What is an ‘EGOT’ and who has won it?

Acronym present in the vocabulary of the entertainment industry since the mid-1980s, “EGOT” stands for “Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony” – and refers to the rare career feat of winning all four major performing arts awards.

How was “EGOT” born?

Actor Philip Michael Thomas is credited with coining the term “EGOT” in a 1984 interview. Speaking to the Associated Press, the Miami Vice The star revealed he has set his sights on winning each of the awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in the worlds of television, music, film and Broadway theater respectively.

Thomas even started wearing an “EGOT” medallion, although he later claims in an interview with People magazine which the letters actually stood for “energy, growth, opportunity and talent”. Although a People's Choice Award winner, the 74-year-old has never received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar or Tony; in fact, he was never named.

30 Rock's Plotline Increases Exposure to 'EGOT'

Even though the term has existed for 40 years, “EGOT” only gained its current notoriety in entertainment parlance in 2009when he began appearing in a recurring subplot of the NBC television show 30 Rock.

In the fourth season of 30 Rocka comedy set behind the scenes of the fictional sketch show TGS with Tracy Jordan, Tracy (played by Tracy Morgan) encounters a locket bearing the letters “EGOT” while looking for a gift for his wife in a jewelry store. When the saleswoman explains what the acronym means, Tracy buys the medallion and sets out to try to quadruple the rewards.stating: “It's a good goal for a talented madman.”

Who won an “EGOT”?

So far, 18 artists have achieved “EGOT” status. The most recent addition to this exclusive club was Viola Davis, who completed the “grand slam” by winning the Grammy for best audiobook, narration and narration recording in 2023. Earlier, the 58-year-old actor and producer won an Oscar in 2017, Emmy in 2015 and Tonys in 2001 and 2010.

Songwriter and playwright Robert Lopez is the only individual to have won a “double EGOT”' by winning each award twice.

Non-competitive “EGOT” winners

Meanwhile, six artists – Barbra Streisand, Liza Minelli, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones and Frank Marshall – have achieved what's known as a “non-competitive EGOT.” That means they've received awards at each of the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys, but at least one honorary distinction – such as a lifetime achievement award – was needed to complete the package.