Richard Gadd Talks “Greatest Gift” Parents Gave Him As He Accepts Emmy For ‘Baby Reindeer’ Performance

Richard Gadd, creator and star of Netflix‘s breakout hit Baby Reindeer, has won an Emmy for his starring turn in the stalker drama.

Gadd’s win for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie was his second of the night, as he earlier won Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In his second speech, he acknowledged “a glaring omission” from the first, taking time to pay tribute to his parents.

“They’re the best. We’ve had some trying times as a family, and they’ve been there for me, a constant source of love and support,” said Gadd. “The thing I’m most grateful for is they never, ever told me what I needed to do with my life, and they never, ever told me who I needed to be. I think that’s the greatest gift a parent can give a child. They always said, ‘Follow your heart and the rest will fall into place,’ so I think that’s good advice.”

During his second speech, Gadd also shouted out Baby Reindeer’s directors, Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusch, “for bringing out the best in me.”

“You’re all crazy honestly. Thank you so much,” Gadd said as he began his remarks. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this one at all and I didn’t prepare. I mean, this is nuts. Jon Hamm, I’m your biggest fan, as I told you for ages last night, over and over again.”

Earlier in the evening, Gadd’s co-star Jessica Gunning won the award for Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Prior to that, the show was recognized at the Creative Arts Emmys with statuettes for its casting and picture editing.

On the acting front, Gadd tonight won out over Andrew Scott (Ripley), Jon Hamm (Fargo), Tom Hollander (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans) and Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers). Later, he’ll be up for a third Emmy, recognizing his exec producing of the show, which is a contender for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

Based on Gadd’s hit Edinburgh Fringe one-man play, which was itself based on his personal experiences, Baby Reindeer emerged as a bona fide cultural phenomenon upon its April debut, spending 8 weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV (English) list and reaching the Top 10 TV in 92 countries. The show follows struggling comedian Donny Dunn’s (Gadd) warped relationship with his female stalker, Martha (Jessica Gunning), and the impact it has on him as he is ultimately forced to face a deeply buried trauma.

Exec produced by Wim De Greef, Petra Fried, Gadd, Matt Jarvis and Ed Macdonald, with Matthew Mulot producing, the seven-episode series is directed by Weronika Tofilska and Josephine Bornebusc.