'Thank you for your courage': Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor, 71, dedicates Emmy win to transgender community... and almost breaks down when thanking wife
He had been waiting 23 years to finally win an Emmy.
And emotional Jeffrey Tambor almost broke down when thanking his wife when he collected his award for outstanding actor in a comedy for his turn in Transparent on Sunday.
The 71-year-old also dedicated his award to the transgender community, thanking them both for their courage and for sharing their experiences with him as he sought to bring the character of Maura Pfefferman to life.
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A man trans-formed: Jeffrey Tambor won his first Emmy 23 years after being nominated for his first for his turn in Transparent on Sunday
Jeffrey said: 'Thank you to my lovely wife, Kasia. The reason - I wouldn't even be standing here (without her).'
The esteemed thespian married Kasia Ostlun back in 2001, and had previously been wed to Katie Mitchell from 1991 until 2000, when they divorced.
He then went on to explain the gratitude he owes to the community for helping him understand how to play a retired college professor who has finally opened up to her family about always identifying as a woman.
The actor said: 'I’d like to dedicate my performance and this award to the transgender community.
Jimmy thrill: Kimmel made Jeffrey's night by handing over the well-earned gong
Emotional: He found it hard to speak when he thanked his wife Kasia Ostlun for all her support
Staring into Spacey: All eyes were on Jeffrey with the possible exception of American Beauty star Kevin
'Thank you for your patience, thank you for your courage, thank you for your stories, thank you for our inspiration, thank you for letting us be part of the change.'
It has been a long hard road for Jeffrey, who was first nominated in 1993 for for his supporting role of Hank Kingsley in The Larry Sanders Show, which garnered three more nominations, but no win.
The father-of-five was also nominated twice, in 2004 and 2005, for his turn as George Bluth Sr. on Arrested Development, again always leaving empty handed.
And he explained how he believes his current role allowed him to perform for a greater good than mere personal glory however.
Just in case: The comedy veteran used all of his chops to get a laugh from the people waiting backstage
The sweet taste of success: He gave the prestigious paperweight a kiss after coming off stage
Hey now: The overjoyed star was first nominated for his turn as Hank on the Larry Sanders Show in 1993
He said: 'I had a teacher who used to say, you know, "When you act, you have to act as if your life depends on it."
'And now I’ve been given the opportunity to act because people’s lives depend on it.'
He also paid tribute to his able sidekicks on the show who have brought the characters to vivid life.
Jeffrey said: 'I would like to thank this gorgeous cast. Every time and everywhere you rest your eye, there is genius.'
Jeffrey's achievement is all the more impressive as he beat off the likes of Shameless favourite William H. Macy, Louie's Louis C.K., The Last Man on Earth star Will Forte, House of Lies' Don Cheadle, Episodes actor Matt LeBlanc, and Black-Ish star Anthony Anderson.
His rock: He said he would not have been standing there but for wife Kasia Ostlun's support
Able assistants: He thanked his fellow castmates for bringing the show's characters to life
Signature role: While many will always think of him as Hank, his turn as Maura Pfefferman has secured his legacy
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