Lynn Shelton & Fred Willard Receive Posthumous Emmy Nominations

The late director Lynn Shelton and the late actor Fred Willard both earned posthumous Emmy nominations, which were announced on Tuesday morning.

This was Shelton’s first Emmy nomination; she was nominated in the category of Best Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special category for the final episode of Little Fires Everywhere, titled “Find a Way.”

Shelton died on May 16 at the age of 54 from a blood disorder.

Little Fires Everywhere earned five nominations overall including Kerry Washington’s nomination for Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.

Shelton’s parents, Wendy Roedell and David “Mac” Shelton responded to their daughter’s nomination and said “that Lynn is honored by the Television Academy is not only a tribute to her accomplishments as a director but her style of directing. Always in control but kind-hearted. Making the final decisions but always soliciting input from her co-workers. Co-workers, yes, that is how she regarded everyone on the set, from grips and gaffers and set and costume designers to the director of photography and the actors. This is an honor for the ultimate collaborationist who knew that she would produce her best if she teased the best out of her teammates.”

Marc Maron, Shelton’s partner, also spoke about her nomination. He tweeted, “I know for a FACT Lynn Shelton would be thrilled with her Emmy nomination for direction for LFE! Deserved. She was the real deal. Miss her. A lot.” He added the hashtag, #RIP, after the tweet.

Willard’s nomination for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series was his fifth Emmy nod. The actor died on May 15 of cardiac arrest; he was 86 years old.

His nomination was for his portrayal of Frank Dunphy, the father of Phil Dunphy played by Ty Burrell on Modern Family. Willard was particularly nominated for the episode titled “Legacy” in which his character died.

Willard’s past nominations were for the same category. In 2010 the actor was nominated for the same role and from 2003 to 2005 Willard was consecutively nominated for the role of Hank MacDougall on Everybody Loves Raymond.

The actor’s daughter, Hope Willard, tweeted in excitement after hearing the news of her father’s nomination. “Couldn’t be happier!” She said.