Jon Bernthal Wins First Emmy for 'The Bear'

Jon Bernthal won his first Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in 'The Bear.' Despite not attending the event, he triumphed over notable contenders including Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter, and Ryan Gosling.

Actor Jon Bernthal clinched his first Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys for his portrayal of Mikey Berzatto in 'The Bear.' Despite his absence from the ceremony, Bernthal emerged victorious against fellow guest stars Bob Odenkirk and Will Poulter, along with other notable nominees like Matthew Broderick, Ryan Gosling, and Christopher Lloyd, according to People.

Bernthal, 47, debuted as Mikey Berzatto in season 1 of 'The Bear,' but it was his dramatic return in season 2, episode 6, titled 'Fishes,' that earned him the Emmy. The episode, set during a chaotic Berzatto family holiday, featured Bernthal's character playing a pivotal role. Also highlighted in the episode was Jamie Lee Curtis, who won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Donna Berzatto, Mikey's mother. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter in August, Bernthal discussed the duality of portraying Mikey Berzatto.

'I understood that what creator Chris Storer needed from that version of Mikey was this larger-than-life, charismatic guy,' Bernthal said. 'We sometimes glorify and romanticize folks we've lost, and we want to see this version of him—his winning smile and his energy. When season 2 came around and I actually got to be on set in Chicago, I saw that we needed to explore the other side of Mikey, his damage, and his spiral. It was a compelling exercise for me as an actor to navigate these contrasting aspects of his character.'

While Bernthal took the Emmy, the competition was fierce, with commendable performances from all nominees. Bob Odenkirk, who portrayed Uncle Lee in 'The Bear,' described his guest-starring role as 'the greatest experience since' filming Better Call Saul.

(With inputs from agencies.)