Tonight's sweep by "30 Rock" marked the eighth time in Emmy history that a show won best series (comedy or drama) plus lead actor and actress: "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1964, 1966), "All in the Family" (1972, 1978), "The Waltons" (1973), "Hill Street Blues" (1981), "Picket Fences" (1993).

Curiously, all of the past romps in the comedy lineup also included a victory for best writing.

Although "30 Rock" got the last laugh as best comedy last year, neither of its lead stars prevailed for acting. Like last year's winner, America Ferrera, Tina Fey pulled off the awards trifecta in the same year as her Emmy win, taking the Golden Globe and SAG award earlier. Alec Baldwin won the SAG award this year and the Globe last year. So Emmy is just now catching up with some real winners.

And while Alan Alda won Emmys for writing, directing and starring in "M*A*S*H*" in different years, Fey won three Emmys for different duties in one year -- writing, producing and starring in "30 Rock."

Photo: Tina Fey and the cast of "30 Rock" accept their Emmy for the outstanding comedy series during "The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards." (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)