Why West Wing's Bradley Whitford Missed Reunion at 2024 Emmys

Bradley Whitford is stuck in the East Wing. 

As The West Wing cast members reunited at the 2024 Emmys ceremony on stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the actor—who played Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman for all of the show’s seven seasons—shared his regrets on missing the occasion, which marked the series’ 25th anniversary.

“It breaks my heart not to be able to be with my West Wing family at the Emmys tonight or at the White House later this week to celebrate our 25th birthday,” Bradley wrote in a Sept. 15 post on X explaining what’s next for him. “But I’m in Budapest on another White House set pretending to work for another administration. (I know. I need to work on my range.)” 

While Bradley was absent from the occasion (see all the stars who did grace the red carpet here), his costars including Allison Janey, Martin Sheen, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney and Richard Schiff got on stage—which was decked out to replicate The West Wing set—to present Shogun with Outstanding Drama Series (See every winner of the night here).

Still, Bradley didn’t let his absence for the big moment get in the way of reminiscing about the series. 

“My God, the writing on The West Wing,” his posts on X continued. “Those characters.  Played by people I love and admire and get to be part of a family with for the rest of my life. As Janel said in her beautiful piece, it was, and somehow continues to be, a privilege. A gift.”

The actor went on to praise The West Wing crew, as well as its creator Aaron Sorkin and his late costar John Spencer, who died in 2005 just before the series’ last season aired. 

“I’m thinking of our incredible crew,” Bradley added. “Of the hundreds of people you never saw who made this happen. I’m thinking of Aaron.  Of the miracle of a brilliant writer sitting in a room and having an idea that made all of this possible. And I’m thinking of John Spencer.  Of how much we miss him.  Of what a kick he would have gotten out of tonight.”

And like his costars—who joked about the show’s ridiculous plot lines turning out to be far tamer than the current, real political climate—Bradley got sentimental about the series’ impact. 

“The farther away from the show I get, the more grateful I am to have been a part of it,” he continued. “I’m proud of its ongoing legacy that celebrates hope and public service in a world that can no longer afford cynicism and despair. So what’s next? To celebrate our anniversary, I hope you will check your voter registration and make a plan to vote!!!”

The West Wing cast presenting Shogun with one of the night’s biggest honors was just one highlight from the 2024 Emmys. Keep reading for some of the night’s best moments.

These two were clearly loving each other like a love song, baby.

The Olympians came in HOT to help present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.

It was a Schitt's Creek reunion for the books, and clearly Annie Murphy was excited to be there.

Antony Starr, Kathy Bates and Giancarlo Esposito were giving villain as they handed out the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

Time to bow down to just a few of the Queens of Comedy.

The Modern Family alums were serving thorougly modern selfie looks.

The Fargo actor picked up an award and proved he definitely knows where babies come from.

The Big Little Lies costars were clearly intrigued by something off in the distance.

The Shogun star broke down in tears as she went up to accept her award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. 

The Abbott Elementary costars were looking abb-solutely fabulous.

Tess knows she's got the pommel horse king by her side.

The Only Murders in the Building star gracefully waited for her moment in the spotlight.

Catherine O'Hara was thrilled to present Hacks with the trophy for Outstanding Comedy Series. 

The Bear star admitted she didn't prepare a speech while accepting her Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress, "How could I have thought it would be possible to be in the presence of Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett and Janelle and Sheryl Lee Ralph?"

Some of The West Wing cast reunited at the Emmys, 25 years after the series aired in 1999. 

The cast of The West Wing, including Allison, Martin, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney and Richard Schiff presented the award for Outstanding Drama Series to Shogun. 

The Abbott Elementary actress taught everyone how to dazzle on the Emmys red carpet. 

The Hacks stars caught up on the Emmys red carpet. 

The Fellow Travelers costars reunited on the Emmys 2024 red carpet. 

The Reservation Dogs producer assisted Rita with her gown on the Emmys red carpet. 

Jelly Roll sang during the In Memoriam segment which honored the late Shannen Doherty, Bob Newhart, Richard Lewis and more. 

The Ripley costars were both rocking that Emmys nominee glow.

The father son hosting duo put each other on blast in more ways than one.

The Morning Show actress was thrilled to wave to her adoring fans.

The Traitors folks were feel not traitorous at all after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program.

Jeremy Allen White, Liza Colón-Zayas and Ebon Moss-Bachrach from The Bear know that the cast that wins Emmys together stays together.

Get someone who looks at you the way Robert Downey Jr. looks at his wife of 17 years. 

There was only excitement in Martin Short's building at the 2024 Emmys. 

The 2024 Emmys ceremony was a family affair.