The Emmys have been criticized in recent years as being the TV industry’s annual “pat on the back,” where millions in advertising dollars are spent on gift packages for voting members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Others have blasted the awards ceremony for entirely failing to appreciate present-day talent in favor of honoring a nominee’s past work.
Thankfully, this year’s ceremony saw at least one deserved award go out to Henry Bromell, who died following a heart attack in March of this year.
Bromell took home the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series for the Showtime CIA drama Homeland, and his wife Sarah took the stage in his absence: “I accept this award on behalf of Henry with deep appreciation to the Academy and thank you so much,” she said. He had previously won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his work on Homeland.
The television world mourned the loss of Henry Bromell last March. Twentieth Century Fox TV said in a statement at the time, “He was a supremely talented writer and as kind and warm a person as you could ever meet. He will be deeply missed at the studio and on Homeland.” Showtime’s statement said that “Henry was an immensely talented and prolific writer, director and showrunner, and his work on ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘Homeland’ was nothing short of brilliant. His passion, warmth, humor and generosity will be greatly missed.” Both networks lent their thoughts and prayers.
The New York Times described Bromell’s career, which began with a series of short stories for The New Yorker. After publishing a novel entitled The Follower, Bromell sought to enter the screenwriting business in California and struggled to break in as most do. His big break came when he helped writer John Falsey develop a show called Northern Exposure about a New York doctor who moves to Alaska.
Bromell would go on to write and produce many of the best shows of the generation, including Homicide: Life on the Street, based on The Wire creator David Simon’s first foray into Baltimore’s mean streets. Much of Bromell’s recent Homeland inspiration had come from his father, who was a CIA agent in the Middle East in the 1950’s and ’60s.
If you want to read more about Henry Bromell’s career, the Times article is sure to be enlightening.
[Image via a YouTube interview with Henry Bromell about coming up with stories for Homeland]