Every year, the entertainment industry loses some of its brightest stars, and the **Emmy Awards** strive to honor these iconic figures through their annual *In Memoriam* segment. The recent 76th Emmy Awards was no exception, featuring touching tributes, including a heartfelt performance by musician **Jelly Roll** that commemorated legends like **James Earl Jones**. However, amidst the tributes, one glaring omission left many fans scratching their heads: the absence of **Shelley Duvall**.
The beloved star of *The Shining* passed away on July 11 at the age of 75, leaving behind a profound legacy in both film and television. Known for not just her roles on the big screen, Duvall profoundly impacted children’s television in the 1980s and 90s, producing and hosting *Tall Tales & Legends*, *Faerie Tale Theatre*, and *Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories*. Her innovative work garnered her two *Primetime Emmy* nominations. So, it’s perplexing that the Emmys overlooked this influential pioneer.
As viewers tuned in to the **In Memoriam** section, they were quick to voice their disappointment on social media. One user emphasized the disrespect shown by not including Duvall, stating, “Incredibly disrespectful and odd…she was a pioneer in children’s programming and saved Nick Jr. from cancellation.” Another echoed these sentiments, remarking on Duvall’s significant contributions to the industry and demanding recognition for her legacy.
Duvall’s Omission: A Broader Trend or an Isolated Incident?
Unfortunately, Shelley Duvall isn’t the only name omitted from the **In Memoriam** tribute this year. Such segments have faced ire in the past for leaving out prominent figures, and the 2024 Oscars are a prime example. That year, the segment reduced many notable stars to little more than a wall of text, failing to honor them as they deserve.
During the 75th Emmy Awards and beyond, this trend persists, ignoring greats like **Ray Stevenson** and **Raquel Welch**. The 76th Emmy Awards similarly neglected significant talents, including **Joe Flaherty**, veteran star of *SCTV*, and *General Hospital* star **Johnny Wactor**, alongside Duvall.
The live nature of these events amplifies the challenge of adequately remembering every figure in the **In Memoriam** segments. Trying to squeeze in too many names often leads to a lack of respect, as seen when the Academy Awards opted for a text-only format. To improve accessibility, the Emmys created an **In Memoriam** database in 2009 for those not featured in their televised ceremony. While Duvall and Flaherty may not have made it to the live broadcast, they, along with many others, are honored online, complete with their biographies and links to their legacies.