The Emmys 2023 In Memoriam segment was bound to be a tear-jerker, and boy, did they deliver.
The tribute opened with All in the Family alum Sally Struthers and Rob Reiner, who stood in the Bunker’s beloved living room as they honored creator Norman Lear. The pioneering producer, who was also behind iconic series like The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son, and Good Times, died at 101 last month.
Charlie Puth then appeared on piano to perform his hit “See You Again,” backed by singers and a string arrangement. The slideshow of tributes included Euphoria star Angus Cloud, Three’s Company star Suzanne Somers, Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Andre Braugher, Paul Reubens, Alan Arkin, Laverne & Shirley star Cindy Williams, Sixties TV comedian Tom Smothers — who recently died at 86 — and many more.
Puth and co. then segued into the Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You,” signaling the devastating moment to honor Matthew Perry. The actor, who starred as the beloved, sarcastic Chandler Bing on Friends, died unexpectedly at the age of 54 in late October.
Perry’s Friends castmates issued a joint statement upon his death. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” they wrote.
Following this, each actor — Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and Matt LeBlanc — released individual tributes. LeBlanc’s read, “The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never. Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much Love …And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”
