Several Notable TV Stars Missing from Emmys In Memoriam Segment
The 2026 Emmys In Memoriam segment honored Rob Reiner, Dolly Parton, and Catherine O'Hara but omitted several significant television performers. Among those missing were Chuck Norris, Nicholas Brendon, Daveigh Chase, and Patrick Muldoon. The omissions drew attention given the tributes to other deceased stars.
The omissions span several decades of television history, from Norris's 196-episode run on *Walker, Texas Ranger* to Chase's voice work on animated series. Brendon's absence was particularly conspicuous given that the segment honored his *Buffy* co-star Anthony Head, highlighting an apparent inconsistency in the selection process. Muldoon's *Days of Our Lives* tenure and Morgan's *Gong Show* panel appearances also went unrecognized.
The segment itself was substantial, featuring performances by Noah Kahan and Reba McEntire alongside tributes from Jamie Lee Curtis and Sally Field. Reiner received special attention as a posthumous Emmy winner for *The Bear*, with Curtis noting his record 48-year gap between acting Emmy wins, surpassing his father Carl's previous mark of 37 years.
This story may resonate with viewers who feel the Emmys' memorial selections reflect editorial judgment rather than comprehensive remembrance. Fans of omitted performers could perceive a hierarchy of legacy, where marquee names receive extended tributes while others are overlooked entirely. The segment's choices may prompt broader conversations about how the industry defines television significance, potentially influencing how future award shows balance honoring icons against recognizing a wider range of contributors.