53rd Daytime Emmy Awards Honor Late Stars in Emotional In Memoriam Segment

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, featured an emotional 'In Memoriam' tribute dedicated to prominent industry figures who passed away over the last year. The segment honored the legacies of several actors and voice performers, recognizing their contributions to television history.

Honoring Industry Icons

• Eric Bauza: The segment opened with a tribute to the prolific voice actor, known for his work on *Looney Tunes*. Bauza, who died on Oct. 25 at age 46, was remembered for his Emmy-winning performances as iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
• Hayden Panettiere: The actress, recognized for her roles in *Nashville* and *Heroes*, as well as early soap opera work, was honored following her passing on Aug. 16.
• Anthony Geary: The *General Hospital* legend, famous for his role as Luke Spencer, was remembered after his death on Dec. 14.
• Robert Kelker-Kelly: The *Days of our Lives* actor, who died on Oct. 3, was also included in the commemorative tribute.

Ceremony Details

Beyond the tribute, the 2026 ceremony highlighted current achievements in daytime television. *The Young and the Restless* led the field with 18 nominations, followed by *Beyond the Gates* with 16, *General Hospital* with 13, and *Days of Our Lives* with 8. The event was made available for public viewing via a live stream on YouTube. Viewers seeking official details on the ceremony's proceedings or the full list of honorees can consult the official Daytime Emmy Awards digital platforms.