Tina Fey graduated from the University of Virginia in 1992 with a B.A. in drama. She would become the first female head writer on Saturday Night Live.
PHOTO BY LUCY NICHOLSON/REUTERS

Though she’d already won two Emmys before last night, make no mistake about it, last night was Tina Fey’s night. The comedian and University of Virginia alumna took home three golden statuettes from Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards for her work on the NBC sitcom she created, 30 Rock. Fey took home the awards for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and one more as 30 Rock won Outstanding Comedy Series.

While she won a writing Emmy in 2002 for her work as head writer on Saturday Night Live, and 30 Rock had won Outstanding Comedy Series last year, Fey looked truly surprised to beat out Christina Applegate, America Ferrera, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Mary-Louise Parker, for the acting Emmy.

“I’m very proud to be a writer,” she said in her acceptance speech. “I wouldn’t have had any of the other jobs I’ve had if I hadn’t been a writer.”

However, Fey’s night didn’t come off completely perfectly. When she got backstage after her third win, she told reporters, “If anyone’s seen my purse, I left it under my seat.”

It’s been a big month for Fey. In addition to adding this latest hardware to her mantle, she graced the cover of Rolling Stone with David Letterman and Chris Rock, as well as set both the political and comedy worlds abuzz with her spot-on impression of Republican vice presidential nominee Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in a sketch to open the newest season of SNL.

Asked about her gubernatorial doppelganger backstage at the Emmys, she quipped, “My kids saw her on TV and started saying, ‘Mommy?’”

Still, she says she hopes the gig is a limited engagement.

“I want to be done playing this lady November 5,” she said.

Fey isn’t the only connection Charlottesville has to 30 Rock. As the Hook reported previously, Trevor Moore— former star of local cable access and present star of Independent Film Channel sketch comedy show The Whitest Kids U’ Know— could have a recurring role in this year’s season.

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