Bittersweet night for winner Shalhoub

Tony Shalhoub should have been celebrating during the noisy post-Emmy party late Sunday hosted by the Universal Television Group at the Highlands nightclub in the Hollywood & Highlands complex.

The actor had just scored an upset win over veteran popular performers in nabbing the best actor in a comedy series Emmy for his portrayal of the obsessive-compulsive detective in “Monk,” the quirky drama produced by the group’s USA Network.

But instead of enjoying his achievement, Shalhoub -- who this year won a Golden Globe for the role -- was preoccupied with a personal tragedy: His beloved 34-year-old nephew in Wisconsin had died suddenly the day before of undisclosed causes.

Shalhoub, who friends and colleagues say is extremely close to his family, was grieving. It was evident in his acceptance speech as Shalhoub, struggling to keep his composure, paid tribute to his nephew.

“Tony was in a weird place, no doubt about it,” said USA Networks President Doug Herzog. “He was happy but also completely heartbroken and filled with sorrow. He didn’t stay long at the party.”

Added David Hoberman, executive producer of “Monk”: “I saw Tony briefly after he won the award, and he had a sense of joy, loss and confusion all at the same time. I could tell this was all a blur to him.”

And instead of receiving congratulatory calls and doing interviews Monday, Shalhoub was on an early flight to Wisconsin to be with his family.

When the actor appeared backstage in front of reporters after his win, he talked quietly about his sadness and how he had thought of skipping the ceremony.

“But everyone in my family said, ‘No, you go.’ ” He gripped his Emmy tighter as he talked.

On Monday, his colleagues were still recalling his emotion-charged acceptance speech, with Herzog noting, “I think he was really glad he was able to pay that tribute. It’s something his family will always remember.”

Shalhoub had just started working last week on new episodes of “Monk” that are scheduled to premiere in January. Hoberman said he hoped to resume production next week.