After the 2024 Emmy Awards, many fans expressed disappointment over the absence of Matthew Perry in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, but there’s a logical reason behind his exclusion.
The 76th Emmy Awards honored several late stars with a heartfelt In Memoriam tribute. Jelly Roll moved the audience with an emotional performance of “I Am Not Okay,” while industry legends such as Bob Newhart, Richard Lewis, Donald Sutherland, and Shannen Doherty were remembered for their contributions.
However, fans of Matthew Perry, who portrayed the beloved Chandler Bing on Friends, were quick to notice his absence from the segment. This sparked a wave of criticism across social media, with many questioning why such a well-loved actor had been left out.
Despite the outcry, there’s a clear explanation for why Perry’s name wasn’t featured.
Why Matthew Perry Wasn’t Included in the 2024 Emmy Memoriam Segment
Matthew Perry’s passing on October 28, 2023, shocked fans worldwide, and his legacy, especially from Friends, left a lasting impact on television history.
Many anticipated seeing him honored at the 2024 Emmy Awards. However, his absence wasn’t an oversight, but rather because he had already been paid tribute in the previous Emmy ceremony.
Although the Emmy Awards traditionally take place in September, the 2023 event was delayed due to the Hollywood strikes, pushing the ceremony to January 2024.
During that ceremony, The War and Treaty performed a touching rendition of Friends’ iconic theme song, “I’ll Be There for You,” while Perry’s image appeared on the screen, receiving applause from the audience.
This tribute during the 75th Emmy Awards acknowledged Perry’s immense contribution to television, which is why he wasn’t included again in the 2024 ceremony.
While the shock of Perry’s sudden passing—reportedly due to the effects of ketamine—continues to be felt in Hollywood and among fans, the Emmys had already recognized his immense influence on TV, ensuring that his memory lives on through their previous tribute.
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