Daytime Emmy Awards In Memoriam Honors Eric Bauza, Hayden Panettiere, and Anthony Geary in Emotional Ceremony Tribute

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards paid tribute to several of daytime television‘s most memorable figures during an emotional “In Memoriam” segment in Los Angeles. The ceremony honored late performers including voice artist Eric Bauza, prime-time and soap alumna Hayden Panettiere, long-running soap icon Anthony Geary, and daytime star Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Broadcast live on YouTube, the tribute highlighted the extensive creative legacies of performers who shaped daytime serials and classic animation. Their careers spanned decades of landmark television moments, drawing heartfelt acknowledgments from peers across the entertainment industry.

The segment opened with an emotional salute to Bauza, whose sudden passing left the television community mourning a master of animation.

Remembering Eric Bauza: The Modern Voice of Classic Animation

The “In Memoriam” presentation began with a spotlight on Bauza, the acclaimed Canadian voice actor who brought Looney Tunes figures like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, and Marvin the Martian to new generations. Bauza died at age 46 of hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

During his celebrated career, Bauza earned five Daytime Emmy nominations and took home three trophies. He also earned Bugs Bunny his first-ever Emmy recognition in 2022 for an outstanding voice performance in a Looney Tunes production.

“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.

Eric Bauza

The presenter underscored how Bauza carried forward characters first established by voice acting legend Mel Blanc, keeping timeless animation staples relevant for contemporary viewers.

Honoring Hayden Panettiere’s Daytime Roots

The tribute also commemorated actress Hayden Panettiere, who died at age 36 after being discovered unresponsive at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office ruled her death accidental, citing the toxic effects of multiple drugs, including fentanyl, and local police have closed the investigation.

Hayden Panettiere attends the 2022 amfAR Gala Los Angeles at Pacific Design Center on November 03, 2022 in West Hollywood, California.

While globally recognized for prime-time hits such as Heroes and Nashville, Panettiere built the foundation of her acting career on daytime television. As a child star, she earned acclaim on classic soap operas including Guiding Light and One Life to Live.

“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” the actress’ rep said in a statement.

Daytime Drama Legends: Anthony Geary and Robert Kelker-Kelly

The broadcast dedicated significant moments to iconic soap opera leading men who defined serial storytelling for millions of daytime viewers.

Anthony Geary

Anthony Geary, who originated the role of Luke Spencer on General Hospital in 1978, was remembered following his death at age 78 due to complications from surgery. Alongside Genie Francis as Laura, Geary formed one half of television’s most famous supercouple, setting unprecedented viewing records for daytime television.

“It was a shock for me and our families and our friends,” Geary’s husband, Claudio Gama, stated following his passing. “For more than 30 years, Tony has been my friend, my companion, my husband.”

Robert Kelker-Kelly

The academy also honored Days of our Lives star Robert Kelker-Kelly, who died at age 62 from arteriosclerotic heart disease. A professional pilot, Kelker-Kelly experienced left arm and chest pain while returning home from Spirit Airport with his wife, Allison Kelly, shortly before his death.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About the Daytime Emmys

A widespread assumption among casual television viewers is that the Daytime Emmy Awards exclusively spotlight traditional soap opera performers. However, the scope of the ceremony encompasses all aspects of daytime broadcasting, from morning talk programs and syndicated courtroom series to children’s educational series and classic daytime animation.

The inclusion of figures like Bauza alongside soap veterans demonstrates the broad tent of daytime production, honoring creators whose voices shaped daytime programming across several decades.

Competition Highlights and Show Leaders

Alongside the solemn memorial tribute, the ceremony celebrated competitive daytime productions across multiple major categories:

• The Young and the Restless led all contenders with a commanding 18 nominations.
• Newcomer series Beyond the Gates made a strong debut showing with 16 nominations.
• Longtime medical drama General Hospital captured 13 nominations.
• Veteran drama Days of Our Lives secured eight nominations across key categories.

💬 The enduring impact of these daytime icons continues to resonate with loyal soap fans and animation viewers across the country.

✨ Which of these unforgettable performances shaped your own television memories over the years?

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments below and share your favorite daytime memories.