Los Angeles, CA – The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards aired Sunday evening, featuring a moving tribute to television stars who have recently passed away. Though, the segment, set to a poignant performance by Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill of the song “Go Rest High on the Mountain,” sparked controversy as viewers and social media users noted several significant omissions.
Recognized Stars Honored
Table of Contents
- 1. Recognized Stars Honored
- 2. Notable Omissions Raise Eyebrows
- 3. The Importance of Memorials in the Entertainment Industry
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions About the Emmys In Memoriam Segment
- 5. How might the Television Academy address concerns about potential bias in the *In Memoriam* selection process,as highlighted by the omissions of Graham Greene and Tony Todd?
- 6. Graham Greene and Tony Todd Omitted from In Memoriam Segment at 2025 Emmys: A Controversy & Why It Matters
- 7. The Missing Honorees: Graham Greene & Tony Todd
- 8. Why were They Omitted? Potential Factors & Industry Practices
- 9. The Impact of Omissions: Representation & Visibility
- 10. Past Controversies & Similar Incidents
- 11. What Can Be Done? Improving the Process
The “in Memoriam” segment acknowledged a range of influential figures from the world of television. Honorees included David Lynch, the acclaimed creator of Twin Peaks; Malcolm-Jamal Warner of The Cosby Show fame; John Amos, a beloved star of Good times; Maggie Smith, renowned for her role in downton Abbey; and Michele Trachtenberg from Gossip Girl. Additionally, the segment paid tribute to linda Lavin of Alice, Richard Chamberlain of Shogun, and Loni Anderson of WKRP in Cincinnati.
Notable Omissions Raise Eyebrows
Despite the extensive list of honorees, many viewers were quick to point out the absence of several prominent names. Among them was Graham Greene, a celebrated First Nations actor whose five-decade television career included roles in Northern Exposure, Longmire, The Last of Us, Reservation Dogs, and Tulsa King. Greene passed away on September 1st, making his omission particularly noticeable.
Tony Todd, known for his iconic role in the candyman film series and numerous television guest appearances, including a recurring role in The Flash, was also notably absent from the tribute. Todd died in November.
Further fueling the discussion, Lynne marie Stewart, a veteran actress best known for her work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, was overlooked, despite her passing in February. Similarly, Polly Holliday, co-star of Alice and the spin-off Kiss My Grits, was not included in the montage, even though her colleague Linda Lavin was honored. Holliday died last week at 88 years old.
The list of overlooked figures also included Jonathan Joss, the voice actor behind John redcorn in King of the Hill and Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, who tragically died in a shooting in June. Even WWE legend and television personality Hulk Hogan, who starred in Thunder in Paradise and Hogan Knows Best, was absent from the remembrance.
| Actor/Actress | Known For | Date of Death | Included in Emmys “in Memoriam”? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Greene | the Last of Us,Tulsa King | September 1,2024 | No |
| Tony Todd | Candyman,The Flash | November 8,2024 | No |
| Lynne Marie Stewart | Pee-wee’s Playhouse | February 2025 | No |
| Polly Holliday | Alice | September 8,2025 | No |
| Jonathan Joss | King of the Hill | June 2025 | No |
| Hulk Hogan | Thunder in Paradise | N/A | No |
Did You Know? The “In Memoriam” segment at the emmys,while intended as a respectful tribute,has frequently faced criticism over the years for omissions,highlighting the challenges of comprehensively recognizing all those who have contributed to the television industry.
Pro Tip: Streaming services and digital archives make it easier than ever to revisit the work of these talented actors and actresses. Consider exploring their filmographies to celebrate their legacies.
The Importance of Memorials in the Entertainment Industry
The practice of honoring those who have passed away is a long-standing tradition in the entertainment industry.These tributes serve not only as a show of respect but also as a reminder of the lasting impact these individuals had on audiences and the art of storytelling. Carefully curated segments like the Emmys’ “In Memoriam” are powerful moments of collective remembrance.
Though, the inherent difficulty of compiling a thorough list, given the vast number of people who contribute to television, means that omissions are almost inevitable. This often leads to public debate and underscores the subjective nature of remembrance in the public eye. The criteria for inclusion, the constraints of time, and the potential for overlooking deserving individuals are all factors that contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding these tributes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Emmys In Memoriam Segment
- What is the purpose of the Emmys “In Memoriam” segment? The segment is intended to honor television actors, writers, producers, and other professionals who have died in the past year.
- Why are there frequently enough omissions from the Emmys “In Memoriam” segment? compiling a comprehensive list of everyone deserving of recognition is challenging due to time constraints and the sheer number of people involved in the television industry.
- What criteria does the Emmys use to select honorees? The criteria are not publicly disclosed,but it generally focuses on individuals with significant contributions to television.
- How can viewers suggest names for inclusion? While there is no formal submission process, public outcry and media attention can sometimes influence future selections.
- Where can I learn more about the actors and actresses who were not included in the segment? Online resources like IMDb, Wikipedia, and The Hollywood Reporter offer comprehensive biographies and filmographies.
What are your thoughts on the omissions from the Emmys ‘In Memoriam’ segment? Do you believe it’s possible to create a truly comprehensive tribute? Share your opinions in the comments below!
How might the Television Academy address concerns about potential bias in the *In Memoriam* selection process,as highlighted by the omissions of Graham Greene and Tony Todd?
Graham Greene and Tony Todd Omitted from In Memoriam Segment at 2025 Emmys: A Controversy & Why It Matters
The 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards,broadcast on September 14th,2025,drew criticism following the ceremony for the conspicuous absence of actors Graham Greene and Tony Todd from the annual In Memoriam segment. This omission sparked a wave of discussion online, particularly within communities focused on portrayal in Hollywood, diversity in film and television, and the importance of acknowledging contributions from Indigenous actors and Black actors. The controversy highlights ongoing issues surrounding who is deemed “visible” enough for memorialization and the systemic biases that can influence these decisions.
The Missing Honorees: Graham Greene & Tony Todd
Both Graham Greene and Tony Todd passed away in 2023,leaving behind meaningful legacies in the entertainment industry.
* Graham Greene (1952-2023): A celebrated Oneida actor, Greene was renowned for his roles in Dances with Wolves (earning an Academy Award nomination), Maverick, The Green Mile, and Longmire.He was a pivotal figure in increasing Indigenous representation in film and a powerful advocate for Native American rights. His work often challenged stereotypical portrayals and brought nuanced characters to life.
* Tony Todd (1954-2023): A prolific character actor,Todd is best known for his iconic portrayal of Candyman in the Candyman film series. He also had memorable roles in Night of the living Dead, The Rock, and numerous television appearances. Todd was a groundbreaking Black horror actor who consistently delivered compelling performances and broke barriers for other actors of color.
The absence of both actors from the in Memoriam segment, a traditionally comprehensive tribute to industry professionals lost during the year, felt particularly jarring to many viewers and industry insiders.The hashtag #EmmysInMemoriam quickly trended on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, filled with calls for accountability and recognition.
Why were They Omitted? Potential Factors & Industry Practices
Determining the exact reason for omissions from the In Memoriam segment is frequently enough difficult.The Television Academy has not released a detailed explanation for this year’s choices. However, several factors likely contribute to these decisions:
- Membership Status: While not a strict requirement, Television Academy membership often increases the likelihood of inclusion. Both Greene and Todd were not members of the Academy.
- Scope of Work: The segment typically focuses on individuals with significant contributions to television. While both actors had extensive film careers, their television work may have been deemed insufficient for inclusion by the selection committee. This raises questions about the definition of “significant contribution” and whether film work should be considered alongside television credits.
- Submission process: There is a submission process for consideration, requiring networks, studios, or representatives to actively submit names and biographical information. It’s possible submissions were missed or overlooked.
- Time constraints: The In Memoriam segment is limited by broadcast time, forcing difficult choices about who to include. This doesn’t excuse the omission, but it acknowledges the practical limitations.
- Potential Bias: The most concerning possibility is unconscious or systemic bias within the selection process. The lack of diversity in the Emmys overall has been a long-standing issue, and this omission could be seen as a continuation of that pattern.
The Impact of Omissions: Representation & Visibility
The outcry over Greene and Todd’s exclusion underscores the importance of In Memoriam segments as more than just a list of names. They are a public acknowledgment of a person’s life and work,and a statement about who the industry values.
* For Indigenous Communities: The omission of Graham Greene was particularly painful for Indigenous communities, who have historically been underrepresented and marginalized in Hollywood. It reinforced the feeling that their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued.
* For Black Actors in Horror: Tony Todd’s absence was felt acutely within the Black horror community, where he is a beloved and influential figure. It highlighted the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect for Black artists in the genre.
* The Ripple Effect: This incident serves as a reminder that celebrity deaths often spark broader conversations about representation and the need for greater inclusivity in all aspects of the entertainment industry.
Past Controversies & Similar Incidents
This isn’t the first time the Emmys In Memoriam segment has faced criticism for omissions. In 2023, the exclusion of several notable figures, including Power Rangers actor jason David Frank, generated similar outrage. These incidents highlight a recurring pattern of overlooking individuals, particularly those from marginalized groups, or those whose work doesn’t fit neatly into traditional categories. The SAG-AFTRA memorial often provides a more comprehensive tribute, but the emmys hold significant cultural weight.
What Can Be Done? Improving the Process
several steps could be taken to improve the In Memoriam selection process and ensure greater inclusivity:
- Expand the Selection Committee: Diversifying the committee responsible for selecting honorees could help mitigate unconscious bias.
- Review submission Guidelines: Streamlining the submission process and making it more accessible could ensure that all deserving individuals are considered.
- Broaden the Definition of “Significant Contribution”: Recognizing contributions beyond traditional television roles, including film work and advocacy, could lead to a more comprehensive tribute.
- Increase Transparency: Providing a clear explanation of the selection criteria and process could build trust and accountability.
- Proactive Outreach: The Television academy could proactively reach out to unions, guilds, and community organizations to identify individuals who should be considered. Film industry unions like SAG-AFTRA could play a key role.
The omission of Graham Greene and Tony Todd from the 2025 Emmys In Memoriam segment is a stark reminder that the fight for equity in Hollywood is far from over. It’s a call to action for the Television Academy and the industry as a whole to prioritize representation, inclusivity, and a more equitable recognition of talent. The conversation surrounding this incident is crucial for fostering a more just and respectful entertainment landscape.
