The old adage says it best: it's better late than never.
And this week, no one can be relishing in those words more than Glynn Turman.
The veteran actor, who has a career that spans five decades, was awarded his very first Emmy Award this year during the 60th Annual ceremony.
For his most recent role as Alex Sr. on HBO's critically acclaimed series 'In Treatment,' the 62-year-old New York native earned the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
The former 'A Different World' star beat out other heavyweights such as Robin Williams, Stanley Tucci, Charles Durning, Robert Morse and Oliver Pratt for the coveted honor.
The Black Families On TV
CBS , Getty Images
The Cosby Show
Seasons: Eight
Notable Cast Members: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet, Raven-Symoné
Storyline: Popular comedy television series based on a happily married couple raising their children in Brooklyn, New York.
Sidenote: Throughout the course of eight seasons The Huxtable family helped set the stage for black families on prime time television. Bill Cosby's character, Cliff Huxtable was such a role model that he topped TV Guide's 2004 list of "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time."
Everett Collection
'Family Matters'
Seasons: Nine
Notable Cast Members: Reginald Vel Johnson, Darius McCrary, Kellie Shanygne Williams, JoMarie Payton, Jaleel White, Telma Hopkins
Storyline: Based on middle-class suburban Chicago black family, the Winslows.
Sidenote: Spinning off it's sister show 'Perfect Strangers,' the hit sitcom spawned off one of the most popular characters in sitcom history, Steve Urkel. America's favorite nerd was so popular that he established a merchandising empire, which included a talking doll, trading cards, posters, books, lunchboxes and a limited edition cereal.
Warner Bros.
'Lincoln Heights'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Russell Hornsby, Nicki Micheaux, Erica Hubbard, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Mishon Ratliff, Michael Reilly Burke, Robert Adamson, William Stanford Davis
Storyline: A drama revolving around the life of LAPD officer Eddie Sutton, who is in pursuit of a better life for his family. Ironically, Sutton moves his family into his old neighborhood which is known for its violence.
Sidenote: In 2008 the series was nominated for four NAACP Image Awards including Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series, Outstanding Drama Series, and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.
ABC Family
'My Wife & Kids'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, George O. Gore II
Storyline: Damon Wayans portrays Michael Kyle, a loving husband who maintains his household by teaching his family some valuable wisdom and knowledge, and learning some himself.
Sidenote: The show's co-creator, Damon Wayans, may have regretted the original storyline of Claire Kyle following the loss of cast member Jazz Raycole. Raycole's mother disapproved of the actress' storyline for season two, which led to her being pulled from the show.
2000 ABC, INC.
The Jeffersons
Seasons: 11
Notable Cast Members: Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Marla Gibbs, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover, Paul Benedict
Storyline: Entrepreneur George Jefferson hits the ticket with his successful dry-cleaning business, which leads him to move into a ritzy New York City high-rise.
Sidenote: America can thank fellow 'Good Times' actress Ja'Net DuBois for helping George Jefferson's family move up to the east side. The Emmy Award-winner co-wrote and sang the show's opening and closing theme song 'Movin' On Up.'
CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images
'What's Happening!!'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Ernest Lee Thomas, Haywood Nelson, Fred Berry, Danielle Spencer, Mabel King, Shirley Hemphill, David Hollander, John Welsh, Earl Billings, Leland Smith
Storyline: Loosely based on the motion picture 'Cooley High' a trio of friends go through the trials and tribulations of young adulthood.
Sidenote: Fred Berry's character Rerun almost didn't turn out as we may remember him today. Originally the role was reportedly written to fit the description of a skinny white kid.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
'227'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Marla Gibbs, Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Helen Martin, Hal Williams, Regina King, Curtis Baldwin, Kia Goodwin, Reynaldo Rey, Countess Vaughn
Storyline: Taking place in a Washington D.C. apartment building, numbered 227, the show's characters would be found sitting outside on a large set of stone stairs (aka the stoop), in which a discussion would lead into the weekly plot line.
Sidenote: Former 'Moesha' and 'Celebrity Fit Club' star Countess Vaughn received her big break in Hollywood by simply asking. Vaughn mentioned her dream of appearing on '227' following her 1988 appearance on the talent show series 'Star Search.'
Embassy Pictures / Fotos International / Getty Images
'Julia'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Diahann Carroll, Lloyd Nolan, Paul Winfield, Fred Williamson
Storyline: Centering on a young widow working as a nurse, trying to make ends meet while raising her son as a single parent.
Sidenote: The 1960 NBC comedy is known for being one of the first weekly shows to depict African-American woman in the non stereotypical role of playing servants. The drama eventually lead to the show's star Diahann Carroll asking for a release from her contract due to the controversy surrounding the show from its inception.
NBC / Getty Images
'The Wayans Bros'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Jermaine Hopkins, Ja'Net DuBois, Phill Lewis
Storyline: The show follows lives of two brothers, Shawn and Marlon Williams, who run their own newspaper stand from out of their father's diner.
Sidenote: Following their family's tradition of producing sitcoms, Shawn and Marlon Wayans debut 'The Wayans Bros' in 1995. Adding to the sitcom's hip-hop feel, the brothers used A Tribe Called Quest's hit single 'Electric Relaxation' as the show's opening theme for the first two seasons.
Warner Bros.
This honor also marked the very first Emmy nomination for Turman, whose repertoire includes everything from blaxploitation films to August Wilson plays.
"I'm enjoying it for what it is," he recently said in an interview with 'EURweb.com.' "I'm absolutely honored. And for it to come this late in my career – it really gives me a special appreciation for it. You know that old saying 'Good things come to those who wait.' And though I've been working hard, but not towards that particular goal, this is something to show that my work ethic has been acknowledged and I'm very humbled by it."
He started out on Broadway originating the role of Travis Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's play 'A Raisin in the Sun.' Turman also played Leroy "Preach" Jackson in the 1975 classic film 'Cooley High.'
Other credits include 'The River Niger,' 'J.D.'s Revenge,' 'Gremlins' and 'Deep Cover.'
Enjoying a recent career renaissance of sorts, the thespian previously starred as Mayor Royce on another lauded HBO series, the Peabody Award-winning drama 'The Wire,' which garnered him a 2007 "Best Supporting Actor" NAACP Image Award nomination.
Currently, he is filming the upcoming Screen Gems feature, 'Bone Deep,' with Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, and platinum-selling recording acts T.I. and Chris Brown.
Next month, Turman is expected to star in August Wilson's 'Two Trains Running,' opening October 10 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Theatre in Los Angeles.
The show will run through November 9.
The Black Families On TV
CBS , Getty Images
The Cosby Show
Seasons: Eight
Notable Cast Members: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet, Raven-Symoné
Storyline: Popular comedy television series based on a happily married couple raising their children in Brooklyn, New York.
Sidenote: Throughout the course of eight seasons The Huxtable family helped set the stage for black families on prime time television. Bill Cosby's character, Cliff Huxtable was such a role model that he topped TV Guide's 2004 list of "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time."
Everett Collection
'Family Matters'
Seasons: Nine
Notable Cast Members: Reginald Vel Johnson, Darius McCrary, Kellie Shanygne Williams, JoMarie Payton, Jaleel White, Telma Hopkins
Storyline: Based on middle-class suburban Chicago black family, the Winslows.
Sidenote: Spinning off it's sister show 'Perfect Strangers,' the hit sitcom spawned off one of the most popular characters in sitcom history, Steve Urkel. America's favorite nerd was so popular that he established a merchandising empire, which included a talking doll, trading cards, posters, books, lunchboxes and a limited edition cereal.
Warner Bros.
'Lincoln Heights'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Russell Hornsby, Nicki Micheaux, Erica Hubbard, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Mishon Ratliff, Michael Reilly Burke, Robert Adamson, William Stanford Davis
Storyline: A drama revolving around the life of LAPD officer Eddie Sutton, who is in pursuit of a better life for his family. Ironically, Sutton moves his family into his old neighborhood which is known for its violence.
Sidenote: In 2008 the series was nominated for four NAACP Image Awards including Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series, Outstanding Drama Series, and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.
ABC Family
'My Wife & Kids'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell-Martin, George O. Gore II
Storyline: Damon Wayans portrays Michael Kyle, a loving husband who maintains his household by teaching his family some valuable wisdom and knowledge, and learning some himself.
Sidenote: The show's co-creator, Damon Wayans, may have regretted the original storyline of Claire Kyle following the loss of cast member Jazz Raycole. Raycole's mother disapproved of the actress' storyline for season two, which led to her being pulled from the show.
2000 ABC, INC.
The Jeffersons
Seasons: 11
Notable Cast Members: Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Marla Gibbs, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover, Paul Benedict
Storyline: Entrepreneur George Jefferson hits the ticket with his successful dry-cleaning business, which leads him to move into a ritzy New York City high-rise.
Sidenote: America can thank fellow 'Good Times' actress Ja'Net DuBois for helping George Jefferson's family move up to the east side. The Emmy Award-winner co-wrote and sang the show's opening and closing theme song 'Movin' On Up.'
CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images
'What's Happening!!'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Ernest Lee Thomas, Haywood Nelson, Fred Berry, Danielle Spencer, Mabel King, Shirley Hemphill, David Hollander, John Welsh, Earl Billings, Leland Smith
Storyline: Loosely based on the motion picture 'Cooley High' a trio of friends go through the trials and tribulations of young adulthood.
Sidenote: Fred Berry's character Rerun almost didn't turn out as we may remember him today. Originally the role was reportedly written to fit the description of a skinny white kid.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
'227'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Marla Gibbs, Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Helen Martin, Hal Williams, Regina King, Curtis Baldwin, Kia Goodwin, Reynaldo Rey, Countess Vaughn
Storyline: Taking place in a Washington D.C. apartment building, numbered 227, the show's characters would be found sitting outside on a large set of stone stairs (aka the stoop), in which a discussion would lead into the weekly plot line.
Sidenote: Former 'Moesha' and 'Celebrity Fit Club' star Countess Vaughn received her big break in Hollywood by simply asking. Vaughn mentioned her dream of appearing on '227' following her 1988 appearance on the talent show series 'Star Search.'
Embassy Pictures / Fotos International / Getty Images
'Julia'
Seasons: Three
Notable Cast Members: Diahann Carroll, Lloyd Nolan, Paul Winfield, Fred Williamson
Storyline: Centering on a young widow working as a nurse, trying to make ends meet while raising her son as a single parent.
Sidenote: The 1960 NBC comedy is known for being one of the first weekly shows to depict African-American woman in the non stereotypical role of playing servants. The drama eventually lead to the show's star Diahann Carroll asking for a release from her contract due to the controversy surrounding the show from its inception.
NBC / Getty Images
'The Wayans Bros'
Seasons: Five
Notable Cast Members: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Jermaine Hopkins, Ja'Net DuBois, Phill Lewis
Storyline: The show follows lives of two brothers, Shawn and Marlon Williams, who run their own newspaper stand from out of their father's diner.
Sidenote: Following their family's tradition of producing sitcoms, Shawn and Marlon Wayans debut 'The Wayans Bros' in 1995. Adding to the sitcom's hip-hop feel, the brothers used A Tribe Called Quest's hit single 'Electric Relaxation' as the show's opening theme for the first two seasons.
Warner Bros.
Comments: (26)
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By: msbee on 9/23/2008 6:47AM
he was too busy beating up on aretha...glad he got
his act together...i'm happy for him...and yes...it's
better late than never...didn't he play in the movie
Cooley High???...been so long i don't remember!
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By: JAZZMAN11 on 9/23/2008 7:52AM
He did play in Cooley High
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By: Regina.Diana.Gordon on 9/23/2008 9:55AM
Congratulation's Glenn you deserveed that award and also some others long ago for the wonderful work you have done,you probably won't remember me but I met you at an operation push meeting in 1977 a day I will NEVER forget Iwas madly head over hills for you and watched every movie you had out at the time religiously,then I happened to run into you at the meeting,I was seated near the front and you were about 10 rows back behind me,all of a sudden people who were seated ahead of me started to get up and go to the back ,so I'm wondering what is going on so I turned around to see and there you were.I thought I was going to have a heart attack,but I somehow managed to keep my composure and came and sat behind you until you finished signing autographs and when you finished you turned around and spoke to me and also took a picture with me, I also wrote a letter to the magazine Black-Star at the time and they published it,I use to fantasize about you all the time,some people say fairy tales don't come true,but mine did the day I met you.Thanks for the memories .Regina from Atlanta.
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By: Glenda Frye on 9/23/2008 10:32AM
He also played on Peyton Place in the 60's.
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By: Glenda Frye on 9/23/2008 10:29AM
He also played in Peyton Place in the 60's.
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By: Roberta Thomas on 9/23/2008 11:05AM
I did'nt watch. but iam very please to see MR turman won. I have been a fan of his since " cooley high"
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By: Michele Ross on 9/23/2008 11:01AM
Were you there msbee? Sounds like you must have first hand knowledge or are you just hating on a brother in his moment who paid his dues mastering his craft. Finally to be recognized for his talent, muck raking people like you gossip and spread the hate, contribute to keeping a brother down in the business. Can we start lifting each other up instead of tearing down our own and their accomplishments. Wake up my people. Stop the Hate. CONGRATULATIONS GLEN TURMAN
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By: Steve on 9/23/2008 1:35PM
Big up to Glenn Turman a Bed-Stuy native. I wonder if he stiil has those Araibian horses he owned back in the day
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By: Joyce on 9/23/2008 1:58PM
I have always thought you were a GREAT actor. You deserve it and more.
Congrads.
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By: Mrs. H. on 9/23/2008 5:05PM
My God MsBee! No doubt you are African American. Why is it people of color can not forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto the things which are before us. It is a principle in the Holy Scriptures you know. (Philippians 3:13) All of us have come short of the Glory of God. We've all done wrong at some point in life. It's such a wonderful thing knowing that GOD does not look at us the same way our brothers and sisters sometimes look at us. You probably don't know these people personally, and if so; it is no one's business to bring this unfortunate act up at such an inappropriate time.
Who knows, if this unfortunate act even took place you don't know Mr. Turman may have apologized to Ms. Franklin and they may have a beautiful brother and sister relationship for this is my prayer if this accusation is true.
So, MsBee lets not bring up the unfortunate past of others, because remember you have a misfortuned past as well. If you can't say good about an individual please don't say anything at all. Edify and Exhort your brethren daily!
CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Turman, and KNOW this that no matter what your situation is in life, GOD is a forgiving GOD and we as HIS people are suppose to FORGIVE as well!
Blessings to ALL,
Mrs. H.
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