Matthew Rhys Wins Two Lead Actor Emmys, 'In Memoriam' Segment Honors Dolly Parton

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In Short: Welsh actor Matthew Rhys made history at the Emmy Awards, becoming the first to win two lead acting prizes in one night.

Matthew Rhys made history at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming the first person to win two lead acting prizes in a single night. Rhys was named best lead actor in a limited series for "The Beast In Me" and best lead actor in a comedy for "Widow's Bay," marking a significant milestone in his career.

The Emmys' "In Memoriam" segment, which typically honors deceased television personalities, hit harder than usual this year. It began with a heartfelt tribute to Catherine O’Hara and Rob Reiner, and included a special humanitarian award for Michael J. Fox. The segment also honored Dolly Parton, who passed away last month at the age of 80, with a touching tribute from Reba McEntire and Sally Field.

Noah Kahan performed during the "In Memoriam" segment, adding a somber yet emotional tone to the ceremony. The segment also honored a variety of other notable figures, including director James Burrows, actors Louise Lasser, Vincent Pastore, and Anthony Geary, and fashion designer Bob Mackie, who passed away just hours before the show.

Despite the emotional tributes, some social media users expressed disappointment that certain actors, including Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," were not included in the "In Memoriam" segment. This year's segment, as always, faced criticism for its difficult judgment calls regarding who should be honored.

The ceremony also celebrated other winners, including Jean Smart, Allison Janney, and Stephen Colbert. The event, which gathered actors, executives, and creatives from across the television industry, highlighted the best programs of the year and honored the contributions of those who have passed away.

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A small number of actors, including Alan Alda, Sally Field, John Goodman, Elisabeth Moss and Ted Danson, have previously been nominated for two lead acting prizes in the same year, but Rhys is the first to score a double win.
“He was generous and kind and funny as hell and a friend to all.” Noah Kahan performed during In Memoriam #Emmys pic.twitter.com/M1x1Vh1P23 Earlier in the Emmys broadcast, there was a stand-alone tribute to Dolly Parton, who died last month of cancer at age 80.
“Last week, Robbie won an Emmy for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his beautiful work on The Bear,” Curtis said, her voice thick with emotion.
The speech reflected her own lineage as the daughter of actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.
Doubly so on Emmy Monday, as the Welsh actor took home his first-ever Emmy in a Comedy category on Monday night, winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of the small-town’s striving leader.
He’s been nominated for eight Emmys total (including his 2017 nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his turn in “Girls,” his first comedy nod).
As customary, the show featured an “In Memoriam” segment to honor these individuals.

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