Emmy '13 Spotlight: Lead Actor in a Comedy

The 2013 Emmys are closing in, and ET is breaking down your list of contenders! This week, we turn our attention to the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy category.


The Big Bang Theory has worked marvels for Jim Parson's career as he plays the quirky genius "Dr. Sheldon Cooper."



Parsons' Sheldon has more scholastic degrees than fathomable and with his nomination this year, equally as many Emmy nominations.



For his sarcastic, egotistical character, the 40-year-old actor has been nominated for all but one season of Big Bang, winning the Outstanding Lead Actor award in back-to-back years.

With a collection of acclaimed film roles to his name in flicks including The Departed and The Cooler, Alec Baldwin took TV by storm by starring opposite Tina Fey for seven seasons on 30 Rock as TV network boss "Jack Donaghy."



Following a handful of various Emmy nominations for miniseries and guest-starring roles, Baldwin received his first Emmy in 2008 for 30 Rock.



The deadpan-delivering comedic actor then went on to win the same award (Outstanding Lead Actor) the following year, which serves as his most recent Emmy.

In his role as the perpetually beleaguered Michael Bluth, straight man Jason Bateman is the glue that holds the eccentric Bluth family together on Arrested Development. The TV series ran for only three seasons on FOX between 2003-2006, but major fan demand brought the series back on Netflix this year, earning fresh praise and accolades.



Jason was honored with an Emmy nomination in 2005 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Arrested Development, and that recognition helped boost his film career with leading roles ranging from serious to comedy in such films as Juno, Horrible Bosses, and Identity Thief.

In just two years, Louis C.K. has reaped more Emmy nominations than most could ask for in a lifetime.



As director, writer, producer, and star of the comedy series Louie, which is loosely based on his own life, Louie, Louis C.K. (born Louis Szekely) has received five nominations in the past two years for the show.



In addition, the multifaceted star has also pulled in another six nominations for his stand-up specials.



Although Louie didn't win Lead Actor last year, he was dually recognized for his writing in 2012 with his first two Emmys.

After a long hiatus from television acting, Don Cheadle returned to the small screen with his unique comedic style on House of Lies.



Starring alongside Kristen Bell in the series that premiered in January 2012, Cheadle plays the role of the brash, egotistical "Marty Kaan," who specializes in exploiting the weaknesses of his clients in order to make a deal.



With a few previous nominations for guest roles on TV films, this predominantly film actor landed his first Outstanding Lead Actor nomination at the 2012 Emmys.

Matt LeBlanc is in a unique position: He gets to riff on his famous persona in Showtime's Episodes, which follows the trials and tribulations of a British couple lured by a U.S. network to recreate their hit BBC TV show for American audiences.
With "the actor Matt LeBlanc" cast in that show within a show, the real-life Matt LeBlanc was awarded for his performance as "himself" with an Emmy nom for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2011.



An Emmy nom favorite, the Newton, MA-born actor was also nominated three times before for a Lead Actor in a Comedy Series statuette between 2002 and 2004 for his performance as Joey Tribbiani on the iconic TV sitcom Friends.


Check out our other Emmy Spotlight galleries:


Supporting Actress in a Comedy


Supporting Actor in a Comedy


Supporting Actress in a Drama


Supporting Actor in a Drama


Lead Actress in a Comedy