Emmy Awards 2024: A Moving In Memoriam Overshadowed by the Omission of Two People
The In Memoriam segment at the 2024 Emmy Awards delivered an emotional tribute, honoring television stars and industry figures who passed away over the past year. However, what should have been a solemn moment of reflection quickly sparked backlash due to the notable omissions of Matthew Perry and Shelly Duvall, two iconic figures who played significant roles in television history.
This year’s In Memoriam recognized several major talents:
• Cindy Williams, the beloved star of Laverne & Shirley, whose comedy shaped 1970s and 1980s sitcoms.
• David McCallum, known for his longtime role as Dr. “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS, leaving behind a legacy of over six decades in TV.
• Raquel Welch, an icon of both TV and film, remembered for her captivating performances.
• Paul Reubens, whose whimsical creation Pee-wee Herman redefined children’s programming.
While the segment was a heartfelt tribute to many, it was marred by the omission of two names that viewers expected to see.
<p>
Fans were left particularly shocked by the absence of Matthew Perry, who passed away just weeks before the ceremony. Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends made him a global television icon, with the show becoming one of the most-watched and beloved sitcoms of all time. The omission of such a major figure immediately drew ire from fans, who took to social media to express their outrage.
One fan tweeted: “Matthew Perry helped shape 90s TV, and his impact is still felt today. How could the Emmys leave him out?” Perry’s absence was a glaring oversight, given his recent passing and the profound impact he had on the industry.
Equally surprising was the omission of Shelly Duvall, an actress and producer known for her unique contributions to television. Though widely recognized for her film work in The Shining, Duvall also made her mark on television as the creator of Faerie Tale Theatre, a groundbreaking anthology series that reimagined classic fairy tales for a modern audience. Duvall’s creativity and influence in TV storytelling left a lasting impression, and her exclusion from the tribute left fans saddened.
One user posted: “Shelly Duvall wasn’t just an actress—she was a visionary in TV. Her work in ‘Faerie Tale Theatre’ shaped how stories were told. She deserved recognition.”
The omissions of Perry and Duvall ignited a storm of reactions online. Many viewers felt that the In Memoriam segment, which is meant to celebrate the lives of those who helped shape television, had missed the mark by not including such significant figures. Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms saw an outpouring of tributes from fans, who took it upon themselves to honor the stars the Emmy Awards had overlooked.
Matthew Perry’s absence hit especially hard, given the recency of his passing and the global reach of Friends. Meanwhile, Shelly Duvall’s fans shared clips and memories of her groundbreaking work, further underscoring the feeling that both stars should have been honored on television’s biggest night.
