There was a notable empty seat at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025—a seat that, for the past two years, had belonged to Jeremy Allen White, the acclaimed star of FX’s The Bear. White, who had captured the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series trophy for two consecutive years, was once again nominated for his transformative performance as Carmy, the brilliant yet troubled chef. But this year, the actor was nowhere to be seen at the Peacock Theater, leaving fans and colleagues alike to wonder about his absence.
According to Variety and E! News, White’s absence wasn’t due to industry fatigue or a snub—he was attending his best friend’s wedding, a personal commitment he prioritized over what could have been a historic third straight Emmy win. It wasn’t the first time the 34-year-old actor missed a major awards show in 2025; he had also skipped the Golden Globes in January, citing filming obligations for the Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. As E! News cheekily noted, if any of White’s friends in the industry schedule their nuptials opposite a big awards show, he’ll be RSVPing yes.
While White was absent, his on-screen and rumored off-screen partner, Molly Gordon, made a splash on the red carpet in a striking black-and-white-striped Giorgio Armani gown, as reported by Yahoo. Gordon, who plays Claire opposite White’s Carmy, walked solo, fueling speculation about the couple’s relationship status. The two have been quietly dating since September 2024, shortly after White ended a relationship with Spanish singer Rosalía. Despite their real-life romance, Gordon and White have kept things low-key, never making their relationship red-carpet official or addressing it directly in interviews. Gordon did, however, gush about White’s talent and generosity in a 2023 interview with Glamour, recalling, “He’s such a generous, available person, whereas you have to pull so many other actors out of their shells. He was like, ‘I’m in this with you.’ I immediately felt like there was something really good there, and I felt safe in that dynamic.”
As for the competition, the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category was stacked. White was up against Adam Brody (Nobody Wants This), Seth Rogen (The Studio), Jason Segel (Shrinking), and Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building). Ultimately, it was Rogen who took home the statuette, ending White’s two-year winning streak. Rogen’s win was seen as a significant moment, given the consistency with which White had dominated the category since 2023.
The Bear itself continued its impressive run, earning 13 nominations in 2025, including Outstanding Comedy Series. The show has now accumulated a staggering 21 Emmy wins since its 2022 debut. Alongside White, fellow cast members Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Liza Colón-Zayas, Jon Bernthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Olivia Colman were all recognized with nominations. Edebiri, in particular, received dual recognition for her acting and her directorial work on the episode “Napkins.” The show’s ensemble has frequently credited the series for its impact on their careers and personal lives.
White’s absence from the Emmys did little to diminish the emotional resonance of his previous acceptance speeches. At the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2024, he thanked his co-stars and reflected on the transformative power of the show. “This show has changed my life. It has installed a faith that change is possible, that change is possible if you’re able to reach out, you’re really, truly never alone. I thank this show,” he said, according to AFP via Getty Images. He also made a heartfelt plea for lifelong connections among the cast, stating, “I want us to be in each other’s lives forever.”
Behind the scenes, White’s personal life has been the subject of public interest. He divorced actress Addison Timlin, with whom he shares two daughters, Ezer and Dolores. Despite the challenges of balancing a demanding career and family life, White has expressed gratitude for the support of those around him, especially during periods of personal upheaval.
Interestingly, the absence of White at the Emmys coincided with a pivotal moment in The Bear’s own narrative arc. Season four, released in the summer of 2025, featured a major wedding episode that brought the show’s ensemble together in a way that mirrored real-life events. As E! News pointed out, the episode proved pivotal for Carmy’s relationship with Claire—played by Gordon—and literally gathered the characters under one roof, echoing the sense of family and connection that White often referenced in his speeches.
White’s commitment to his craft has not gone unnoticed. In addition to his Emmy-winning work on The Bear, he has been actively promoting Deliver Me From Nowhere, in which he stars as Bruce Springsteen. The role has been a significant milestone for the Brooklyn native. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in June, White reflected on the pressure and excitement of portraying a real-life icon. “You’re playing a real person—never mind Bruce Springsteen—and I was really touched [after the trailer came out]. I had more texts than when I blacked out and won that Golden Globe [for The Bear]. I didn’t realize trailers were that big of a thing.”
The 2025 Emmy Awards themselves were a star-studded affair, with fashion highlights from celebrities like Selena Gomez, Michelle Williams, and Scarlett Johansson. Yet, for many, the night’s most talked-about absence was that of Jeremy Allen White—a testament to the actor’s impact on both the industry and audiences. While he may have missed out on a potential third consecutive Emmy win, his legacy with The Bear and his growing film career continue to capture the public’s imagination.
As The Bear’s third season received mixed reviews, and with season four already making waves, the series remains a cultural touchstone. White’s decision to prioritize personal relationships over professional accolades speaks volumes about his character—and leaves fans eagerly anticipating his next move, both on and off the screen.
