The Emmy Awards featured poignant tributes to several beloved figures in entertainment, including Catherine O'Hara and Rob Reiner. Actors Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, and Dan Levy took to the stage to honor O'Hara, who died in January at age 71.
O'Hara was celebrated for her iconic roles as Kevin McCallister's mother in the "Home Alone" film franchise and Moira Rose in the acclaimed comedy series "Schitt's Creek." Culkin recalled O'Hara as a maternal figure, stating, "She was, she was my mom. She was our mom. So she may have forgotten me twice. But we will always remember her." Murphy highlighted the joy O'Hara brought to audiences, noting that many have quoted her memorable lines since her passing. Levy encouraged attendees to "Always say yes to any opportunity to revel in the presence of greatness."
The ceremony also remembered director and writer Rob Reiner, who received a posthumous Emmy for his guest appearance in "The Bear." Reiner died last December. Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to the filmmaker, calling him a "cherished legend" and "our beloved meathead." Reiner's Emmy win set a new record for the longest gap between wins, surpassing his father, Carl Reiner.
Curtis also acknowledged the passing of "Cheers" co-creator James Burrows, a close friend of Reiner's. The "Charlie's Angels" stars Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith paid tribute to their late co-star Farrah Fawcett, who died in 2009, with Jackson describing her as "the shiniest angel of all."
Additionally, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actors Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreana remembered lost cast members, including Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Head, and Michelle Trachtenberg. Gellar remarked on the challenges faced by their cast and crew over the past two years and expressed gratitude for having known and worked with such talented individuals.
Tributes were also extended to Dolly Parton, James Van Der Beek, and Tim Curry.