Judson Mills rips Academy after Chuck Norris snubbed in Emmy tribute

Judson Mills, who worked closely with Chuck Norris during the final three seasons of *Walker, Texas Ranger*, publicly criticized the 2026 Emmy Awards for omitting the late star from the broadcast’s In Memoriam segment.

The ceremony’s tribute, which highlighted numerous recent losses, was broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide. Mills’ comments came after the Academy posted a brief mention of Norris on its online In Memoriam page.

“I’m confident Chuck would encourage forgiveness,” Mills said. “He was an ‘it’s not all about me’ kind of guy.” He added that the snub, while perhaps an administrative oversight, felt painful for the late actor’s family and fans alike.

Mills called the omission a “tragic mistake” and expressed that it “must have hurt on some level.” He said, “It hurt my feelings for sure. He was a legend for God’s sake.”

## Background & Context

*Walker, Texas Ranger* ran for nine seasons, ending in 2001. During its final three seasons, Mills appeared frequently alongside Norris, and the two developed a working rapport that extended beyond the screen.

The show’s legacy is still celebrated by fans and critics alike, and Norris’s death in 2024 prompted widespread tributes across media platforms.

The Emmy Awards’ In Memoriam tribute, scheduled for the same night as the ceremony, honored a range of figures who passed away during the previous year. Included names were Dolly Parton, Hayden Panettiere, Catherine O’Hara and Rob Reiner. The broadcast did not feature Norris, though he was listed in the Academy’s online tribute.

Other notable omissions from the televised segment were Daveigh Chase, Nicholas Brendon, Tom Kane and Patrick Muldoon. One of Chase’s friends expressed frustration in a statement to reporters, saying, “These f***ing Emmys snubbed Daveigh from the In Memoriam. Awful.”

## What People Are Saying

Mills’ remarks have sparked discussions among fans and industry observers about the selection process for the In Memoriam segment. He emphasized that Chuck Norris’s impact reached beyond Hollywood, affecting audiences worldwide.

“For an icon of his stature who impacted not only Hollywood, but the entire world, to see him not receive recognition at all… was disappointing,” he said.

His call for understanding from the Academy reflects a broader concern about how legacy is honored in televised events. While no official response from the Television Academy has yet been released, Mills’ comments highlight a perceived disconnect between the ceremony’s intent and its execution.

The omission has prompted a conversation about how best to remember those who have passed, and whether the broadcast format adequately reflects the breadth of their influence. As fans await further clarification, the debate over recognition versus oversight continues to unfold.