The 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards' In Memoriam segment, typically a poignant tribute to those lost in the past year, has become a point of contention due to several notable omissions. Figures such as Daveigh Chase, Nicholas Brendon, Chuck Norris, and Robert Redford were conspicuously absent from the televised tribute, sparking disappointment and criticism online and from industry representatives.
Daveigh Chase, who passed away in June at age 35 from AIDS with chronic polysubstance use listed as a secondary cause, had a significant career as a child actor. Her manager, Johnny Ryan, expressed outrage over her exclusion, telling TMZ, "These f—king Emmys snubbed Daveigh from the In Memoriam. Awful."
Nicholas Brendon, known for his role in the acclaimed series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," was also missing from the segment. Brendon died in March at 54 from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. His "Buffy" co-stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz reunited at the ceremony to celebrate the show's 30th anniversary, with Gellar acknowledging the difficult losses the cast and crew had faced, though Brendon was not individually named in the tribute.
Chuck Norris, the iconic star of "Walker, Texas Ranger," who died in March at 86 following a medical emergency, was another prominent figure not included. Similarly, legendary film actor and director Robert Redford, who passed away in September 2025 at the age of 89, was absent from the memorial. Redford, despite his extensive film career, began his acting journey in television in the 1950s and 60s, appearing in shows like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone."
The Television Academy addressed the omissions by stating that "due to inevitable time limitations, the producers of the telecast are not able to include all of the worthy television professionals who have passed away from year to year." They have, however, created an online In Memoriam database on their website to honor late stars.
The In Memoriam segment at the Emmys traditionally honors figures who have made significant contributions to television. While the 2026 ceremony paid tribute to individuals like Rob Reiner, Catherine O'Hara, and Dolly Parton, the exclusion of other beloved personalities has left many viewers questioning the selection process.