Sterling K. Brown rolled onto the 2025 Emmy Awards stage Sunday night with an unusual accessory: a knee scooter. The 49-year-old actor kept his left leg propped up as he joined his “Paradise” costars Julianne Nicholson and James Marsden to present Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
The scooter entrance drew attention from viewers, but the trio kept the moment light. They joked that “Paradise” should have been submitted as a comedy series. Nicholson quipped, “What’s funnier than 25,000 people evading the end of the world by moving into a bunker? I mean, compared to headlines these days, that’s positively feel-good TV!”
Brown Explains His Injury
Days before the ceremony, Brown revealed on Instagram that he had torn his Achilles tendon. Filming from his bed on Sept. 9, he said the injury wasn’t caused by anything “super dangerous” but rather one painful misstep. “I was being athletic,” he joked.
Why He Delayed Surgery Until After the Emmys
(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)The actor admitted he put off surgery so he could attend the Emmys, where he was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Xavier Collins in Hulu’s “Paradise.” “Gonna do [surgery] after the Emmys so I can motivate myself and go and try to celebrate with my cast and the producers of ‘Paradise’ because we got recognized,” he said.
Humor & Support From Cast and Friends
Brown, Nicholson, 54, and Marsden, 51, went on to present the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series to Jeff Hiller for HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere.”
Viola Davis wrote: “Brother…..I understand. You’ll be back. Rest well❤️❤️❤️”
Simu Liu wrote: “Bro I’ve been there! Tore mine just shy of a couple years ago. You got this. Be well and reach out if you need anything. GET A KNEE SCOOTER”
Brown’s Instagram post quickly filled with supportive comments from fans and friends, including his “This Is Us” costar Chrissy Metz, who wrote, “Sending you love and healing energy, Bruv.” His scooter entrance at the Emmys proved he wasn’t about to let an injury keep him from celebrating TV’s biggest night.
Brown shared that staying positive is what matters most to him, adding his gratitude to fans for the encouragement and good energy they’ve already sent his way.
Going into this year’s Emmys, he carried an impressive track record with 12 nominations and three wins already to his name.
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