2019-09-01 Emmy Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHED BY COREY NICKOLS AT MONDRIAN LOS ANGELES; HAIR AND M

AKEUP BY SHAWN FLINT BLAIR; STYLING BY SAMANTHA FRAPPIED BROWN

Me and My Emmy

Carrie Preston

Primetime Emmy Tally: One

How She Got the Gold: As Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in

2013, for her role as Elsbeth Tascioni in CBS’s The Good Wife.

Now for the Noms: Preston has been nominated twice for the same role.

The Winning Moment: “I thought I would faint if they actually called my name.

When they did, I do not know who got up and made it to the stage and said

some things while the clock was counting down, but it certainly wasn’t me!

Offstage, someone congratulated me, and only then did I notice I was holding

an Emmy.”

Acting, Naturally: “At eleven, I got cast as Maid Dimwitty in a community

production of Snow White in Macon, Georgia. I thought it would be a good idea

to wear a fanny pad, do full-on age makeup, change my voice, do a funny walk

and punch up the jokes a little bit. This went over pretty well, as I recall. I guess

I knew then that this was something that would hold my interest.”

Exceptional Elsbeth: “The nimbleness of her mind is astounding. She has so

many things going on, yet every thought gets equal time and attention. She

can be solving a case and admiring your blouse and thinking about quantum

physics all at the same time.”

Confidence Booster: “Most of the time, you just chug along with your head in

your work, trying to do the best you can. So it’s quite humbling and affirming

when your peers show you their support. I carry that with me when I’m feeling

insecure or doubtful.”

All in the Family: “My Emmy statue sits on a shelf in our office next to

Michael’s Emmys. [Preston is married to actor Michael Emerson.] He has two,

but mine is much prettier.”