Michael Emerson

Guide Note

Actor Michael Emerson currently stars as Benjamin Linus on the ABC drama Lost. Emerson was nominated for an Emmy Award in July of 2008.

Fast Facts

1. Born: September 7, 1954
2. Birthplace: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
3. Spouse: Carrie Preston
4. Awards: 1 Emmy Award
5. Debut TV show: Orpheus Descending
6. College: Drake University

In July of 2008 Emerson received an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a drama series. When asked about the nomination, he described getting the congratulatory phone call from his agent. He said about getting the late night call, "Oh god, I know what this is.' My agent would've let me sleep — if not (for) the nomination — (but) I couldn't find the phone!"^{1 2}

He will be competing against Boston Legal's William Shatner, Mad Men's John Slattery and Damages' Ted Danson and Zeljko Ivanek.¹

• William Hinks in The Practice (2000-2001)
• Harrigan in Legend of Zorro (2005)
• Benjamin Linus in Lost (2006-2008)
• Charlie New in Ready? Ok! (2008)

• "I've played villains on stage — you know, the Iagos and so on — but I think of myself as a funny person. I mostly did comedies before I did TV work."—Michael Emerson³

• "I've been blessed by doing classic plays on Broadway, which was one of my great dreams forever."—Michael Emerson³

• "It worries me a little bit the reach and power of TV. More people saw me in The Practice than will ever see me in all the stage plays I ever do. Which is sort of humbling. Or troubling. Or both."—Michael Emerson³