2026 Daytime Emmys honor Hayden Panettiere, Eric Bauza and others in emotional In Memoriam tribute
In Memoriam, Rip To So Many Daytime Icons 😭 #DaytimeEmmys https://t.co/Ek1QNib6Nz
— Linda B (@LindaBr40310878) October 31, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards remembered several stars and industry figures who died over the past year during an emotional In Memoriam segment.
The ceremony, held on October 30, honored actors Hayden Panettiere, Eric Bauza, Robert Kelker-Kelly, Anthony Geary, Alan Dysart and Patrick Muldoon, among others. The segment honored their television work and the lasting memories they left behind.
Eric Bauza's contribution to animation remembered at Daytime Emmys
The tribute opened with a special remembrance of Eric Bauza, the voice actor known for bringing several iconic 'Looney Tunes' characters to life, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and Tweety. He died on October 25 at the age of 46.
As per People, during the segment, a presenter spoke about the impact Bauza had on the entertainment industry and remembered his remarkable voice work. The actor received five Emmy nominations during his career and won three, including recognition for his work on a Looney Tunes production in 2022.
The late Eric Bauza will make his posthumous debut on "The Simpsons" in a Nov. 15 episode, voicing two characters: restaurateur Mr. Fong and newspaper editor Harry Metsali. Bauza, best known as the modern voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, died Oct. 25 at age 46. He also voiced characters in "Looney Tunes Cartoons," "The Looney Tunes Show," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." 📷 Getty, Fox
— Complex (@Complex) October 30, 2026
“So many of us in this room were shocked and saddened this week to learn of the passing of a good friend of this Academy. If I mention the name Eric Bauza, some people might not recognize it immediately."
"But if you heard his voice, or should I say his many voices, you would most certainly recognize him and appreciate the remarkable contribution that he made to our industry,” the presenter said. “Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Marvin the Martian, the characters that the legendary Mel Blank made famous, living on through Eric’s remarkable talent,” he continued.
“Bugs Bunny actually received his first Emmy recognition courtesy of Eric back in 2022 because Eric won an outstanding voice performance award for a Looney Tunes production that included the rascally rabbit.”
Hayden Panettiere, Robert Kelker-Kelly and other daytime stars honored
Panettiere was also remembered during the ceremony. The actress, who died at 36 on August 16, was known for her roles in television shows such as 'Heroes' and 'Nashville'.
The tribute also included Robert Kelker-Kelly, who died on October 3 at the age of 62. The actor was known for playing Shane Roberts on 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Bobby Reno on Another World'. His death was due to arteriosclerotic heart disease.
Anthony Geary, best known for portraying Luke Spencer on 'General Hospital', was another star remembered during the segment. He died at 78 following complications from surgery.
The ceremony also honored Alan Dysert, whose television career included work in daytime programming, and Patrick Muldoon, known for his roles as Austin Reed on 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Richard Hart on Melrose Place'. Muldoon died in April at the age of 57.
