Emmys Omit Chuck Norris, Several Stars From Tribute

The 2026 Primetime Emmys’ In Memoriam segment honored television figures including Rob Reiner, Dolly Parton, Catherine O’Hara, Tim Curry and Hayden Panettiere, with Noah Kahan performing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Viewers and entertainment outlets criticized the ceremony for omitting several notable figures, particularly Chuck Norris, Nicholas Brendon and Daveigh Chase. Other reported omissions included Patrick Muldoon, Peter Cullen, Tom Kane, Jaye P. Morgan and Grizz Chapman. Brendon’s absence drew added attention because his former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz participated in a reunion during the telecast and referred to the difficult losses surrounding the cast. Chase’s representative also publicly condemned the Emmys for failing to recognize her extensive television work.