It's been a heck of a year for Minnesota favorite Louie Anderson, one that just may include an Emmy for his cross-dressing performance in FX's "Baskets."
The comedian, who spent much of the past couple of decades in a professional slump, has nevertheless racked up many showbiz connections over the years, from taking a chance on Bryan Cranston on his short-lived network sitcom, "The Louie Show," to barely keeping his head above water with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the reality-competition series, "Splash." There's a lot of good will out there.
Whether it will translate into a win is one of the most fascinating questions looming over Sunday's awards ceremonies. The experts at goldderby.com, the site that treats show business with the same reverence sports fans give fantasy football, believe he's a strong contender. Seven of their 18 experts, including NPR's Eric Deggans and TV Guide's Matt Roush, say he's the favorite; eight believe "Veep's" Tony Hale will win for the third time.
Personally, it's hard not to put Hale in the driver's seat. And if I had a vote, it would most likely go to Tituss Burgess, who once again delivered a heartbreaking, wholly original performance in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt."
Does that mean I'll be rooting against Anderson? Not a chance.
Over dinner last December, I told him that after getting a sneak preview of the first four episodes, I thought he had landed the role of a lifetime. Like a good Minnesotan, he all but dismissed the compliment.
Wonder if he believes me now.
