Fans and loved ones of the late actor Tony Todd criticized the Emmys for omitting him from the ceremony’s “In Memoriam” segment.
On Sunday (September 14), country artists Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson performed “Go Rest High On That Mountain” during the 2025 Emmy Awards in tribute to the stars who had recently passed away. Images of the late stars were displayed across the screen, but notably snubbed from the segment was Todd, who died in November 2024 after battling cancer.
Todd’s widow, Fatima Cortez Todd, criticized the omission in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.
“Tony had a long list of TV credits, but he was not respected as much by the industry he gave his artistic life. He was classically trained and always given great support by his fans. Ultimately, he gave his all because he loved his work. Many times he was told that he should have had a role he didn’t get. He still maintained his generosity of spirit. The award shows look over many who should be honored. That’s on them,” she said.
Todd was best known for his performance in Candyman as well as appearances on major TV shows, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, 24, The X-Files, The Flash, Criminal Minds, The Young and the Restless, and The Orville. Todd’s final role came in Final Destination: Bloodlines, which he filmed while undergoing cancer treatment.
The TV Academy has since included Todd’s name in a complete list of industry figures lost in the past year on its website.
Todd wasn’t the only notable absence from Sunday’s broadcast. Actress Danielle Spencer, best known for her role as Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, was also left out of the “In Memoriam” segment following her death last month.
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