For the many years that the Primetime Emmy Awards have been presented -- since 1949 -- by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, it's amazing that less than 50 black actors and actresses have won throughout the many categories awarded.
As popular as Bill Cosby was when he was on 'The Cosby Show' during its reign as the #1 television show in the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons, the beloved comedian never won an Emmy as Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
But despite some obvious omissions, there have been a few surprise inclusions.
It shouldn't have come as no surprise that Halle Berry won one for her biographical ode to Dorothy Dandridge; but don't forget that Jackee Harry snagged the prize for portraying sassy Sandra Clark on NBC's '227.' And then there are the legends , like the late, great Roscoe Lee Browne and the one and only Cicely Tyson, who always bring out the best with their guest performances.
Overall, there have been 36 notable black Emmy winners in main categories that include seven winners with multiple wins.
In commemoration of the 2010 Emmy Awards, we take a look at a few good men and women -- through the years.
Black Emmy Award Winners
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has presented the 'Primetime Emmy Awards' since 1949, yet fewer than 50 African American actors and actresses have received top honors. Even Bill Cosby, whose 'Cosby Show' was the number one program for five consecutive seasons, never won an Emmy. Overall, there have been 36 notable African American winners - and seven repeat winners -- in main categories. We take a look at a few through the years.
Name: Spike Lee
Known For: Pioneering filmmaker behind the classics 'She's Gotta Have It,' 'Do the Right Thin' and 'Malcolm X'
Emmy Wins: Four
Emmy Fact: While Lee - a sometimes actor -- hasn't won any Oscars for the many films he's directed, he's faired better with the documentaries. His HBO documentary 'When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts' won three Emmys for Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming and Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking.
Name: Alfre Woodard
Known For: Numerous guest appearances in television series and motion pictures.
Emmy Wins: Four
Emmy Fact: A veteran on many shows, the Oklahoma native has received more Emmy nominations than any African American, winning four times, including for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series for her role on 'L.A Law' and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her performance in the HBO film 'Miss Evers' Boys.'
Name: Andre Braugher
Known For: Known playing Det. Frank Pembleton on 'Homicide: Life on the Street'
Emmy Wins: Two
Emmy Fact: Although the Chicago native was first recognized by fans for his work opposite Denzel Washington in 'Glory,' he quickly made his fame on the small screen. Throughout the years, Braugher was nominated six times and won twice: in 1998 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 'Homicide: Life on the Street' and in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for 'Thief.'
Emmy Extra: Braugher is a 2010 nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on 'Men of a Certain Age.'
Name: Beah Richards
Known For: Numerous television appearances, including recurrent roles on 'The Bill Cosby Show' and 'Sanford and Son.'
Emmy Wins: Two
Emmy Fact: Before her death in 2000, the Mississippi native won two Emmys: one for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Comedy Series in 1988 for her role in 'Frank's Place' and another in 2000, for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her work in 'The Practice.'
Name: Bill Cosby
Known For: Groundbreaking TV shows such as 'I Spy,' 'Fat Albert' and 'The Cosby Show'
Emmy Wins: Five
Emmy Fact: One would think that the Philadelphia-born comedian would've won a coveted Primetime Emmy for his work on the top-rated 'Cosby Show,' but he didn't. He won three awards for his work as Det. Alexander Scott in the 1960s buddy series 'I Spy.' He also won for 'The Bill Cosby Special' in 1968. In 2003, he received the Bib Hope Humanitarian Award.
Emmy Extra: Cosby has two Daytime Emmy Awards to his credit: one for the animated series 'The New Fat Albert Show' and one for 'Little Bill.'
Name: Charles S. Dutton
Known For: Starring in the television series 'Roc.'
Emmy Wins: Two
Emmy Fact: Although he starred in 'Roc,' the Maryland native won Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actor in 2002 and 2003 for his roles in 'The Practice'
and 'Without a Trace.' He was previously nominated in 1999, for his guest-starring role as Alvah Case in the HBO prison drama 'Oz.'
Name: Cicely Tyson
Known For: Unforgettable roles in the television specials 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman' and 'Roots.'
Emmy Wins: Three
Emmy Fact: After a career in modeling and an Oscar nomination for 'Sounder,' Tyson went on do television miniseries and became the first black actress to win two Emmys: one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie in 1974 for 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.' Twenty years later, the New York native would win her third Emmy for 'Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All.'
Emmy Extra: Tyson received her eighth Emmy nomination in 2009 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her performance in 'Relative Stranger.'
Name: Cleavon Little
Known For: Collaboration with Gene Wilder in the Mel Brooks comedy 'Blazing Saddles.'
Emmy Wins: One
Emmy Fact: After the success of 'Blazing Saddles,' the California native went on to do more theater work and numerous films. In 1989, Little won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for the sitcom 'Dear John.'
Name: Esther Rolle
Known For: Her portrayal of Florida Evans in two 1970s television sitcoms: 'Maude' and 'Good Times.'
Emmy Wins: One
Emmy Fact: Although she won an Emmy in 1979 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her performance in 'Summer of My German Soldier,' the Florida native will always be remembered as Florida Evans.