Emmys 2026 Memorial Segment Draws Scrutiny for Omitting Redford, Norris, and Brendon

Key points

• The 78th Emmy Awards' 'In Memoriam' segment covered deaths between August 27, 2025, and August 25, 2026.
• Notable omissions from the broadcast tribute included Robert Redford, Nicholas Brendon, Chuck Norris, Patrick Muldoon, and Daveigh Chase.
• Honorees included Catherine O'Hara, Rob Reiner, Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and Hayden Panettiere.
• The Television Academy stated that the broadcast segment could not feature everyone who passed away and provided a more complete listing on their website.
• Peter Cullen was excluded because his death on August 26 fell one day after the Academy's stated cutoff date.

Background

Our previous coverage from September 15, 2026, noted that the omission of Chuck Norris, Nicholas Brendon, and Daveigh Chase sparked discussion, though audience reaction was described as relatively muted. Earlier reports also highlighted that the Television Academy consistently directs fans to their online database for a fuller roster of deceased figures, as the televised segment is constrained by time and the breadth of the entertainment industry.

How outlets are covering it

TVLine and Variety both report on the omissions but emphasize different aspects. TVLine highlights the specific dates of death for Robert Redford (September 16, 2025) and Nicholas Brendon (March 20, 2026) and notes that Brendon was best known for 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' Variety focuses on the social media reaction to the omissions and notes that the ceremony included a tribute to 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' earlier in the show, mentioning it had been a 'tough two years,' despite Brendon's name not being in the 'In Memoriam' segment. Both outlets agree that the Television Academy cited time constraints and the need to reserve time for other figures, such as James Burrows and Ted Turner, as reasons for the exclusions.

Why it matters

The 'In Memoriam' segment is a traditional part of the Emmy Awards, and omissions can lead to public scrutiny and debate about which figures are deemed worthy of recognition. The Television Academy's decision to limit the broadcast segment and direct fans to an online list highlights the tension between honoring all deceased industry figures and the practical constraints of a televised ceremony.

What to watch

Fans and industry members may continue to discuss the omissions and the Television Academy's approach to the 'In Memoriam' segment. The Academy's online list will likely be the primary source for those seeking to honor figures not included in the broadcast tribute.