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The 76th Annual Emmy Awards 2024 honored some of the most talented individuals in the television industry, celebrating both the achievements of current artists and the legacies of those who are no longer with us.
As is tradition, theIn Memoriamsegment of the night was one of the most emotional moments, where the industry paused to remember and honor the actors, directors, and other key contributors who passed away in the last year.
Performed by Jelly Roll, who sang a heartfelt rendition of “I Am Not Okay,” the tribute featured notable names such as Bob Newhart, Richard Lewis, Donald Sutherland, Terry Carter, and Shannen Doherty.
However, one name noticeably absent from the tribute raised eyebrows and sparked widespread conversation on social media:Friendsstar Matthew Perry.
His omission was especially surprising to fans, considering Perry’s iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in one of the most beloved TV shows of all time.
While many jumped to criticize the Emmy organizers for what seemed like an unforgivable oversight, it turns out there’s a valid reason behind Matthew Perry’s exclusion from the segment.
Let’s dive into why Perry’s absence wasn’t a mistake and why fans may have missed the full picture.
Matthew Perry’s passing on October 28, 2023, deeply affected fans and the Hollywood community alike.
His sudden death came as a shock, especially considering Perry’s honest and open struggles with addiction and his efforts to overcome them.
Known for his quick wit and comedic timing as Chandler Bing onFriends, Perry’s contributions to television were significant, and his character remains one of the most beloved in sitcom history.
Given his legacy, fans were shocked when theIn Memoriamtribute during the 2024 Emmys failed to include him.
Social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), lit up with comments from fans who couldn’t believe the exclusion.
“Hey @TheEmmys and @TelevisionAcad, you forgot someone in yourIn Memoriam!”one user wrote. “Matthew Perry helped to change the industry, and he was a great human.
He deserved to be recognized tonight.” Another fan posted, “Did I miss it or did the Emmys not show Matthew Perry????”
The disappointment and confusion were palpable, with many questioning how the awards show could miss honoring such a beloved figure.
However, what fans may not have realized is that Perry had already been honored, and the reason behind his omission makes more sense than it seems at first glance.
Why Matthew Perry Wasn’t Included: The Timing of the Tribute
Contrary to what many believed, the Emmy organizers did not forget about Matthew Perry. Perry was paid a touching tribute during the previous edition of the Emmy Awards.
While the Emmy Awards traditionally take place in September, the 2023 edition was postponed due to the Hollywood strikes, resulting in the ceremony being held in January 2024.
During the 75th Emmy Awards, a special moment was dedicated to Matthew Perry. The performers, The War and Treaty, delivered a moving rendition of theFriendstheme song, “I’ll Be There for You.”
As they performed, Perry’s image was displayed on the screen and met with a wave of applause and cheers from the audience. This tribute was poignant and marked a heartfelt farewell to the actor who had brought so much joy to millions of viewers.
Since Perry had already been honored earlier in the year, the Emmy Awards didn’t need to include him again in the 2024In Memoriamsegment.
The timing of Perry’spassing—shortly before the 2023 awards ceremony—meant that his tribute was already delivered in the appropriate Emmy cycle.
This distinction explains why Perry was missing from the 2024 event, not due to any oversight but rather because the Academy had already celebrated his contributions to television.
Matthew Perry’s passing in October 2023 sent shockwaves through Hollywood and his fans worldwide.
Best known for his role as Chandler Bing onFriends, Perry was beloved for his comedic timing and ability to bring light to dark situations.
His death, reportedly due to the acute effects of ketamine, was a tragic reminder of his struggles with addiction, something Perry was open about throughout his career.
Fans mourned not just the loss of a greatactor, but also a man who had bravely faced personal battles and used his platform to raise awareness around addiction and mental health.
Remembering Other Icons
While Perry’s absence sparked the most controversy, the 2024In Memoriamsegment did feature several other notable stars who had passed away.
Jelly Roll’s emotional performance set the tone as the audience reflected on the immense talent the industry had lost over the past year.
The segment included icons such as:
Bob Newhart: The legendary comedian and actor whose deadpan humor left an indelible mark on television.
Richard Lewis: The actor and stand-up comic best known for his role inCurb Your Enthusiasm.
Donald Sutherland: An acclaimed actor whose body of work spanned decades, including notable roles inMASH* andThe Hunger Gamesseries.
Shannen Doherty: A beloved figure in television, known for her roles inBeverly Hills, 90210,andCharmed.
Terry Carter: A veteran actor known for his performances inMcCloudandBattlestar Galactica.
While the absence of Perry may have cast a shadow over the tribute for some viewers, it was a touching and powerful moment to honor the legacy of these incredible talents who contributed so much to the world of television.
Reason
Explanation
Timing of Matthew Perry’s Passing
Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, shortly before the postponed 2023 Emmys.
Emmy Awards 2023 Rescheduled
Due to the Hollywood strikes, the 2023 ceremony was held in January 2024.
Tribute at the 75th Emmy Awards
Perry was honored with a special moment and tribute during this ceremony.
Why He Wasn’t in the 2024 Tribute
Since Perry was already honored in 2023, he wasn’t included in the 2024 segment.
Table: Why Matthew Perry’s Tribute Was in 2023, Not 2024
Conclusion
Whilefanswere upset by Matthew Perry’s absence from the 2024 EmmyIn Memoriamsegment, his tribute wasn’t overlooked.
Perry was already honored during the 75th Emmy Awards earlier in January, shortly after his passing in October 2023.
With a moving rendition ofFriends’iconic theme song, his contributions to television were recognized.
Although some may have expected another mention, the Emmys ensured his legacy was honored at the right time, leaving a lasting impression on fans and the industry alike.
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
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