At Sunday’s Primetime Emmys ceremony, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences will offer special tributes to some of TV’s fallen stars.
The organization has planned to highlight the careers of James Gandolfini, Cory Monteith, Jean Stapleton, Jonathan Winters and Gary David Goldberg.
The tributes will be part of an expanded In Memoriam segment, and will be presented by a person who was close to the deceased.
So in the case of Gandolfini, his on-screen wife for eight years, Edie Falco, will be on hand to honor the “Sopranos” actor’s varied career.
For Monteith, his “Glee” co-star Jane Lynch will present his tribute, and Jean Stapleton’s “All In the Family” cohort, Rob Reiner, will speak on her legacy.
Emmys executive producer Ken Ehrlich told the Los Angeles Times that having the “close friends” of these five entertainers participate will add a personal touch to this part of the show.
“The ‘In Memoriam’ is a very emotional and evocative segment for the Emmys, or any annual awards program,” Ehrlich said. “These five individuals brought us such great entertainment and joy, so having their close friends share personal remembrances is something that will be very meaningful … Our traditional ‘In Memoriam’ segment will be presented in a unique new format that will give added importance to an already much-anticipated segment.”
For Jonathan Winters, his “Mork & Mindy” pal Robin Williams will present a tribute, and former “Family Ties” star Michael J. Fox will present for creator Gary David Goldberg.
The 65th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on CBS Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, and will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.
Breeanna Hare | CNN
