‘Widows Bay’ Star Stephen Root Takes Home the Emmy for Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Stephen Root took home the statue for supporting actor in a comedy at Monday’s 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Sofía Vergara, decked out in a pink beaded dress, presented the award to Root for his role in the breakout Apple TV+ horror comedy series Widow’s Bay . “I’m thrilled and delighted,” the actor told the crowd.

At 74, Root is the oldest performer to win the category. He knocked out Henry Winkler’s record for his role in Barry, which Root was also previously nominated for. Related Stories TV 'The Traitors' Wins Third Consecutive Reality Competition Series Emmy, Earning Clean Sweep for Second Year in a Row TV Rhea Seehorn Jokes About Getting Emotional During Emmys Win: "This Is Me on a Beta Blocker"

The actor, who plays Wyck Crawford in the series, thanked Widow’s Bay creator and executive producer Katie Dippold and director and executive producer Hiro Murai.

Root competed against Colman Domingo for The Four Seasons , Paul W. Downs for Hacks , Harrison Ford for Shrinking , Nick Offerman for Margo’s Got Money Troubles , Michael Urie for Shrinking and Tyler James Williams for Abbott Elementary in the comedy supporting actor category.

Root’s win for Widow’s Bay adds to an already successful evening for the Dippold-created series. Widow’s Bay is set in a fictional — and very much cursed — New England island town and centers around the town’s mayor Tom, played by Matthew Rhys, who’s nominated for lead actor in a comedy.

The 2026 Emmy Awards took place Monday, Sept. 14 at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay hosted the ceremony, which had a star-studded cast of characters from some of TV’s biggest shows including The Pitt , Pluribus , Widow’s Bay , Beef and more.