Katherine LaNasa Faces Pressure After Emmy Win in ‘The Pitt’

LOS ANGELES, California — Katherine LaNasa is feeling the pressure as she films the second season of ‘The Pitt‘ following her recent Emmy win. The actress, 58, took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series on September 14 for her role as Nurse Dana Evans.

At the Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House Annual Brunch in Los Angeles, LaNasa spoke about the expectations that come with her victory. ‘I think in season 1, I shined from the back,’ she told PEOPLE on October 26. ‘And I didn’t know that I was, but that happened. And now I’m more in the front.’

LaNasa expressed her curiosity about leading from the front. ‘So it’s like, can I shine in the front, can I lead from the front? We have to see,’ she added. To cope with the pressure, she believes in focusing on her work. ‘The anecdote to any fear around following up a win is to really just do the work,’ she said.

LaNasa also highlighted the importance of researching and preparing for her role, mentioning her plan to visit the Rape Treatment Center to understand her character better. ‘To do the research, to get into the work, to know your lines, to study,’ she emphasized.

After her Emmy nomination earlier this year, LaNasa mentioned feeling honored just to be recognized. ‘It’s crazy. You stay on the sidelines for so much of your career, you don’t really ever expect to be one of the nominees,’ she said. ‘To be one is really just delightful. I feel like I got a ticket to ride and I’m happy about it.’

The Pitt’ season 2 is scheduled to premiere on January 8, 2026, on HBO Max. The series, which follows medical professionals during a demanding shift, also won the Outstanding Drama Series award at the Emmy ceremony.