Liza Colón-Zayas made history at the 2024 Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “The Bear,” marking the first time a Latina has won in this category. Her portrayal of Tina Marrero, a tough yet compassionate cook in a struggling Chicago restaurant, resonated with audiences and critics alike, elevating her to Emmy-winning status in a competitive field that included Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

During her acceptance speech, Colón-Zayas, 51, expressed her disbelief at the win, admitting she hadn’t prepared a speech because she never thought it would be possible. She praised her fellow nominees, including comedy legends Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett, saying, “Being in that company with those women is beyond.” She also expressed gratitude to her family, her castmates, and the creators of “The Bear” for giving her a new chapter in her career.

Colón-Zayas used her moment in the spotlight to deliver a powerful message to Latinas, urging them to remain hopeful and politically active. “To all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights,” she said, highlighting the importance of representation and activism. Her call to action was timely, as both major political parties have been actively courting the Latino vote in the lead-up to the next election.

Her win was celebrated across social media, with fans praising her emotional speech and historic victory. Many viewers were moved by her advocacy, echoing her call for greater representation and rights for Latinas in the industry and beyond.

Colón-Zayas’s Emmy win was her first nomination, reflecting her decades-long career in film, television, and theater. She previously won an Imagen Award for her performance in “The Bear” and has appeared in a variety of TV shows, including “Law & Order,” “Louie,” and “Blue Bloods.” In addition to her on-screen work, Colón-Zayas is also an accomplished playwright, known for her one-woman show “Sistah Supreme,” which draws on her experiences growing up in New York.

As “The Bear” continues to gain acclaim, Colón-Zayas’s breakthrough performance and inspiring message are reminders of the importance of diversity and perseverance in the entertainment industry and beyond​.