The broadcast segment included a performance from Noah Kahan and special tributes to Rob Reiner and Dolly Parton
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NEED TO KNOW
- Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon were not mentioned during the 2026 Emmy Awards’ In Memoriam segment
- The segment included stand-alone moments for Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner and more, with a performance from Noah Kahan
- More performers were recognized on the Television Academy’s searchable online version
Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon were notably absent from the 2026 Emmys ceremony’s In Memoriam segment.
On Monday, Sept. 14, the 78th Emmy Awards aired its annual montage honoring those who’ve died in the last year, recognizing the contributions of Hayden Panettiere, James Van Der Beek, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Anthony Head and others. Dolly Parton, Catherine O’Hara and Rob Reiner were honored with special stand-alone moments as well.
Fans later pointed out a few omissions in the broadcast’s segment.
Walker, Texas Ranger star Norris and Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Brendon were among those not included during the tributes. Norris died in March at age 86, while Brendon died in March at age 54. Others with TV connections not mentioned during the broadcast included Robert Redford, Patrick Muldoon, Daveigh Chase, Peter Cullen and Tom Kane.
“The Emmys ‘In Memoriam’ segment didn’t mention one of the biggest TV stars of his era, Chuck Norris,” wrote film critic Kyle Smith on X.
While they weren’t acknowledged in the televised In Memoriam, several additional performers were recognized on the Television Academy’s searchable online version.
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Ahead of the show, Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego shared with CNN and Variety that “so many big iconic names” died in the last year, and that it was “not feasible” to include everyone in the telecast. He added that those behind the ceremony “really want to do it justice.”
Brendon, who played Xander on Buffy, did not have his name televised, but two of his former costars reunited on stage during Monday’s ceremony. Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz presented the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, and noted that it had been “a tough two years for our beloved cast and crew.”
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Recognizing the industry figures who died in the past year, the In Memoriam portion featured Noah Kahan‘s performance of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 hit “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” To celebrate O’Hara, her onscreen children Dan Levy, Annie Murphy and Macaulay Culkin came together to share memories of working alongside her on Home Alone and Schitt’s Creek.
“There are all kinds of words I could use to describe Catherine. She was encouraging, she was warm, she was funny. But the word I think of is ‘Mama,’ ” Culkin, 46, said. “She wasn’t just a wife and mother to Bo and Matthew and Luke, she was my mom. And by extension, she’s all of our mama. By the way, call your mother tonight. For real. Give it up for the moms.”
Reba McEntire sang Parton’s song “Appalachian Memories” in a tribute to the country music legend, introduced by former costar Sally Field. And Jamie Lee Curtis delivered emotional remarks honoring late friend Rob Reiner.
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