5 Stars Who Deserved To Be Remembered At The Emmys 2024 But Were Snubbed

The Emmys In Memoriam segment in 2024 felt like a “how did they miss that?” moment for a lot of TV and theater fans, and it wasn’t subtle. Three names kept popping up in the comments, the kind of omissions that make people double-check the screen and then immediately start scrolling.

Chita Rivera, a Broadway titan who also showed up on TV through shows like Will & Grace and Dora the Explorer, was left out, even after her death in January at age 91. Shelley Duvall, beloved for The Shining and also a pioneer of children’s television with Emmy-nominated work like Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories and Tall Tales & Legends, was likewise missing after she passed away in July 2024 at 75. And John William Wactor III, known for Brando Corbin on General Hospital, was absent too, despite his death at 37 in a shooting during an alleged attempted robbery.

When the credits roll and one of these legacies gets skipped, the silence hits harder than the applause.

1. Chita Rivera

Broadway legend Chita Rivera, who passed away in January at the age of 91, was another shocking omission. Rivera was not only a star on stage but also had a significant presence on television, appearing in shows like The New Dick Van Dyke Show, Dora the Explorer, and Will & Grace.

Despite her illustrious career and influence in both the theater and television industries, Rivera’s absence from the tribute did not go unnoticed, with fans expressing their disappointment online.

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2. Shelley Duvall

Fans of Shelley Duvall were stunned when the legendary actress was not included in the Emmys In Memoriam segment. Although Duvall is best known for her role in The Shining, she was also a pioneer in children's television, creating and starring in Emmy-nominated shows like Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories and Tall Tales & Legends.

Duvall passed away in July 2024 at the age of 75, and her exclusion from the tribute led to an outpouring of frustration from her admirers, who took to social media to express their dismay.

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3. John William Wactor III

The omission of John William Wactor III from the In Memoriam segment left many fans puzzled. Wactor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin on the Emmy-award-winning soap opera General Hospital, tragically lost his life at the age of 37 in a shooting during an alleged attempted robbery.

Despite his connection to an iconic daytime show and his untimely passing, Wactor was noticeably absent from the tribute. This exclusion sparked outrage among fans of the show and those who admired his work.

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That’s when fans started comparing Rivera’s TV reach and Dora the Explorer appearance to the empty spot in the tribute.

Then the attention shifted to Shelley Duvall, because her Bedtime Stories and Tall Tales & Legends credits were basically begging to be included.

In the context of the Emmys, honoring overlooked artists can inspire future generations, reminding us that their legacies shape the fabric of television. By including a broader array of honorees, the Emmys could better reflect the diverse narratives that enrich our cultural landscape.

Chita Rivera’s omission echoes Amber Heard saying she felt “silenced” after the trial.

By doing this, the Emmys could ensure that all voices are heard, creating a more representative and celebratory atmosphere that honors the true breadth of television talent.

4. Tyler Christopher

Another General Hospital star who was left out of the tribute was Tyler Christopher. Christopher, who passed away at the age of 50 following a cardiac event, had made a significant mark on television through his roles as Nikolas Cassadine on General Hospital and Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives.

With five Daytime Emmy nominations under his belt, Christopher's contributions to the soap opera world were substantial, making his omission from the tribute all the more surprising and disappointing.

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5. Lou Dobbs

Political commentator Lou Dobbs, a prominent figure in television journalism, was also missing from the tribute. Dobbs, who passed away this year at the age of 78, was a former CNN and Fox Business anchor with an Emmy for Lifetime Achievement to his name.

Despite his extensive career in television, Dobbs was not included in the In Memoriam segment, sparking criticism from viewers who felt that his contributions to the industry should have been recognized.

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After that, John William Wactor III’s General Hospital role as Brando Corbin made the omission feel even more personal, especially following his death at 37.

By the time people were rallying online about all three names, the Emmys In Memoriam list felt less like a checklist and more like a question mark.

As the curtain closes on another Emmy Awards, it seems the In Memoriam segment left us with more questions than answers. While some stars were rightly celebrated, others were left waiting in the wings. Perhaps next year, the Emmys will remember that "snubbed" isn't just a five-letter word—it’s a headline.

The 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards, while celebrating the achievements of television's brightest stars, highlighted a critical gap in the recognition of talents who have shaped the industry. The In Memoriam segment poignantly reminded viewers of those who have passed, yet several deserving figures were conspicuously absent from the tribute. This omission raises important questions about the inclusivity of the nomination and recognition processes.

To truly honor the legacy of all artists, the Emmys must adopt a more equitable approach that acknowledges a broader spectrum of contributions. By embracing diversity not only in nominations but also in tributes, the ceremony can better celebrate the rich tapestry of storytelling that has defined television history. Such a commitment would not only enhance the event's credibility but also resonate with audiences seeking a more representative celebration of talent.

The snubs didn’t erase their work, but they definitely changed how people felt about the show that was supposed to remember it.

After Chita Rivera’s Emmy snub, check out what stage makeup looks like up close on camera.