Television has produced some of the most iconic performances in entertainment history, and many actors have made their mark by consistently delivering award-winning work. From groundbreaking roles in classic series to standout performances in streaming hits, these stars have accumulated an impressive number of accolades. If you’re curious about the top actors with most TV awards, here’s a look at the legends who’ve dominated the small screen across decades.
1. Cloris Leachman
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 8 Primetime wins
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Total TV Awards: 22+ including Daytime Emmys and other honors
Cloris Leachman holds the record for the most Primetime Emmy wins by an actor, thanks to her roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Malcolm in the Middle, and various TV specials. Her incredible range—from comedy to drama—earned her a place in television history.
2. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 11 wins
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Golden Globes: 1 win
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SAG Awards: 9 wins
Julia Louis-Dreyfus became a legend with roles in Seinfeld, The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Veep. Her portrayal of Selina Meyer in Veep earned her six consecutive Emmy wins for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series—a record.
3. Ed Asner
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 7 Primetime wins
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Golden Globes: 5 nominations
Best known for his role as Lou Grant, first in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and then in the spin-off Lou Grant, Ed Asner remains the most awarded male actor in Emmy history. He’s one of the few actors to win for both a comedy and a drama series while playing the same character.
4. Allison Janney
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 7 wins
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SAG Awards: 7 wins
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Critics’ Choice Awards: Multiple wins
With standout performances in The West Wing, Mom, and several limited series, Allison Janney’s versatility has made her a perennial awards favorite in both lead and supporting roles.
5. Tyne Daly
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 6 wins
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Golden Globes: Nominated multiple times
Tyne Daly rose to fame with roles in Cagney & Lacey and Judging Amy. Her strong portrayals of complex women earned her six Primetime Emmys across multiple decades.
6. Michael J. Fox
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 5 wins
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Golden Globes: 4 wins
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SAG Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award
From Family Ties to Spin City and guest appearances on The Good Wife, Michael J. Fox has been a beloved figure in television. His awards reflect both his talent and his influence on the industry.
7. Bryan Cranston
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 6 wins (4 for Breaking Bad)
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Golden Globes: 1 win
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SAG Awards: 3 wins
Cranston’s transformation from sitcom dad in Malcolm in the Middle to drug kingpin Walter White in Breaking Bad earned him multiple acting awards and universal acclaim.
8. Helen Mirren
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 5 wins
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Golden Globes: 3 wins (TV & Film)
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SAG Awards: 5 wins
Though known for her film career, Helen Mirren has delivered award-winning performances in television miniseries such as Prime Suspect and Elizabeth I, proving her versatility across mediums.
9. James Spader
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 3 wins
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Golden Globes: Nominated
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SAG Awards: Multiple nominations
Spader’s roles in The Practice, Boston Legal, and The Blacklist earned him critical acclaim and a trio of Emmys, largely thanks to his distinctive delivery and complex character portrayals.
10. Sarah Paulson
Award Record:
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Emmy Awards: 1 win (multiple nominations)
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Golden Globes: 1 win
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Critics’ Choice and SAG Awards: Multiple wins
Known for her transformative roles in American Horror Story and American Crime Story, Sarah Paulson has become one of the most awarded actors of her generation, especially in limited series.
Honorable Mentions
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Kelsey Grammer: 5 Emmys for Frasier
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Peter Dinklage: 4 Emmys for Game of Thrones
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Angela Lansbury: 18 Emmy nominations (no wins), a legend nonetheless
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David Hyde Pierce: 4 Emmys for Frasier
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Tony Shalhoub: 4 Emmys including for Monk and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Final Thoughts
The top actors with most TV awards have earned their accolades through talent, consistency, and iconic performances that define television history. Whether through groundbreaking roles in comedies, prestige dramas, or limited series, these performers continue to raise the bar for what’s possible on the small screen. If you’re looking to watch the very best in television acting, their work is where to begin.
