Shannen Doherty, Richard Simmons, Phil Donahue and More Honored by Emmys 2024 In Memoriam Tribute

Mar. 15, 2025

From L: Shannen Doherty; Richard Simmons; Phil Donahue.Photo:Neilson Barnard/Getty; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; Allen Berezovsky/Getty

Neilson Barnard/Getty; Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; Allen Berezovsky/Getty

Shannen Doherty,Phil DonahueandRichard Simmonswere among the stars honored during the 76th annual ceremony’s “In Memoriam” tribute, which pays homage to luminaries who have left an impact on the industry and who died over the past year.

Other stars celebrated includedRichard Lewis,Bob Newhart,Louis Gossett Jr.,Gena Rowlands,Martin Mull,Piper Laurie,Dr. Ruth Westheimer,Chance Perdomo,Carl Weathers,Dabney Coleman,Richard Moll,Susan Wojcicki,Donald SutherlandandJames Earl Jones.

Before performing his song “I Am Not Okay” for the tribute,Jelly Rolltold the audience, “I believe that music is therapeutic. I believe that music can heal. I also believe that storytelling is just as cathartic.”

“I hope that this song can act as a healing moment for those mourning the storytellers we have lost this year,” he continued. “If you are feeling lost or alone tonight, I want you to know that it’s okay to not always be okay.”

Shannen Doherty in Culver City, California, on Nov. 20, 2023.John Russo

John Russo

Dohertydied on July 13at age 53, nearly a decade after she wasdiagnosed with cancer.

The actress landed her first major role as Jenny Wilder onLittle House on the Prairieat age 11 before starring in the 1989 dark comedyHeathers.Her breakout role as Brenda Walsh onBeverly Hills, 90210catapulted her to a stratospheric level of fame. Another iconic role — as Prue Halliwell on the WB supernatural dramaCharmed— followed.

“We’re vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life,” Doherty told PEOPLE in 2023. “We are people who want to work, embrace life and keep moving forward.”

Phil Donahue in New York City on April 24, 2017.Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage

Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage

After wrapping his eponymous talk show in 1996, Donahue wrote and directedBody of War, a 2007 documentary about an Iraq War veteran, and cowrote the 2020 bookWhat Makes a Marriage Lastwith wifeMarlo Thomas.

In May,Donahue told PEOPLEthe “one thing" that served as the “foundation of the 7,000 episodes” he taped was “curiosity.”

“I still believe that, despite our differences, we’re all part of this sprawling global family, and we just need to get to know each other so that we can share the world together," he added.

Richard Simmons in Los Angeles, July 2013.Broadimage/Shutterstock

Broadimage/Shutterstock

Simmons, whodied on July 13at age 76 from accidental blunt traumatic injuries, became a pop-culture fitness icon, releasing more than 50 workout videos — including his memorable franchiseSweatin’ to the Oldies— authoring five bestselling books, hosting weight-loss cruises and teaching classes at his Slimmons studios in Beverly Hills, California.

Inhis final interviewwith PEOPLE in July, the elusive and humble star reflected on his legacy.

“I never thought of myself as a celebrity,” Simmons said. “People don’t know this: I’m a really shy person and a little bit of an introvert. When that curtain goes up, that’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy. But the accolades I get from emails … we’ll answer over 100 emails."

“And they’ll say, ‘I’m your No. 1 fan.’ And I write back, ‘Don’t say that, because I’m a human being just like you. And I know that you do good things, too,' " he added.

Richard Lewis in New York City in May 2015.Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic

Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic

He held a long-standing role onLarry David’sCurb Your Enthusiasm, appearing in more than 40 episodes between 2000 and 2021. He was also known for being a regular guest onThe Late Show with David LettermanandThe Howard Stern Show.

Lewis, who penned a 2000 memoir titledThe Other Great Depression, toldThe Washington Postin 2020, “No, I’m not a very happy man. I’m thrilled to be alive. I’m grateful for who’s in my life. I’ve got great friends, a great wife, a dog, and I have a great career.”

SeePEOPLE’s full coverageof the 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards as they’re broadcasting live on ABC from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

source: people.com