Ernest Harden Jr., best known for his role in ‘The Pitt’, has dedicated his recent Emmy win to legendary actress Bette Davis, nearly half a century after the pair starred together in the TV movie ‘White Mama’. At the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 6, Harden was recognised for his exceptional performance as Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
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During his acceptance speech, the 73-year-old actor reflected on his time working alongside Davis in 1980. He expressed his heartfelt dedication to the late actress, who passed away in 1989, saying, “We didn’t make it then, but this one is for us.” His words were a poignant reminder of their strong bond and the challenges they faced while filming.
Harden recounted the difficult circumstances surrounding ‘White Mama’, revealing that it received an influx of racist hate mail during production. “She called it that because while we were filming, we got a lot of racist hate mail,” he explained. Davis, a staunch advocate for equality, wanted to ensure that the public recognised her collaboration with a Black actor. “That’s just who she was,” Harden stated, highlighting her commitment to stand against racial discrimination.
Although the project earned Davis a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special, she ultimately lost to the esteemed Patty Duke. Davis, however, had previously won the award for her performance in ‘Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter’ in 1979. Harden recalled a significant moment during their collaboration when Davis expressed her desire for him to accept the award on her behalf if she won. Sadly, the Emmys were boycotted that year, preventing Harden from experiencing that moment alongside her.
After his win, Harden elaborated on the personal connection he forged with Davis during their time together. He described her as “actually like my mother”, reminiscing about holidays spent together, including Thanksgiving dinners at her home. “We actually planned on doing other movies together, but, you know, she didn’t last. But we had a great connection,” he shared with reporters.
Harden’s Emmy victory comes for his portrayal of Louie in ‘The Pitt’, a recurring character often seen in the emergency room. He was awarded for his performance in the episode “7:00 A.M.”, which marked a significant chapter in his character’s storyline. His achievement was particularly noteworthy as he triumphed over a competitive field that included actors from popular series such as ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Slow Horses’.
The Creative Arts Emmys took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 5 and 6, 2026. The ceremony will be edited into a single broadcast set to air on Saturday, September 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FXX, with streaming available on Hulu the following day. Meanwhile, fans and industry representatives alike are looking forward to the live Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, which will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock on September 14.
In a world where memories of stars like Bette Davis can often fade, Ernest Harden Jr.’s tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Hollywood icons. With his heartfelt dedication, Harden not only honours his past but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate the impact of their work and the bonds formed behind the scenes.