After years of false reports and death hoaxes, legendary actor Abe Vigoda passed away Jan. 26 at the age of 94. Since Vigoda was best known for starring in the iconic film "The Godfather," people found it strange that he was left out of the "In Memoriam" segment at the 88th annual Academy Awards. His daughter Carol Vigoda Fuchs is particularly unhappy.
During the "In Memoriam" tribute, the Oscars paid homage to those in the business who died in the past year, but Vigoda was noticeably absent. As Fuchs watched the ceremony from her home with friends, she expected to see her father's face during the tribute slideshow, but was shocked when she realized he had gone unmentioned.
"I have to say it was very disappointing, and I feel that we were all cheated and I don't understand why," she told the New York Times. "I am assuming it was a mistake. This is the final curtain, this is the big one, and wow why no tribute?"
"Abe's family feels disappointed and cheated by the Academy," she also told the Associated Press. "Abe gave his life and heart to acting, and a simple tribute in recognition of his devotion was overlooked. The Academy made a mistake. It's an injustice."
She went on to explain that the Academy had not yet contacted her for the mistake and that she would not be going out of her way to get an explanation from them. She believes it is up to his fans and others in the industry to make this happen.
Since she spoke out, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the following statement: "Abe Vigoda is among the many worthy artists and filmmakers we were unfortunately unable to feature in the In Memoriam segment of this year's Oscars show. Vigoda is, however, included in our In Memoriam gallery on Oscar.com."
Vigoda was not the only late Hollywood star who wasn't featured. Several other actors - including Geoffrey Lewis, Tony Burton, Joan Leslie and George Gaynes - were also noticeably snubbed. Lewis' daughter, Juliette Lewis, also made a point to express her feelings about the incident.
"I know @TheAcademy didn't mean to overlook my dad #GeoffreyLewis in the memorium. Who was beloved by so many," she tweeted Sunday night, later adding, "@TheAcademy it was an obvious oversite not mentioning my father #GeoffreyLewis beloved by all. At the end of the day its just a tv show."
