David Harbour Wins First Emmy for ‘DTF St. Louis’

David Harbour has won his first Emmy Award for his performance as Floyd Smernitch in HBO Max’s DTF St. Louis.

Harbour won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie on the second night of the Creative Arts Emmys. The win marks a major milestone for the actor, who was previously nominated twice for his role as Jim Hopper in Netflix’s Stranger Things.

“I can’t believe that you’ve embraced our show so much — this beautiful, vulnerable, weird show that I love so much,” Harbour said during his acceptance speech.

He also praised his fellow nominees and the writing behind his character, saying it was “not a fair fight” because he had the opportunity to play such a well-written role. Harbour specifically thanked Steve Conrad, the creator of DTF St. Louis, calling him “a true original.”

Harbour ended his speech by thanking the team at HBO. “Everybody was nominated for my show. It’s unbelievable,” he said.

A Different Kind of Emmy Win

For Harbour, this Emmy feels different from his earlier nominations for Stranger Things. In 2017 and 2018, he was recognized primarily for his individual performance as Hopper. This time, he says, the experience has been much more about the entire DTF St. Louis team.

“Back then it was pretty singular, focused on you as an actor,” Harbour told Variety last month. “Going into this, it’s the show. It’s every single actor.”

He added that Stranger Things “wasn’t mine” and said he feels deeply connected to DTF St. Louis: “I feel so proud. It’s my baby.”

Harbour also reflected on his long career and the determination that helped him get started. He recalled regularly visiting New York’s Public Theater when he was 19, dropping off his headshot and résumé even after being told to stop coming in.

“I have no job. I’ve got to come in and I’ve got to work,” he remembered telling them.

“There is that hunger in me that’s always been there,” Harbour said.

‘DTF St. Louis’ Earns 13 Emmy Nominations

Harbour’s win adds to an impressive Emmy season for DTF St. Louis. The HBO Max series has received 13 nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Casting and Directing.

Harbour was competing against Jason Bateman and Richard Jenkins, both from DTF St. Louis, as well as Richard Gadd for Half Man, Charles Melton for Beef and Nick Offerman for Death by Lightning.

The series debuted on HBO Max in March and quickly earned praise from both critics and viewers.

Harbour is also an executive producer on DTF St. Louis and remains in the running for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. That award will be presented during next week’s Primetime Emmy Awards.

For an actor who has spent years chasing opportunities, Harbour’s first Emmy is a long-awaited recognition — and one he clearly sees as a victory for the entire team behind the show.