Watch: Tom Pelphrey dedicates 2026 Emmy win to pregnant fiancée Kaley Cuoco as she tears up in audience

Tom Pelphrey’s biggest television moment of 2026 became an emotional family celebration when the actor used his Emmy acceptance speech to recognise his pregnant fiancée, Kaley Cuoco, who was visibly moved from the audience.

Pelphrey won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14 for his performance in HBO’s Task. The 44-year-old actor turned his attention to Cuoco during his speech, describing her as his favourite actor in the room as well as his partner and closest friend.

Pelphrey’s emotional tribute to Cuoco

Pelphrey mentioned Cuoco’s pregnancy while receiving the award, stating that he loved her more than anything in the world and calling his family “the crown jewel of my life.”

“My favorite actor in this room, my love, my best friend, my partner... the very pregnant Kaley Cuoco,” shouted Pelphery.

The actress, 40, who is pregnant with their second child was clearly emotional as Pelphrey gave his acceptance speech. Pelphrey also addressed Matilda, his daughter, and their unborn baby within his speech, showing his love for both his children before ending the speech.


The actor thanked God, his family and friends, as well as all of those who have supported him in his career to date, including Task co-star Mark Ruffalo.

A major career moment for Pelphrey

The Emmy marked a significant achievement for Pelphrey, whose career has included television, film and theatre work. Before Task, he was widely recognised for playing Ben Davis in Netflix’s Ozark, a performance that earned him an Emmy nomination in 2022.

His win came as Task competed in a particularly strong drama field at this year's Emmys. The ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Cuoco and Pelphrey are expecting another daughter

The couple are already parents to their daughter Matilda, who is three years old. PEOPLE reported that Cuoco and Pelphrey revealed in June that they were going to have another baby, and they had a little girl coming.

In Cuoco’s announcement of her pregnancy, she talked about how difficult but also how amazing the experience was for her, welcoming their “little sissy.”

From a 2022 romance to an expanding family

Cuoco and Pelphrey first confirmed their relationship in 2022 after meeting through their mutual manager, which Cuoco later described as an immediate connection.

The pair got engaged in August 2024; welcomed their first daughter Matilda in March 2023 and have since continued to build their family while maintaining demanding careers in entertainment.