Ernest Harden Jr dedicates his first-ever Emmy win for 'The Pitt' to Bette Davis

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ernest Harden Jr marked his first Emmy win with an emotional tribute to late Hollywood legend Bette Davis. The actor won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his recurring role as Louie Cloverfield on 'The Pitt' at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 6.

Harden Jr used his acceptance speech to honor Davis, with whom he appeared in the 1980 television film 'White Mama'. He had previously spoken about wanting to recognize his late mentor if he won an Emmy, saying he felt he had "some unfinished business to do" and that Davis was with him in spirit.

Ernest Harden Jr honors Bette Davis during Emmy acceptance speech

According to Entertainment Weekly, Harden Jr recalled his work with Davis and delivered the tribute he had hoped to give for decades. "In ’79, I did a movie with Bette Davis called 'White Mama'. I just want to say, Bette Davis, we didn’t make it then, but this one is for us," he said.

Although 'White Mama' was released in 1980, Harden Jr referred to the project as having been made in 1979 during his Emmy speech. The film featured Davis as a financially struggling widow who takes in a troubled teenage juvenile delinquent, played by Harden Jr.

Davis was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special for the film but did not win. She was also unable to attend the ceremony because of an actors' strike.

Ernest Harden Jr recalls becoming 'really tight' with Bette Davis 

Harden Jr previously described Davis as more than a co-star, explaining that their relationship continued off camera after they worked together.

"Her playing my mother, she got into it so much that she was actually like my mother," he said. Harden Jr recalled Davis visiting during holidays, cooking Thanksgiving dinner and inviting him over. He said they became "really tight" and had planned to work together on other films.

He also remembered Davis' dedication to her craft. During the filming of 'White Mama', Davis reportedly noticed Harden Jr rehearsing a scene without her and returned to the set after preparing to leave. She stayed for about an hour and a half to work through the scene with him.

Harden Jr said he admired Davis' professionalism and wanted to match her level of performance. He credited their work together with helping him learn from one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors. In his Emmy speech, Harden Jr also thanked 'The Pitt' writing staff, his wife, family, agent, God, and co-star Noah Wyle, who plays Dr Michael "Robby" Robinavitch in the series.