John Legend pays tribute to Bob Saget, Betty White, Ray Liotta, Anne Heche and more at Emmy Awards
John Legend paid tribute to late Hollywood luminaries including Bob Saget, Betty White, Ray Liotta and Anne Heche at the Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday with a performance of his new song Pieces.
The 43-year-old singer wore a black suit and played piano during the In Memoriam segment of the awards ceremony held at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
Anthony Anderson, 52, introduced John after quoting William Shakespeare's famous speech from his comedy As You Like It that begins with 'All the world's a stage'.
In memoriam: John Legend paid tribute to late Hollywood luminaries including Bob Saget, Betty White, Ray Liotta and Anne Heche at the Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday with a performance of his new song Pieces
'As we acknowledge the legends within our industry who have passed on we celebrate all that they've created and shared with the world. May they rest in peace and power,' Anthony said.
John played the opening notes of Pieces on piano as a video showed TV pioneer Betty, who died last December at age 99, delivering a touching acceptance speech.
The Grammy-winning singer belted out the opening lyrics as images of late English actor David Warner were shown behind him.
Bosom Buddies and Newhart star Peter Scolari who died last October at age 66 also was shown early in the tribute and drew applause from the audience.
Pieces song: The 43-year-old singer wore a black suit and played piano while singing the mournful song Pieces about learning to love again after grief
All actors: Anthony Anderson, 52, introduced John after quoting William Shakespeare's famous speech from his comedy As You Like It that begins with 'All the world's a stage'
On piano: John was accompanied by a few string players as he performed Pieces during the In Memoriam segment
John continued singing as the backdrop honored Welcome Back Kotter writer George Yanok and performers Tony Dow and Howard Hesseman.
The Pieces song contained the mournful lyrics, 'Wasn't it you, who told me that grief was a teacher, And everything you ever loved would leave you, Leave you alone? And the only thing you can do is pick up the pieces, Let your broken heart learn.'
CNN anchor Bernard Shaw who died last week at age 82 was among those honored along with legendary NFL coach John Madden.
The audience in Los Angeles was treated to a voice-over by beloved Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully and Star Trek legend Nichelle Nichols also was heard in a voice-over.
Hollywood stars: John continued singing as the backdrop honored Welcome Back Kotter writer George Yanok and performers Tony Dow and Howard Hesseman
Football legend: John Madden also was honored for his work as a commentator after winning the Super Bowl as coach of the Oakland Raiders
Beloved announcer: The audience in Los Angeles was treated to a voice-over by beloved Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully
Sci-fi star: The late Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame also was heard in a voice-over
The late Bob Saget drew applause as a clip from Full House played and he was seen offering sage life advice.
James Caan also was shown briefly talking about his love for his family and late comedian Gilbert Gottfried was shown flashing his wide smile.
Dean Stockwell, Tony Sirico and director Jean-Marc Vallee also were remembered along with Michael Nesmith of the Monkees and the TV series The Monkees.
Family first: James Caan also was shown briefly talking about his love for his family
Funny guy: Comedian Gilbert Gottfried was shown flashing his wide smile during the tribute
The faces of Louie Anderson and Anne Heche, who died last month at age 53 following a horrific car crash, were then shown as John continued his song about learning to love again after grief.
Paul Sorvino and Ray Liotta were then shown followed by Sidney Poitier, who died in January at age 94.
'My life has had more than a few wonderful, indescribable turns. And I have lived them,' Poitier said in a voice-over from the documentary 'Sidney' that will premiere on September 23 on the Apple TV+ streaming service.
John performed Pieces from his new album Legend that he released on Friday.
Late actress: Anne Heche, who died last month at age 53 following a horrific car crash, also was honored during the segment
True legend: Sidney Poitier, who died in January at age 94, was the last to be honored
Upon arrival: John wore a white suit upon arrival with wife Chrissy Teigen to the awards ceremony in downtown Los Angeles
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