Emmys 2025 In Memoriam Sparks Emotion and Controversy
At this year’s 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, one of the most emotional moments of the night came during the “In Memoriam” segment. It was set to the heartfelt performance of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson, a song already deeply tied to themes of loss and remembrance. The segment honored many beloved actors, creators, and industry legends who passed away in the last year, but it also stirred conversation afterward—both for who was included and who was not.
Introduced by Phylicia Rashad, the tribute carried special weight when she spoke about her longtime Cosby Show co-star, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Rashad described him as “a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood.” Her words reminded viewers not only of his talent but also of the way he represented growth and possibility on screen, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Warner’s name stood alongside other television greats such as Good Times star John Amos, Downton Abbey’s Maggie Smith, and Cheers legend George Wendt. Music icons like Ozzy Osbourne and the incomparable Quincy Jones were also honored, showing the wide range of influence that television and entertainment carry across genres.
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But once the broadcast ended, a different conversation emerged. Many fans on social media quickly pointed out the glaring omissions from the montage. Notably absent was Graham Greene, the highly respected First Nations actor who left behind a five-decade-long television career with credits in Northern Exposure , The Last of Us , and Reservation Dogs . Also missing was Tony Todd, remembered for his commanding presence in dozens of television shows and, more recently, his recurring role on The Flash .
The absence of Polly Holliday, best known as the fiery waitress Flo from Alice , struck many viewers as strange—especially since her co-star Linda Lavin was included. Hulk Hogan, who made the jump from wrestling superstardom into TV with shows like Thunder in Paradise and Hogan Knows Best , was also not mentioned. Other omissions included Pee-wee’s Playhouse actress Lynne Marie Stewart and voice actor Jonathan Joss, known for King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation , whose shocking death earlier this year made headlines.
For many, these exclusions overshadowed what was otherwise a deeply moving tribute. The intention was clearly to celebrate the lives of those who shaped television history, yet the names left out reminded viewers that no segment can ever fully capture the breadth of contributions made across decades of entertainment. Still, the evening provided a chance for reflection, with Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s remembrance standing out as one of its most heartfelt moments.
In the end, the 2025 Emmys left audiences with both gratitude and questions. Gratitude for the memories left behind by those honored—and questions about why some were not given their moment on the screen. Either way, the conversation itself is proof of how deeply these figures touched the lives of viewers, and why their impact will not be forgotten.
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