TV Documentaries Mindy Kaling, Zach Braff, Mekhi Phifer Attend 2024 Emmys

The 2024 Emmy Awards invited some of TV’s biggest doctors to appear on Sunday.

Before presenting the award for best screenplay for a drama series at the event, The Mindy ProjectThis is Mindy Kaling, Scrubs“Zach Braff and ER.’s Mekhi Phifer All took to the stage to reflect on what inspired them to play doctors on screen.

“I was so honored to play a doctor in ER and in developing my character, I drew inspiration not only from the actors on the show, but also from real doctors I’ve known,” Phifer said. Kaling added, “I was inspired to play a doctor in The Mindy Project by the example of my own mother, an obstetrician-gynecologist. And you, Zach?

Braff’s reasons were more survival-based. “I was a waiter and served the people of Beverly Hills, who were all very friendly,” he said. “I would buy 12-inch hot dogs at 7-Eleven and eat 6 inches for lunch and 6 inches for dinner. I was inspired not to live like that anymore.”

To which Kaling teasingly replied, “And I can see it in every scene you’re in.”

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Kaling had a memorable role as obstetrician Mindy Kahiri for six seasons on her Emmy-nominated series The Mindy Project, while Phifer played the effortlessly cool Dr. Gregory Pratt in ER from 2002 until his character’s tragic death in the series’ 15th season premiere in 2008. Braff, of course, starred as the well-meaning dreamer J.D. on the sitcom Scrubs alongside Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley and many others from 2001 to 2010.

The prize was awarded to Slow horses Writer Will Smith, who accepted it before warning the crowd: “First of all, despite my name, I come in peace.” The comment, which drew laughter, was a reference to Will Smith’s infamous slap on Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

Check out the full list of Emmy winners.