Jamie Lee Curtis cries, honoring Rob Reiner’s sudden death at the Emmys

**Jamie Lee Curtis Breaks Down in Tears While Honoring Rob Reiner at the 2026 Emmy Awards**

Jamie Lee Curtis broke into tears during the 2026 Emmy Awards’ “In Memoriam” segment as she paid tribute to director and actor Rob Reiner, who was murdered in December 2025.

The ceremony was held Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where a montage of photos of late industry figures played while performer Noah Kahan sang a rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”

The segment opened with Kahan, wearing a white suit, singing the 1970 folk song as images of actors, producers and other television veterans appeared on the screen.

In the slideshow, names such as Hayden Panettiere, James Van Der Beek, Sam Neill, Eric Dane, Robert Duvall and Ted Turner were shown alongside others who passed away that year. The montage omitted figures like Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon, even though Brendon’s co‑stars reunited onstage.

### Background & Context

The Emmy Awards’ “In Memoriam” tribute has long served as a solemn reminder of the entertainment community’s losses each year. Last year’s segment featured a live performance of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” with country star Lainey Wilson accompanying the song.

This year’s tribute followed the same tradition, offering a platform for current stars to honor their departed peers.

Rob Reiner, who died December 2025 alongside his wife Michele after they were stabbed to death in their home, was highlighted in the montage and later by Curtis onstage. The ceremony also featured separate tributes for other late icons.

Catherine O’Hara received her own dedication before Kahan’s performance, with “Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin and “Schitt’s Creek” stars Dan Levy and Annie Murphy sharing heartfelt messages. Dolly Parton was honored separately, with Sally Field leading a tribute that included Reba McEntire performing Parton’s “Appalachian Memories.”

Mariska Hargitay hosted this year’s Emmys, marking the first time a woman in fifteen years presided over the awards. The star‑studded audience included Zendaya, Keke Palmer, Jon Hamm, Amy Poehler and other prominent television figures.

### What People Are Saying

Curtis’s emotional tribute was captured onstage when she said, “He was generous and kind, and funny as hell, and a friend to all, and we all miss Rob and Michele, and all those we lost this year.” Her tears underscored the personal impact Reiner had on his peers.

Culkin’s words for Catherine O’Hara reflected a similar sentiment. “There are all types of words I could use to describe Catherine. She was encouraging.

She was warm. She was funny, but the word that I think of is ‘Mom,’” he said. He added, “She wasn’t just a wife and mother to Beau and Matthew and Luke, she was my mom.”

Noah Kahan chose “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” for its personal meaning. Jesse Collins explained, “Paul Simon is one of his favorite artists,” and that the arrangement was designed to honor the song’s legacy. Collins added that Kahan had worked closely with the team to create a performance he believed would resonate with audiences.

### What Happens Next

The 2026 Emmy Awards concluded with the usual applause and recognition of the television industry’s achievements. No official statements about subsequent actions or memorials were issued following the ceremony. The tribute’s focus remained on honoring those who have passed while celebrating current excellence in television.

The emotional moments of the night, from Curtis’s tearful appearance to Kahan’s heartfelt performance, underscored the collective grief and camaraderie within Hollywood. As the community reflects on its recent losses, the “In Memoriam” segment remains a poignant reminder of the lives that shaped the medium.