Emmys 2016: Watch Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Heartfelt Speech for ‘Veep’ Win
This may be Julia Louis-Dreyfus‘ fifth consecutive win in the “Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” category for her outstanding lead role in Veep, but it was one of her most poignant speeches. On Friday, her father, Willie Louis-Dreyfus died. Her Paris-born father had served as the chairman of Louis Dreyfus Energy Services, had studied law at Duke University and was also a poet. And while the actress injected her trademark humor into the mix, it was her touching dedication to her father that resonated.
The actress thanked a bevy of people who worked on the show and then offered an apology to the “best crew on television” whom she said work an “unforgiveable” amount of hours.
“While I’m apologizing, I’d like to take this opportunity to personally apologize for the current political climate. I think that Veep has torn down the wall between comedy and politics,” she deadpanned. “Our show started out as a political satire, but it now feels more like a sobering documentary. So I certainly do promise to rebuild that wall and make Mexico pay for it.”
Without a pause from the hilarious parallel of life imitating art that the actress drew, she went on to pay respects to her father, in a very personal, heartfelt closing moment.
“Lastly I’d like to dedicate this to my father, Willie Louis Dreyfus, who passed away on Friday,” she said tearfully. “And I’m so glad that he liked Veep because his opinion was the one that really mattered. Thank you.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus Wins Lead Actress Comedy… by MOTOARCHIVE