In an interview for “Behind the Scenes Beauty with Derick Monroe,” Tisha said she was once told by an ex-publicist that she wouldn’t get nominated for an Emmy so there was no point in submitting her name to be considered.
This was during the time Martin was in 1993 and “martin” was on air and doing very very well.
“I just went to the Emmys for the first time in my life, and you know, back then, let’s just say the ‘Martin’ show. For instance, I remember having this publicist who just so happened to be Caucasian…and our second season I asked, ‘Hey, do you think it would be a good idea for us to try to nominate me for an Emmy since you know we’re so successful?’” she recalled.
She alleges the publicist’s said:
“’No, Tisha, now you know you’re not even going to get a nomination.’” Campbell said she suggested trying to “trick” the voting committee by not pursuing the awards ceremony’s top honors, such as Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. “‘What if we nominate me for Best Supporting Actress?’ And she was like, ’Tisha, you’re not gonna get nominated.’ And I was like, ‘Tell me why.’”
“You know why!” Campbell then said “‘Cause I’m Black?’ She’s like, ‘Pretty much. I’m really sorry, but you’re not gonna get nominated.’”
Tisha seemed to accept the stance of the publicist because at that time, they were not necessarily priorotising accolades.
“Back then, we didn’t look at things to get accolades. We were just trying to feed our families, and we had to take away that we would be acknowledged for the things that we do,”
“[We] could not look at it like that. We could not look at the past. We could not look at our past work. We just had to move forward and continue to do our best and feed our families. That’s what we concentrate on, not anything else,” she added. “I’m not trained in my brain to look for accolades. I’m trained to just, you know, better myself and my craft and love my art form.”
With all that said, we cant help but think Tisha deserved her flowers then and she deserves them now!
It’s very sad that Martin was never even nominated either. So many Black TV shows never got the proper acknowledgment and accolades. #Emmys https://t.co/D0DaCAQSBk
— ???????????????????? ⚡️ (@MJFINESSELOVER) January 16, 2024
People in the comment section said pretty much the same thing:
One person said:
This is wild. Friends was nominated for over 60 Emmy’s and living single was only nominated twice… FOR LIGHTING DIRECTION…. To a white man
Another said:
I look forward to the day when she’s truly celebrated for her work and legacy. Damn near 50 years in the business and has remained an important figure in comedy in general but foundational to Black comedy and media. Multiple hit shows and timeless characters that remain part of the culture, and she’s still doing the thing. Tisha (Tichina too) is in the same line as Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett and Moms Mabley.
and another:
This woman was a better comedic actress than ANY woman on Seinfeld, Friends, Cheers, etc….We know what it’s really about.
and
This was only 30 years ago. Not ancient history. Imagine paying someone to disappoint you. I hope one day she finally gets her due for what she’s given the culture.
and many thought the publicist should have at least tried!
Publicist didn’t even want to try. Just continued to perpetuate the nonsense and collect her coins.
Watch the entire interview below:
