News

Gone, but not forgotten.

Linda Lavin died Dec. 29, 2024, due to complications from lung cancer. At the time of her death, the beloved 87-year-old actress had filmed seven of 10 episodes of Mid-Century Modern, Hulu's new comedy starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham as gay best friends who decide to live together in Palm Springs.

Lavin's role of Sybil Schneiderman, the mother of Bunny (Lane), has been receiving Emmy buzz following the sitcom's premiere on March 28. She currently ranks among the top 10 for Best Comedy Supporting Actress, according to the Gold Derby odds. To date, only 11 actresses have received posthumous Emmy nominations, so Lavin would be in rare company, indeed.

Here's a clip of one of Lavin's final scenes from Mid-Century Modern. Sybil's spicy side is in full display as she yells at a stranger on the phone who's trying to con her, with Lavin delivering perfect comedic timing.

Months after his life was suddenly cut short, Emmy winner Leslie Jordan has a chance to receive more TV academy love for his final small screen performance as Phil on Fox’s “Call Me Kat.” If he does land in this year’s Best Comedy Supporting Actor lineup, he will join a group of 12 other comedy or drama series regulars who posthumously achieved Emmy recognition. If he scores his second victory, he will make history as the first deceased male actor to win an Emmy for a continuing program.

“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...

History was made when the 2022 Primetime Emmy nominations were announced, as Chadwick Boseman (“What If…?”) and Jessica Walter (“Archer”) became the first pair of direct competitors to be recognized posthumously. They are both up for the Best Character Voice-Over Performance prize after having passed away in August 2020 and March 2021, respectively.

Walter is now the only performer to ever receive two post-death Emmy bids, having just contended in the same category last summer. Now including Boseman, the list of departed acting Emmy nominees consists of 26 entrants, four of whom were honored with wins.

The first actor to be nominated for and win an Emmy posthumously was Alice Pearce, who was awarded the Best Comedy Supporting Actress trophy for “Bewitched” two months after her death in 1966. The other three champs, all of whom triumphed for TV movie performances, are supporting players David Burns and Diana Hyland and lead Raul Julia.

Two more...