EGOT Winners: Celebrating The Achievements Of The Elite Few

Emmy. Grammy. Oscar. Tony. Only 21 artists in history have won all four prized awards and thus, become EGOT winners. Some of these artists achieved their status solely working under one profession, while others wore a variety of hats, performing as an actor, singer, dancer, and/or songwriter.

Composer Richard Rodgers became the first EGOT winner in 1962. This year, three new artists have etched their names into the history books. Music legend Elton John earned EGOT status after winning an Emmy Award in January. Then, just this past Sunday, songwriters and composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul joined the exclusive list after capturing a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.

Here are all the EGOT winners from Rodgers to Pasek and Paul.

Richard Rodgers

Richard Rodgers was the first artist to achieve EGOT status in 1962. His remarkable career included a plethora of achievements that showcased his talent in music composition. Rodgers is known for his iconic works, especially in musical theater, and his collaborations with renowned lyricists.

Accomplishments

• Emmy (1962): Outstanding Achievement in Original Music, Winston Churchill: The Valiant Years
• Grammy (1960, 1962): Best Original Cast Show Album, The Sound of Music; Best Original Cast Show Album, No Strings
• Oscar (1945): Best Original Song, “It Might as Well Be Spring”
• Tony (1950, 1952, 1960, 1962): Best Musical, Score and Producers, Musical, South Pacific; Best Musical, The King and I; Best Musical, The Sound of Music; Best Composer, No Strings

Before EGOT became a coveted acronym, Richard Rodgers was already a legendary figure in American musical theater. His work, primarily for musical comedies, helped shape the landscape of Broadway. With 43 Broadway musicals and over 900 songs to his name, Rodgers' influence on pop music remains profound. He even won a Pulitzer Prize for his work on South Pacific, earning the title of PEGOT (Pulitzer, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony).

Helen Hayes

Known as the “First Lady of the American Theatre,” Helen Hayes is one of the most revered actresses in the history of theater. Her outstanding career spanned over eight decades, during which she made significant contributions to film, television, and radio.

Accomplishments

• Emmy (1953): Best Actress, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
• Grammy (1977): Best Spoken Word Album, Great American Documents
• Oscar (1932, 1970): Best Actress, The Sin of Madelon Claudet; Best Supporting Actress, Airport
• Tony (1947, 1958): Best Actress, Dramatic, Happy Birthday; Best Actress, Dramatic, Time Remembered

Helen Hayes began her career at the tender age of five, making her Broadway debut just three years later. She continued to perform until she was 85, leaving a lasting legacy that includes numerous awards and honors. Her impact on theater is commemorated through the Helen Hayes Awards, named in her honor, which celebrate outstanding achievements in the Washington D.C. theater community.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno, a multi-talented performer, made history as one of the few artists to achieve the prestigious EGOT status. Her career spans more than 70 years, showcasing her abilities as an actress, singer, and dancer.

Accomplishments

• Emmy (1977, 1978): Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music, The Muppet Show; Outstanding Lead Actress for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series, The Rockford Files
• Grammy (1972): Best Recording for Children, The Electric Company
• Oscar (1962): Best Supporting Actress, West Side Story
• Tony (1975): Best Supporting or Featured Actress in a Play, The Ritz

Rita Moreno achieved her EGOT status in just 16 years, thanks to her memorable performance on The Muppet Show. Like Helen Hayes, she holds the rare distinction of achieving the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony. Her illustrious career was further honored in 2019 when she became the first Latina to earn a Peabody Award.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is celebrated not only for her stunning performances but also for her humanitarian work. She became an EGOT winner posthumously in 1994, reflecting her extraordinary impact on the arts and her legacy.

Accomplishments

• Emmy (1993): Outstanding Individual Achievement in Informational Programming, Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn
• Grammy (1994): Best Spoken Word Album for Children, Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales
• Oscar (1954): Best Actress, Roman Holiday
• Tony (1954): Best Actress in a Play, Ondine

Hepburn's career began with her role in Roman Holiday, which won her an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA. Despite her success, she never fully embraced her EGOT achievement, as it was announced a year after her passing. Audrey Hepburn remains a symbol of elegance and grace, with her legacy continuing to inspire future generations.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks is a comedic genius known for his unique style in film and theater. His ability to blend humor with artistry has made him a beloved figure in entertainment, leading to his EGOT status in 2001.

Accomplishments

• Emmy (1967, 1997-1999): Outstanding Writing Achievement in Variety, The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special; Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, Mad About You
• Grammy (1998, 2002): Best Spoken Comedy Album, The 2000 Year Old Man; Best Long Form Music Video, The Producers: A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks; Best Musical Show Album, The Producers
• Oscar (1969): Best Screenplay, The Producers
• Tony (2001): Best Musical, Book and Score, The Producers

Mel Brooks rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with box office hits such as The Producers and Blazing Saddles. His Broadway adaptation of The Producers won a record 12 Tony Awards, further solidifying his status as a creative powerhouse. Brooks' ability to create timeless content ensures his place in entertainment history.

John Legend

John Legend is a modern-day musical icon who has captivated audiences worldwide. His talents as a singer-songwriter and producer helped him achieve EGOT status in 2018, making him the first Black man to earn this prestigious recognition.

Accomplishments

• Emmy (2018, 2019): Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert; Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program, Crow: The Legend
• Grammy (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2016, 2020, 2021): Best New Artist;