Imposter Crashes Emmys, Steals Award

Barry Bremen, a con artist known as 'The Great Imposter,' infiltrated the 37th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 22, 1985. He sat among television elite at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and, in an audacious move, accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. This award was intended for Betty Thomas, an actress from Hill Street Blues.

Bremen, who had a history of similar stunts in sports, planned his Emmy infiltration for months. Despite being recognized by Billy Crystal, he secured a ticket by claiming he was a reporter from Michigan. He then bluffed his way onto the stage when Thomas's name was called, believing she was not present.

Peter Graves, presenting the award, was tricked into giving the statuette to Bremen. The imposter delivered a brief, off-the-cuff acceptance speech before Thomas arrived on stage. Bremen was confronted by Thomas and the show's producer, Alexander Cohen, leading to his arrest.

Initially facing a grand theft charge, it was later reduced to interfering with an event due to the Emmy's value. Bremen pleaded no contest and received a fine and probation. He expressed genuine regret for overshadowing Thomas's career moment, a regret that would persist throughout his life.

Bremen passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of daring impersonations. His story, characterized by charm and audaciousness, continues to captivate, with talks of a film adaptation possibly bringing his exploits to the big screen.