X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Jack Klugman's Son Upset by Cory Monteith's Emmys In Memoriam Tribute

Jack Klugman's son is very upset with The Odd Couple star's exclusion from the special Emmys in memoriam tribute, which includes a special honor to Glee star Cory Monteith, who died of a drug overdose in July.

unnamed.jpg
Sadie Gennis

Jack Klugman's son is very upset with The Odd Couple star's exclusion from the special Emmys in memoriam tribute, which includes a special honor to Glee star Cory Monteith, who died of a drug overdose in July.

Adam Klugman told The Los Angeles Times, "They're celebrating this self-inflicted tragedy instead of celebrating the life of my father, who won three Emmys.... Cory Monteith never won an Emmy."

Remember celebs we've lost this year

In a statement, Emmys executive producer Ken Ehlich defended the decision to include Monteith: "Every generation of television viewers has its favorites, and when we decided to expand the 'In Memoriam' segment to remember certain individuals, we wanted these pieces to be representative as well. To a younger generation, Cory Monteith's portrayal of Finn Hudson was highly admired, and the producers felt that he should be included along with the four other individuals we have singled out."

Adam, however, remains unpersuaded. "Let's call this what it is. They're doing this because they think they're gonna get a younger generation of viewers to watch.

Fall TV: Check out all the must-see new shows

In addition to Monteith, the special in memoriam will also feature nods to James GandolfiniJonathan Winters, Family Ties creator Gary David Goldberg and Jean Stapleton. Klugman will be honored in a group remembrance that will air during the Emmys live broadcast Sunday (8/7c, CBS).

Jack Klugman enjoyed a successful career for over five decades, during which he earned Emmys for his leading roles in The Defenders and The Odd Couple. He died in December at the age of 90.

Do you think Jack Klugman should have been included in the special memoriam?