The 2026 Emmys In Memoriam segment honored Rob Reiner, Catherine O’Hara and Dolly Parton, but four names country and TV fans expected to see never made the screen. Daveigh Chase, Nicholas Brendon, Chuck Norris and Robert Redford were all absent from this year’s tribute. Chase passed in June at 35, Brendon in March at 54, Norris in March at 86, and Redford last September at 89.
Chase’s manager, Johnny Ryan, didn’t mince words, publicly calling the snub awful. Fans also noticed Brendon’s omission during the Buffy the Vampire Slayer 30th anniversary reunion, where his absence from the tribute hit hard for a cast and audience that grew up with Xander. Redford, meanwhile, was honored at the 2026 Oscars, which made his absence from the television tribute stand out even more.
The Television Academy says time limitations keep the broadcast from including every worthy television professional, and it maintains a full In Memoriam database online. That’s a fair logistical point, but it doesn’t change how it feels when someone who was in your living room every week doesn’t get their moment. Who do you think the Emmys missed most this year?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
