Chuck Norris’ ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Co-Star Reacts to Emmys In Memoriam Snub

Michelle SteinWed, September 16, 2026 at 12:59 PM UTC

5

WALKER, TEXAS RANGER, Chuck Norris and Judson Mills - Everett Collection

Chuck Norris‘ Walker, Texas Ranger co-star, Judson Mills, just issued a bold reaction to the 2026 Emmys In Memoriam snub.

On Monday, September 14, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards excluded Norris from its segment honoring  folks in the TV industry who died. The Way of the Dragon star died on March 19 at 86.

Mills, 57 — who played Francis Gage in Walker, Texas Ranger — spoke out about the snub during an interview with TMZ published on September 15.

“Tragic mistake. And I have to assume it was just a terrible mistake,” Mills told the outlet. “But my first thought was Gena and the family and his fans.”

Mills continued, “I’m confident Chuck would encourage forgiveness. He was an ‘it’s not all about me’ kind of guy. But for an icon of his stature who impacted not only Hollywood, but the entire world, to see him not receive recognition at all and to see the family not receive that recognition was disappointing.”

To conclude his thoughts on the Emmys snub, Norris’ former costar admitted, “It hurt my feelings for sure. He was a legend for God’s sake.”

In March, Mills penned an emotional tribute to Norris in the wake of his death, describing him as “like a second father.”

Advertisement

He wrote on Instagram, “Chuck was one of those rare individuals who was truly the icon he was made out to be — quiet, humble, kind, wise, and gentle. A giant among men who somehow always made you feel completely at ease, like he was just one of the gang. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. An American hero.”

Related

Chuck Norris' Twins Share Heartfelt Tributes After Famous Father's Death

Additionally, Mills called working with Norris “a true honor,” ranking it “among the greatest highlights of my life.”

He also pointed out, “There is something special that happens when you shoot a television show together every day — you form a bond unlike any other — and what we built on the set of Walker, Texas Ranger was something I will treasure forever.”

Walker, Texas Ranger aired for eight full seasons from 1993 to 2001. In addition to Norris and Mills, the series starred Clarence Gilyard Jr., Sheree J. Wilson, Noble Willingham, Nia Peeples, and more. A TV movie, Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire, premiered in 2005.

In 2021, a Walter, Texas Ranger reboot starring Jared Padalecki hit TV screens; it aired for four seasons, ending in 2024.

Walker, Texas Ranger, streaming on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Philo

Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”