At the 2024 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, stars gathered to celebrate their achievements, but they also remembered those they lost in the past year.
During a touching tribute, singer Charlie Puth performed the “Friends” theme song, “I’ll Be There for You,” as a way to honor the late Matthew Perry, who passed away on Oct. 28 at the age of 54.
Perry was found unconscious in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. Pathologists later revealed that he had a high level of ketamine in his bloodstream, indicating an overdose. Despite his previous claims of sobriety, sources suggested otherwise.
Besides Perry, other notable figures were also remembered. Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-Wee Herman, passed away at 70 due to respiratory failure and acute myelogenous leukemia. Treat Williams, famous for “Everwood,” tragically died in a motorcycle accident at 71.
TV icon Jerry Springer, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, and Ryan O’Neal, known for “Love Story,” who succumbed to congestive heart failure, were also honored.
Charlie Puth performed the “Friends” theme song, “I’ll Be There for You,” as a way to honor the late Matthew Perry
Norman Lear, the legendary producer behind groundbreaking sitcoms, passed away at 101 from cardiac arrest. Lear’s family praised his love for life and people, as well as his creative genius.
At the ceremony, other stars like Suzanne Somers, John Beasley, Andre Braugher, Leslie Jordan, Len Goodman, Cindy Williams, Bob Barker, Angus Cloud, Barbara Walters, and Tommy Smothers were remembered.
The Emmys also honored Kirstie Alley and Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who passed away in 2022.
While the awards celebrated excellence in television, they also served as a reminder of the enduring impact left by those who have left us. You can find a comprehensive list of Hollywood stars who passed away in 2023 on the Emmys website.
