● Male
Comedy Series
MAX JENKINS AND RYAN O’CONNELL ON “SPECIAL”
to embody the role of the party pooper; his frustration at the frivolity around him, while played for laughs, is also utterly believable.
William H. Macy
“Shameless” Macy has been nominated, justifiably, for many awards over the years for his turn as Frank Gallagher on this Showtime dramedy. He was in rare form on the series’ final season, showing us new elements of his considerable abilities. Frank is still an erratic deadbeat dad, but the legendary actor has entered more and more calculated territory with the character, finding fresh ways to ground someone who’s often high as a kite.
Steve Martin
“Only Murders in the Building” Martin’s charming return to the spotlight as co-creator and star of “Only Murders in the Building” proves that the comedy legend has not missed a step. His washed-up actor Charles is the glue that holds this series’ main trio together. His performance is so wholesome and energetic that it begs the question: Is a Steve Martin renaissance upon us? “Mythic Quest” There are times when you won’t be able to stand McElhenney’s video game creative director Ian Grimm. But then he’ll do something that has you in stitches, and you’ll stop wishing he was a boss you could vanquish at the end of a level. The actor makes it clear, in surprisingly touching moments, that there’s more to this narcissist than meets the eye.
Nick Mohammed
BACKSTAGE 12.13.21
10
backstage.com
BETH DUBBER/NETFLIX
“Ted Lasso” Nathan Shelley’s evolution from team water boy to Ted’s assistant coach to cocky egomaniac is one of this hit comedy’s most fascinating arcs. Mohammed’s character comes into his own, with all the ups and downs that journey entails, expertly charted by an actor who doesn’t need to do much to steal a scene.
“TED LASSO”: COURTESY APPLE TV+; “KENAN”: CASEY DURKIN/NBC
Rob McElhenney
