Producers and actors gathered at The White Rabbit at The Valorian West Hollywood for the ‘TV Guide Magazine Presents: Producers Evening’ on Sept. 8.
What better way to spend Emmy’s week than at an intimate star-studded gathering on a rooftop lounge overlooking Hollywood?
For the showrunners, producers, directors and stars of multiple Emmy-nominated programs this year, that’s exactly how they spent their Tuesday evening.
Cocktails flowed as attendees flooded onto the red carpet, including Abbot Elementary‘s Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter and Janelle James, Widow’s Bay star Dale Dickey, Hacks’ Christopher McDonald, The Pitt actors Alison Haislip and Ken Kirby, model Carmen Electra, Downton Abbey’s Allen Leech, Euphoria actress Jessica Blair Herman, and so many more.
The evening celebrated the contributions of producers in Hollywood, who work all year long to create Emmy-nominated programs.
“Producers, they’re the backbone of the whole production,” said McDonald, who played casino CEO Marty Ghilain opposite Jean Smart on Hacks for all five seasons of the show. “They’re dear friends of mine that worked on Hacks, and I’ll be working with them again on another show, too.”
Christopher McDonald on the Red Carpet
Courtesy: Getty Images / TV Guide Magazine
“I’d like to become a producer one day when I stop acting, because it’s a pretty good gig. They get to do really fun things, and say yes, and no, and people listen,” said McDonald.
Also on the carpet was Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger, who first joined the show for its first season back in 2016. As a cast member for 10 years, Huger’s worked closely with the show’s producers and gave them a shout out at Tuesday’s celebration.
“They work so hard and tirelessly to make us look so good in all of our craziness. But they do their job, and I thank them so much,” said Huger. “You know, I’ve been accused of being a producer myself now. I’ve been at this for 11 years, so I have a great deal of respect for what they do.”
Karen Huger on the Red Carpet Courtesy: Getty Images / TV Guide Magazine
Real Housewives of Potomac returns for its eleventh season on Oct. 11. Another highly-anticipated upcoming release is Netflix’s new series Hollywood Arts, starring Victorious actress Daniella Monet. Monet is reprising her role as Trina Vega, the energetic, fame-seeking sister of the series’ original protagonist, Tori Vega, played by Victoria Justice. Now, Trina is returning to her old high school as a teacher, leading a new generation of performers as they try to “make it shine.” In her multi-decade career in television, this is Monet’s first time as a producer.
Daniella Monet on the Red Carpet
Courtesy: Getty Images / TV Guide Magazine
“I got to see a lot of what goes on behind the scenes, and there is so much more than meets the eye, I’m so lucky to be a part of their team,” said Monet. “We’ve got the most incredible cast that I’m so proud of.”
Hollywood Arts premieres on Oct. 15. Netflix.
As guests settled into the evening’s festivities, which included poolside refreshments and a live DJ, a few memorable encounters took place. Ernest Harden Jr., who won a Creative Arts Emmy for his guest role on The Pitt, joined the cast members of Abbott Elementary to celebrate his win from the weekend. With his gold statue in hand, Harden embraced Ralph and Walter on the red carpet as photographers raced to capture the moment. After more than 40 years in the business, this is Harden’s first Emmy win.
Ernest Harden Jr. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter
Courtesy: Getty Images / TV Guide Magazine
“It brings tears to my eyes to think about all the trials and tribulations, and the good times, too, that I went through,” said Harden.
The Primetime Emmys, hosted by Law and Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay, will close out the week’s festivities on Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
