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These Stars Were Omitted From the 2023 Oscars ‘In Memoriam’ Tribute

Photo Credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images

The Oscars’ ‘In Memoriam’ segment is always one of the show’s highlights, as it honors the many skilled film professionals who passed away in the last year. It’s understandable that not everyone can be included as time is limited, but viewers are always surprised when their personal favorites are left out. These six celebrities were excluded from the 2023 show.

Paul Sorvino

Actor Paul Sorvino was one of many people excluded from the ‘In Memorium,’ much to the disappointment of his daughter Mira. She took to Twitter to express her feelings, saying, “It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out. The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!!”

Paul Sorvino in a black suit and bow tie.
Paul Sorvino attends the 2008 Venetian Ball held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, October 10, 2008. (Photo Credit: George Pimentel/ WireImage/ Getty Images)

He was best known for taking on roles of both law enforcement and criminals in works like Goodfellas and Law & Order. While he primarily stood out in supporting roles, he was cast as the lead in Oh, God! and the 1972 play That Championship Season. He died on July 25, 2022, at the age of 83.

Tom Sizemore

Tom Sizemore was best known for his roles in Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, and Heat. Although he became a well-known name, he also struggled with substance abuse for much of his life, eventually entering rehabilitation for addiction. He was featured on two different reality shows that followed his recovery, Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, and Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House. 

Tom Sizemore smiling in a black jacket and light shirt.
Tom Sizemore visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City, September 24, 2014. (Photo Credit: Robin Marchant/ Getty Images)

He was working right up until his death. On February 18, 2023, Sizemore suffered a brain aneurysm and was immediately rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles to receive treatment. Unfortunately, there was no chance of recovery. His family had to make the difficult decision to stop further care. He died on March 3, 2023.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche was a renowned actress who was featured across many mediums: film, television, and theater. She made a name for herself on the soap opera Another World, eventually moving on to popular movies like Volcano, Wag the Dog, and Brasco. 

Anne Heche smiling while wearing a strapless blue dress.
Anne Heche arriving at the 2015 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, February 21, 2015. (Photo Credit: Axelle/ Bauer-Griffin/ FilmMagic/ Getty Images)

She was only 53 years old when she died. On August 5, 2022 she was driving her car when she crashed it into a house while speeding. Although she was taken to a hospital in Los Angeles, her injuries were too extensive. Tragically, she died on August 11, never regaining consciousness after the accident.

Leslie Jordan

Leslie Jordan and his cheery face will be greatly missed. Best known for playing Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace, he also joined the American Horror Story franchise later in his career, playing many different characters. Although he was already popular, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to join Instagram and earned entirely new fans with over 5.8 million followers.

Leslie Jordan in a black suit with a bow tie.
Leslie Jordan arrives for the White House Correspondents Association Gala at the Washington Hilton Hotel, April 30, 2022. (Photo Credit: Stefani Reynolds/ AFP/ Getty Images)

On October 24, 2022, at 67 years old, Jordan died. It was reported that he crashed his car into the side of a building while driving to work on Call Me Kat. Concerns arose when he didn’t arrive for filming, and the crew was told about the accident. According to the coroner’s report, the cause of death was “sudden cardiac dysfunction.”

Charlbi Dean

Perhaps the most surprising omission from the ‘In Memoriam’ segment was Charlbi Dean, given that she starred in the 2023 Best Picture nominee, Triangle of Sadness. Although not yet a well-known actress, this was supposed to be her breakout role as her acting received a lot of praise.

Charlbi Dean in a white dress with her hair tied up.
Charlbi Dean attends the photocall for Triangle Of Sadness during the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals, May 22, 2022. (Photo Credit: Samir Hussein/ WireImage/ Getty Images)

Sadly, she died at only 32 years old following a visit to a New York City hospital. She went in on August 29, 2022, because she was feeling unwell, and passed away a few hours later when her symptoms got worse. After an autopsy, it was revealed that she had bacterial sepsis which caused her death.

Robert Blake

Robert Blake was best known for two of his roles, In Cold Blood in 1967, and Baretta during the 1970s. Yet the fame from these jobs pales in comparison to the notoriety that he earned from allegedly slaying his second wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, in 2001. He was initially acquitted but was later found liable for wrongful death. He died only three days before the 95th Academy Awards, on March 9, 2023.

Robert Blake holding a parrot on his arm.
Robert Blake as Baretta, and his cockatoo, Fred, from the television show Baretta, c. 1976. (Photo Credit: ABC Television/ Wikimedia Commons/ Public Domain)

Despite this tight turnaround, he could have been included in the segment if the producers wanted to. In reality, they probably left him out on purpose. Even Jimmy Kimmel joked about the absence, saying, “Everybody please get out your phones, it is time to vote, even at home, if you think Robert Blake should be included in the “In Memoriam” montage, text “GIMME-A-Blake,” to the number on your screen or any number.”

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Aside from Blake, each of these actors, despite not making the televised ‘In Memoriam’ list, was featured on the Oscars website.

Rosemary Giles

Rosemary Giles is a history content writer with Hive Media. She received both her bachelor of arts degree in history, and her master of arts degree in history from Western University. Her research focused on military, environmental, and Canadian history with a specific focus on the Second World War. As a student, she worked in a variety of research positions, including as an archivist. She also worked as a teaching assistant in the History Department.

Since completing her degrees, she has decided to take a step back from academia to focus her career on writing and sharing history in a more accessible way. With a passion for historical learning and historical education, her writing interests include social history, and war history, especially researching obscure facts about the Second World War. In her spare time, Rosemary enjoys spending time with her partner, her cats, and her horse, or sitting down to read a good book.

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