Why Matthew Perry wasn’t included in the Emmys In Memoriam segment
Late ‘Friends’ star was not acknowledged in tribute section of the awards show
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Matthew Perry fans have questioned why the Friends star was left out of the 2024 Emmy Awards’ In Memoriam segment.
The 76th Emmy Awards took place on Sunday (15 September) at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, with the controversial Netflix show Baby Reindeer, Hulus’ kitchen drama The Bear and the historical Japan-set series Shōgun all winning big.
Perry, 54, passed away in October last year from “acute effects of ketamine”, but was not included in the tribute section of the awards show alongside stars including Bob Newhart, Carl Weathers, Donald Sutherland and James Earl Jones.
Viewers were quick to post on social media about the perceived snub. “How in the world did the Emmys not include Matthew Perry?!” one person questioned on X/Twitter.
“Did I miss it or did the Emmys not show Matthew Perry?” another baffled fan asked.
Despite the confusion, Emmy Award organisers didn’t forget to include Perry in their list of honours. The Friends star, who died on 28 October 2023, was previously celebrated at the 75th annual ceremony.
Due to Hollywood’s SAG-AFTRA strikes, 2023’s Emmy Awards were postponed until January 2024, hence their inclusion of Perry’s tribute in the broadcast for the previous year.
It comes shortly after Bafta were forced to issue a clarification in February after fans accused the academy of leaving Perry out of their film ceremony’s In Memoriam segment.
Following an outraged response, Bafta explained that Perry’s exclusion was not an oversight and said he would be honoured at the Bafta TV awards instead.
The statement added: “We confirm he will be honoured in our forthcoming Bafta television awards in May, and on the in memoriam section on our website.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
This year’s Emmy Awards were hosted by father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, who co-created and starred in the hit series Schitt’s Creek.
“We’re going to keep it light and bright,” Dan Levy told the Los Angeles Times, while his father added: “You’re setting a tone, and it’s our tone. It is what it is.
“It’s kind of tricky when you’re in the weeds, but ultimately we have to be ourselves and go with what we think is funny.”
Awards presenters included Hollywood legend and Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke, 97, along with Allison Janney, Martin Sheen, Matt Bomer, Lily Gladstone and Kristen Wiig.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments