Actress Phylicia Rashad introduced the “in memoriam” segment at Sunday night’s Emmy Awards, paying tribute to her Cosby Show castmate Malcom-Jamaal Warner.
“He was a beloved teenager in an iconic television series who the world watched grow into manhood,” she said. “And, like all our friends and colleagues who transitioned this past year, Malcolm Jamaal Warner remains in our hearts.”
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Warner drowned in July at the age of 54.
Adding gravitas to a part of the show that is often left to the music and silent images and text, Rashad continued on after her intro. She said those called out in the In Memorial reel are there “not only for their immense talent, but also for the way they made us believe in something bigger, the best that is in us. And even though they may not be here with us, we can all smile, knowing that their impact will remain, knowing that their lasting impressions will continue to live on through stories, knowing that they touched our lives. And whether you grew up watching them, or have just now discovered their brilliance, their life remains in the very fabric of our industry.”
As the In Memoriam montage played, Vince Gill performed his 1995 song “Go Rest High On that Mountain” with Lainey Wilson. It was the first time the artists have performed together.
This year’s segment covered a lot of ground, noting the passing of David Lynch, Michelle Trachtenberg, musician-turned-reality-star Ozzie Osborne and attorney Skip Brittenham. Even so, it was held up to scrutiny, per the annual social media ritual. Many comments centered on the absence of wrestling’s Hulk Hogan (given name Terry Bullea), while others mentioned the lack of Alice‘s Polly Holiday, even though her castmate, Linda Lavin, was included. Another person not included Lynne Marie Stewart, an actress whose credits included Peewee’s Playhouse.
Comedians got their jibes in at the segment. John Oliver, arriving backstage after his late-night series came away with two wins, said “there’s nothing a comedian loves more than following the In Memoriam segment.”
The duo presenting Outstanding Comedy Series, Ray Romano and Brad Garrett, noted they appeared in a long-ago Emmys mainstay, sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. They capped off their two minutes of banter with Garrett doing an exaggerated riff on the pair’s divergent career paths. “The next time I’m on the Emmys, it’s gonna be ‘in memoriam,’” Garrett lamented. “Just be honest to me, am I gonna make the cut?”” Romano deadpanned in response, “If it’s a slow year, no doubt. No question.” Garrett offered his thanks, adding, “You’re a good friend.”
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