Living it up after show's death

Living it up after show’s death

By Joe Flint

Sept. 21, 2009 12 AM PT

Kristin Chenoweth wasn’t the only one shocked by her win for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her portrayal of Olive on ABC’s short-lived “Pushing Daisies.” Considering her competition included “Saturday Night Live” star Amy Poehler and “30 Rock’s” Jane Krakowski, it’s a safe bet that not many people picked Chenoweth in their office Emmy pool.

It is not unprecedented for an award to go to a canceled show or an actor from a defunct series, but it is unusual. Tony Randall won after “The Odd Couple” was canceled. And “Pushing Daisies” won three others at last week’s Creative Arts ceremony: for costumes, makeup and art direction.

“Pushing Daisies” was a whimsical hourlong program about a man who has the power to bring the dead back to life with just one touch. Problem is, once he does that he can’t touch them again or they’re dead forever. It was never a huge ratings success in the two seasons it ran, but what little following it had vanished after the writers strike.

Chenoweth, best known for her stage work, was visibly stunned and cried through her acceptance speech.

But she was composed enough to use the moment in the spotlight to network.

“I’m unemployed now, so I’d like to be on ‘Mad Men.’ And I’d also like to be on ‘The Office’ and ‘24,’ ” she cracked. Then she thanked the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for “recognizing a show that is no longer on the air.”

Actually, she is appearing on an upcoming episode of Fox’s “Glee” and has done two movies since “Pushing Daisies” was buried.

Backstage, Chenoweth said she wasn’t angry about her show’s short life span. “More sweet than bitter,” she said when asked if the win was bittersweet.

joe.flint@latimes.com

Yvonne Villarreal contributed to this report.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Who won what

Here are the leading winners at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards:

SHOWS

“Little Dorrit” ... 7

“Grey Gardens” ... 6

“30 Rock” ... 5

“American Idol” ... 4

“Pushing Daisies” ... 4

“81st Annual Academy Awards” ... 4