Richard Gadd, the star of Baby Reindeer, delivered an emotional speech upon receiving his first Emmy Award. Gadd, who is the creator, star, and executive producer of Baby Reindeer, won Emmys for Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie.
Baby Reindeer, adapted from Gadd’s autobiographical play, is based on his real-life experiences. The story follows an aspiring comedian (Gadd) whose encounters with a new acquaintance, Martha (Jessica Gunning), take a dark turn. The show gained immense popularity earlier this year, quickly topping Netflix’s most-watched charts. It also clinched the Emmy for Best Limited/Anthology Series.
During his acceptance speech for Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie, Gadd reflected on his journey. “This is the stuff of dreams,” he said. “Ten years ago, I was at rock bottom. I never thought I would get my life together.”
Richard Gadd wins writing in a limited or anthology series or movie at the 2024 #Emmys for #BabyReindeer pic.twitter.com/hWaRVdLnjk
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 16, 2024
“I never believed I would recover from what happened to me and stand on my feet again. Yet here I am, a decade later, receiving one of the biggest writing awards in television.”
Jessica Gunning, Gadd’s co-star, also received her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to Gadd. “I’ve tried many times to articulate what working on Baby Reindeer meant to me, and I fail every time,” she said.
“I’ll keep it simple and just say thank you for trusting me to be your Martha. I will never forget her, or you, or this moment. It means a lot, so thank you, Reindeer, and thank you for this award.”
Following the show’s premiere, Fiona Harvey, the woman alleged to be the inspiration for Martha, filed a defamation and emotional distress lawsuit against Netflix. Harvey, 58, sought $170 million in damages, accusing Netflix and Gadd of spreading “brutal lies” to attract viewers, make money, and ruin her life. The series’ pilot episode begins with the message: “This is a true story.”
The lawsuit is scheduled for trial next May. A Netflix spokesperson stated, “We intend to defend this matter vigorously and stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Deadline reports Richard Gadd’s triumphant speech at the 76th Emmy Awards for his writing win for Baby Reindeer, highlighting his emotional and heartfelt celebration. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Richard Gadd?
Richard Gadd is the creator, star, and executive producer of Baby Reindeer.
What awards did Richard Gadd win for Baby Reindeer?
Richard Gadd won Emmys for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie.
What is Baby Reindeer about?
Baby Reindeer is based on Gadd’s true story about an aspiring comedian whose interactions with a new acquaintance become sinister.
Who won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for Baby Reindeer?
Jessica Gunning won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series for Baby Reindeer.
What lawsuit is associated with Baby Reindeer?
Fiona Harvey sued Netflix and Gadd for defamation and emotional distress, seeking $170 million in damages.