An American actor, who studied theater at Drake University, and then joined the Professional Actor Training M. F. A. program run jointly by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and The University of Alabama Department of Theater and Dance. Early on in his career, he participated in many films and series. His films include Saw (2004) and The Legend of Zorro (2005), while his most notable role was in the series Lost, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2009. Emerson then co-starred in the drama series Person of Interest (2011).