden Jr. expressed his excitement and gratitude backstage, saying he was "on cloud 25" and thanking the executive producers of The Pitt, including John Wells and star Noah Wyle, for believing in his talent. He also reminisced about the beginning of his career, including his first role in the 1975 movie Three Days of the Condor with Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway.