Ann Dowd ’78, P20 won the award for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for her work on “The Handmaid’s Tale” at the 69th annual Emmy Awards which aired live on CBS from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 17.
“Well, I think this is a dream,” Dowd said in her tearful acceptance speech. “I know it’s an actor’s dream and I’m deeply grateful to you. I don’t have the words, so I thank you.”
Dowd beat out “Handmaid’s Tale” co-star Samira Wiley, along with fellow nominees Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”), Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”), Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”), and Thandie Newton (“Westworld”).
Dowd was also nominated for outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her work as Patti Levin on HBO’s “The Leftovers.”
The actress, who has worked steadily on stage, in film, and on series television for more than 30 years, was bestowed with an honorary degree at Holy Cross’ 170th Commencement Exercises on May 27, 2016. In 2015, The New York Times called Dowd “a late arrival worth the wait.”
At Holy Cross, Dowd, who was a psychology major with a concentration in health professions, took theatre classes that ultimately led her to an acting career, according to a 2012 Holy Cross Magazine article. With the support of her instructors and college roommate, she traveled to New York City to audition for the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University in Chicago, where she received her M.F.A. in acting.
Media Coverage
- Boston Globe, Sept. 17: "Holyoke's Ann Dowd wins her first Emmy"
- MassLive.com, Sept. 17: "Emmy Awards 2017: Ann Dowd, Holyoke native and Holy Cross grad, wins for 'Handmaid's Tale' (video)"
- People, Sept. 17: "Ann Dowd of ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ Gets Emotional After Winning Emmy"
- Entertainment Weekly, Sept. 17: "Ann Dowd wins first Emmy Award in surprise victory"
- E! News, Sept. 17: "Ann Dowd Gives Tear-Filled Speech at the 2017 Emmys After Her Surprise Win for 'The Handmaid's Tale' "
- The Chicago Sun-Times, Sept. 17: "Chicago stage veteran Ann Dowd wins Emmy for 'The Handmaid’s Tale' "
- The Verge, Sept. 17: "Ann Dowd wins Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in The Handmaid’s Tale"
- Daily Mail, Sept. 18: " 'I don't have the words!' Handmaid's Tale star Ann Dowd breaks down in tears as she accepts first Emmy of her three-decade career with emotional speech"
