Severance fans were in for a treat at the 2025 Emmys when Britt Lower, who plays Helena Eagan and her “innie” Helly R. on the Apple TV+ series, slipped a secret nod to the show into her big moment.
Severance’s big night at the Emmys
Going into the ceremony, Severance had dominated the drama categories with 27 nominations, including nods for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor for Adam Scott.
By the end of the night, the show picked up two trophies: one for Lower (Lead Actress in a Drama Series) and another for Tramell Tillman, who won Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
Hidden message spotted in her notes
After taking the stage to accept the award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Lower read from a piece of paper.
But eagle-eyed viewers noticed something written across the top. In bold capital letters, it read: “LET ME OUT.”
The phrase is a direct callback to Helly R.’s desperate attempts within Lumon Industries, where the character once scrawled the same words across her forearms in the show’s first season.
A character’s cry for help, live on TV
Helly R.’s struggle has been central to the series, which explores what happens when employees undergo an experimental procedure separating their personal and work identities.
Throughout the story, Helly R. has rebelled against her “outie” and the company, even attempting to take her own life in order to escape.
While Lower never pointed out the Easter egg during her speech, fans on X were quick to praise the move.
One called it “iconic,” another said it was a “nice touch,” and others added: “She's so into her role,” “That’s so meta I love it,” and: “She is so f***ing brilliant. I love her.”
Lower's Emmy speech
Lower began her remarks by telling the crowd: “First, it’s a privilege to even be mentioned alongside such an incredible group of artists. Wow. I share this award with my heroic cast and crew whose work catalyzes mine.”
She went on to thank the creative team behind Severance, including creator Dan Erickson, executive producer Ben Stiller, cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné, and her costar and fellow producer Adam Scott.
Lower also gave a shout-out to her teachers and her family, saying: “Thank you to my mom and my dad, my brother, my husband, our kids, our co-parents, our chosen family. I love you so much. Thank you for this, and thank you for choosing me.”
In closing, she added: “Thank you for this, and thank you for Helly R., for choosing me.”