Television has produced countless memorable performances over the decades. From groundbreaking dramas to beloved sitcoms, many talented actresses have left their mark on the small screen. Some have done more than just captivate audiences—they’ve also earned major recognition from their peers in the form of Emmy Awards.
The Primetime Emmy Awards, presented by the Television Academy, honor excellence in television. While many actresses have been nominated, only a few have stood out by winning multiple times. In this list, we highlight the top Emmy Award-winning actresses—those who have claimed the most wins throughout their careers.
Although we originally planned a top 10, we found that several actresses are tied with the same number of wins. That made narrowing it down a bit trickier—but also more interesting. Let’s dive into the list of the women who have dominated Emmy history.
1. Cloris Leachman – 8 Wins
Cloris Leachman leads the list with an incredible eight Emmy wins. Known for her versatility, she won for both comedic and dramatic roles. Her most iconic role was Phyllis Lindstrom on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which led to her own spinoff, Phyllis. She also won for guest roles in shows like Malcolm in the Middle and Promised Land. Leachman’s Emmy streak spanned from the 1970s to the 2000s, showing just how enduring her talent was.
2. Julia Louis-Dreyfus – 8 Wins
Tied with Leachman is Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who earned widespread acclaim as Elaine Benes on Seinfeld. But her Emmy wins came mostly from later roles. She won once for The New Adventures of Old Christine and an incredible six times for her portrayal of Selina Meyer in HBO’s Veep. Her sharp comedic timing and unmatched delivery made her one of the most decorated actresses in television history.
3. Mary Tyler Moore – 7 Wins
A true TV pioneer, Mary Tyler Moore helped reshape the image of women on television. She won Emmys for her role as Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show and later as Mary Richards on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a groundbreaking series that portrayed an independent, career-focused woman. Moore’s charisma, humor, and emotional range made her an icon of the medium.
4. Allison Janney – 7 Wins
Allison Janney’s commanding screen presence has made her a favorite of both fans and critics. She earned four Emmys for her role as C.J. Cregg in The West Wing and two more for her work on the CBS sitcom Mom. She also won for a guest appearance on Masters of Sex. Janney excels in both drama and comedy, proving her wide-ranging talent.
5. Edie Falco – 6 Wins
Edie Falco earned most of her Emmy recognition for two standout roles: Carmela Soprano on The Sopranos and Jackie Peyton on Nurse Jackie. Her portrayal of Carmela, a complex and conflicted mob wife, helped redefine what a TV drama could be. Falco’s subtle expressions and emotional depth brought gravitas to every scene she was in.
6. Tyne Daly – 6 Wins
Tyne Daly won four Emmys for her role as Detective Mary Beth Lacey on Cagney & Lacey, a show that broke ground by focusing on two female detectives. She later won for roles in Christy and Judging Amy. Daly’s strong and believable portrayals made her a respected figure in the television landscape.
7. Candice Bergen – 5 Wins
Candice Bergen became a household name as Murphy Brown, a sharp, witty journalist navigating a male-dominated workplace. Her role earned her five Emmy Awards. Interestingly, after her fifth win, Bergen declined further nominations for the character, stating she wanted to make room for others to be recognized.
8. Doris Roberts – 5 Wins
Doris Roberts stole scenes as Marie Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond. Her overbearing but hilarious character earned her four Emmys during the show’s run. She also won one earlier for her guest role on St. Elsewhere. Roberts’ comedic precision and timing made her unforgettable.
9. Valerie Harper – 4 Wins
Valerie Harper, like Leachman, got her start on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Her role as Rhoda Morgenstern became so popular it led to her own spinoff, Rhoda, which earned her additional Emmy wins. She had a total of four Emmys, and her portrayal of Rhoda remains one of the most beloved in TV history.
10. Jean Smart – 4 Wins
Jean Smart’s Emmy wins are spread across a variety of genres. She won twice for guest roles on Frasier and later for her role in Samantha Who?. Most recently, she won critical acclaim and two more Emmys for her performance as a stand-up comedy legend in HBO Max’s Hacks. Smart’s career resurgence has been one of the most exciting in recent TV history.
Honorable Mentions
While these actresses have fewer Emmys than those listed above, their impact is still significant:
-
Laura Linney – 3 wins for Wild Iris, Frasier, and The Big C
-
Jessica Lange – 3 wins, including for American Horror Story
-
Christine Baranski – 15 nominations, but only 1 win; still, a powerhouse performer
-
Helen Hunt – 4 wins for Mad About You
Final Thoughts
Winning an Emmy is no small feat. To win multiple awards over a career means an actress has not only talent but also staying power. These women have helped define what great television acting looks like. Whether in drama or comedy, leading roles or scene-stealing guests, they’ve delivered performances that continue to inspire.
Their Emmy wins tell part of their story—but their impact on TV is even greater.