'The Emmys chose to leave Nick Cordero out of memorial montage' says Zach Braff

Broadway and TV star died from coronavirus complications in July

Amanda Kloots, Nick Cordero and their son Elvis in August, 2019. AFP

Hollywood actor Zach Braff has taken to Twitter to express his dismay over the fact his best friend, actor Nick Cordero, was overlooked in the 'In Memoriam' section of yesterday's Emmys.

Cordero, who died in July from coronavirus at the age of 41, was not included in the four-minute tribute to Hollywood industry stars and executives who died this year, leading Braff to take to social media to express his hurt.

“For those wondering: The Emmys chose to leave Nick Cordero out of the memorial montage,” he wrote. “I had no idea one had to campaign to get their loved one in. We did. They passed.”

Although better known as a theatre star who received a Tony Award nomination in 2014 for his role in Bullets Over Broadway, Cordero also had many film and TV credits under his belt, including roles in Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods and Lilyhammer.

Who did they pay tribute to?

Paying homage to a range of industry people, including broadcasters, costume designers, writers, actors and producers, the 2020 Emmys included Ben Stiller's actor father, Jerry Stiller, Glee's Naya Rivera, TV host Regis Philbin, Pitch Perfect actor Fred Willard, Lord of the Rings star Ian Holm, and Game of Thrones actress Diana Rigg in its tribute. It ended poignantly on Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, who died in August from colon cancer at the age of 43.

Famous faces forsaken

However, the Emmys are not the only awards show to fall foul of fan outrage over who is left out. The 2018 Oscars came under fire for not including Batman star, Adam West in their tribute, despite the fact he had starred in more than 50 films. And US actress Carol Channing wasn't included in the 2019 Oscars' In Memoriam, despite her Best Supporting Actress nomination in 1968 for her role in Thoroughly Modern Millie.

And this year, there was upset when Beverly Hills 90210 actor Luke Perry, who had recently enjoyed a career resurgence with roles in Riverdale and opposite Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, died aged 52, but was left out of the Oscar 2020 tribute.

‘We can’t include everyone’

Cordero was admitted to hospital in March, spending 95 days there succumbing to his illness. In April, Braff revealed that Cordero’s wife, actress-turned-motivational trainer Amanda Kloots, and young son, Elvis, had been living at his house.

Calling him "one of my best friends in the world", Braff told The Hollywood Reporter: "His wife and baby are living in my guest house and thank God they've been joined by her amazing brother and sister who are taking care of her and helping her with the baby. And we help them in any way we can, too."

A few days ago, Braff posted this video from Cordero's birthday last year:

However, it appears Braff was unable to convince the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to include Cordero in the tribute, with Hollywood awards shows In Memoriam sections being likened to final publicity campaigns, owing to the behind-the-scenes lobbying that often takes place for inclusion.

Braff later posted a statement from the Emmys, which said: "Those involved in the In Memoriam selection process are very aware of the sad passing of Mr Cordero due to the coronavirus and we assure her that his name has been given every consideration for inclusion.

"With so many passing in any given year, we simply cannot ensure any particular individual is included, nor do we release the names of those included prior to the telecast."

Zach Braff and Nick Cordero:

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