John Legend Becomes The First Black Man To Reach EGOT Status

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In a historic win at Sunday’s 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards held in Los Angeles, John Legend received an Emmy for his role as producer for the televised musical Jesus Christ Superstar. At only 39 years old, the win has landed Legend into the exclusive club of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) winners, making him the first black man and the second youngest to hold such a legendary title. Furthermore, Legend is only the second black person in history with EGOT status, as Whoopi Goldberg became the first African American EGOT recipient back in 2002.

Prior to last night’s awards, there had only been 12 EGOT holders: a list that includes Audrey Hepburn, Richard Rodgers, and Helen Hayes. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice of Jesus Christ Superstar also earned their EGOT status last night.

Legend took to Instagram to express his excitement about the honor. “Before tonight, only 12 people had won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony in competitive categories,” he said. “Sirs Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice and I joined that group when we won an Emmy for our production of their legendary show Jesus Christ Superstar. So happy to be part of this team,” “So honored they trusted me to play Jesus Christ. So amazed to be in such rarefied air. #EGOT”

It was an eventful and exciting night for many black actors as well. Tiffany Haddish and Donald Glover won for their guest hosting gigs on Saturday Night Live, Katt Williams took home his first Emmy for his guest role on Atlanta, and Samira Riley won for her role as Moira on The Handmaid’s Tale.

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards are not televised, and focus on “technical and creative achievement categories” in animation and scripted comedy. The 70th annual Emmy Awards airs September 17th on NBC.