Stars of legendary nineties TV show reunite at Emmys 25 years after show debut – but two actors are missing

STARS of The West Wing reunited at last night’s Emmys 25 years after the show debuted – but two actors were missing.

Michael Sheen, who played President Jed Bartlet in the legendary nineties TV show, reunited with his former castmates at the annual ceremony.

The actor, 84, took the stage at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, accompanied by Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Richard Schiff, and Janel Moloney, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the show’s premiere while presenting the award for Outstanding Drama Series.

Allison, who played Press Secretary C.J. Cregg, exuded classic Hollywood elegance in a black and red off-the-shoulder silk gown as she announced Shōgun as the winner.

Richard, who portrayed Communications Director Toby Ziegler throughout the show’s seven-year run, shared a sweet red carpet moment with his wife, actress Jazmyn Simon, before the event.

During the evening, Michael told the audience: “From 1999 to 2006, I had the privilege of playing the President of the United States on a remarkable series created by Aaron Sorkin and produced by John Wells.”

Dulé, who played Presidential aide Charlie Young, added, “It was an honor to serve in the fictional administration of The West Wing.”

Janel, who played Senior Assistant Donna Moss, joined her fellow castmates onstage, where they were introduced against the backdrop of a recreated Oval Office.

However, key cast members Rob Lowe and Bradley Whitford, who portrayed Sam Seaborn and Josh Lyman, were notably absent.

The cast are no stranger to the Emmys. The West Wing won 27 awards out of 98 nominations after its debut in September 1999.

Allison said: “It’s hard to believe that just 25 years ago, Aaron and the writers had to use their imagination to create engaging plotlines for The West Wing.”

Richard added, “Unlike today, where storylines can be plucked right off the news – storylines that writers would have deemed a bit far-fetched, if not utterly ridiculous, 25 years ago.”

Shōgun had a sweeping win at this year’s awards, while Netflix’s The Gentlemen missed out.

The Disney+ drama scooped an incredible 18 Emmys in total, including for Outstanding Drama Series.

Netflix’s highly acclaimed Baby Reindeer walked away with Best Limited series while its creator and lead star Richard Gadd bagged outstanding writing for a limited or anthology series or movie.

Elsewhere, Prime Video’s Hacks beat off The Bear to win Best Comedy Series, but Christopher Storer did win outstanding directing for a comedy series for The Bear.

Despite ranking in Netflix’s charts and getting a second series, The Gentleman walked away almost empty handed.

The drama, created by Guy Ritchie, did win Outstanding Stunt Coordination For Comedy Programming.

But the British were well represented by The Crown’s Elizabeth Debicki as the star walked away with a gong for Outstanding supporting actress in a drama series.