Elsewhere" — been the route for black drama actors to break through.
Laurie, who first appeared on British television screens in the 1980s in a comedic partnership with fellow actor Stephen Fry in the Blackadder series and Fry and Laurie, tops a list of the country's best-paid drama actors.
But then I thought of these drama actors, how do they do it?
David O Russell's con-artist caper American Hustle won the comedy category, while Matthew McConaughey triumphed for best drama actor in Dallas Buyers Club.
Other winners on hand to accept their awards included Ellen DeGeneres for choice comedian, Zac Efron for choice drama actor and drama movie for The Lucky One and Jonah Hill for choice comedy movie for 21 Jump Street.
The film won the most awards of the night, claiming best drama motion picture, best drama actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, and best score.
Simon Baker, the star of the new CBS drama "The Mentalist," received his first Emmy nomination, in the lead drama actor category.
On the small screen, cult series Breaking Bad took the best drama prize and best drama actor for Bryan Cranston, while best TV movie or mini-series went to Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra.
That episode, which ran earlier on DirecTV, last week earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding writing for a television drama, along with the three other nominations (for outstanding drama, actor and actress).
Michael Park, left, who plays Jack on "World," won in the lead drama actor category; Maura West, who plays Carly, won in the lead drama actress category; and Julie Pinson, who plays Janet, won in the supporting actress category.
Accepting his award for best drama actor, DiCaprio paid tribute to The Aviator's subject and to its director, who has never won the best film Oscar.
