The 2017 Emmys delivered a touching tribute to 42 members of the entertainment industry who passed away during the last year or so, but there were seven big names that missed the cut for the “In Memoriam” tribute segment, and at least 10 others who were stars in lots of peoples' eyes.
Deadline said the tribute included Mary Tyler Moore, Jerry Lewis, Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, Martin Landau and Norman Brokaw.
There have been queries on news and social media sites about the omission of other notable performers, especially these six:
1. Charlie Murphy – Eddie Murphy’s brother became a legend in his own right as an actor who was a guest star on Dave Chappelle’s “Chappelle’s Show.” Refinery 29 said he died from leukemia on April 12, 2017.
2. Dick Gregory – While friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of Dick Gregory over the weekend, the Emmys seemed to have forgotten to include the comedian and activist in its tribute. He died in August at 84, Billboard said.
3. Harry Dean Stanton – The veteran character actor who appeared in more than 100 films and 50 television shows died on Friday afternoon at 91 just before Sunday's show, CNN said.
4. Frank Vincent – Hailed as both a legendary actor and accomplished musician, Vincent’s acting career spanned decades and included notable performances in “The Sopranos” and “Goodfellas.’ He died on Sept. 13 at 80, Time said. That story was all over the place.
5. Al Jarreau – Nominated for an Emmy in 1985 for outstanding music and lyrics for “Moonlighting,” Jarreau who died in February at 76 was a singer and musician who won seven Grammy Awards. Maybe it hurts to be a crossover?
6. Erin Moran – As Joanie Cunningham on “Happy Days” and “Joanie Loves Chachi,” Moran transplanted herself in America's heart. She died of throat cancer at 56 in April, The New York Post's Page Six said.
7. Sam Shepard – Most recently seen on television in Netflix’s "Bloodline," Shepard was renowned as an actor, playwright, screenwriter and director. He died in July at 73.
According to Deadline, which does a great job counting such things, others not getting an Emmy mention though they helped carry the business on their shoulders included:
Richard Anderson, 91, who co-starred simultaneously in “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Bionic Woman.”
John Cygan, 63, co-star on “The Commish.”
Marilyn Hall, 90, producer of “Do You Remember Love,” wife of game show host Monty Hall.
Trustin Howard, 91, head writer for “The Joey Bishop Show.”
Jared Martin, 75, played Steven “Dusty” Farlow on “Dallas.”
Dorothy Mengering, 95, mother of David Letterman and frequent guest on his show.
Mark La Mura, 68, starred for 25 years on “All My Children.”
Deborah Watling, 69, co-starred as Victoria Waterford on “Doctor Who.”
Elena Verdugo, 92, played nurse Consuelo Lopez on “Marcus Welby, M.D.”
Some of the other big names included in Sunday’s tribute included Chuck Barris, Powers Booth, Glen Campbell, Mike Connors, Miguel Ferrer, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Brad Grey, John Heard, Florence Henderson, John Hurt, Robert Osborne, Bill Paxton, Don Rickles, Grant Tinker, Alan Thicke, Jay Thomas and Robert Vaughn. Also in the tribute, Deadline said, was John Bernecker, the stuntman killed in July on the set of “The Walking Dead.”
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