Longest time to achieve the EGOT

Also known as the "Grand Slam of show business", EGOT is an acronym given to the feat of winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony, as well as a title bestowed on the entertainers that achieve the prestigious awards. The longest time taken to win all four gongs is 45 years, by US actress Helen Hayes (1900–93) between 1932 and 1977. Hayes won: an Oscar in 1932 (Best Actress in a Leading Role: The Sin of Madelon Claudet); a Tony in 1947 (Best Actress, Dramatic: Happy Birthday); an Emmy in 1953 (Best Actress: Schlitz Playhouse of Stars for the episode "Not a Chance"); and finally a Grammy in 1977 (Best Spoken Word Recording: Great American Documents. Hayes is the first female entertainer to achieve the EGOT and the second person ever, only behind composer Richard Rodgers (USA) who had earned the complete set by 1962.

The expression "EGOT" was coined by American actor Philip Michael Thomas.

The award is only considered to count if it's in an individual, competitive category (eg not special or honorary titles).

As of January 2016, only 12 people have ever achieved the EGOT.