Viola Davis, Ryan Murphy announced as 2025 Hall of Fame inductees

CELEBRITY

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Actress Viola Davis is among the six people who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year.

Image: Instagram

The Television Academy is set to honour a group of television legends at the 27th Hall of Fame ceremony later this year.

This year's class marks the first inductee ceremony since 2022.

Inductees include an impressive list who represent the arts and have left an undeniable imprint on the industry. 

The ceremony will take place during the upcoming Televerse Festival on August 16, 2025, at the JW Marriott at LA LIVE.

Among the honorees are talk show host and comedian Conan O’Brien, legendary music composer Mike Post, prolific producer Ryan Murphy, and the late Don Mischer, alongside distinguished actors Viola Davis and Henry Winkler. 

These icons join the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Jane Fonda, Colin Farrell and Lucy Liu, among others.  

"These trailblazing performers, creators and producers have left an indelible mark on our industry. Their groundbreaking work has shaped and elevated the television landscape in profound ways," expressed Cris Abrego, chairperson of the Television Academy through a statement.

Alongside him, Rick Rosen, chairperson of the Hall of Fame selection committee, praised the inductees for their transformative leadership and innovative storytelling, stating: “All six honorees have elevated the art of storytelling and have had an extraordinary influence on television culture and history."

Since its inception in 1984, the Hall of Fame has welcomed over 150 prominent figures.  highlighting the Academy's commitment to honouring those who have made extraordinary contributions to television.

Here’s a closer look at the 2025 inductees:

Viola Davis: A trailblazing actress and advocate, Davis made history as the first black actress to win an Emmy for a leading role. Recently achieving EGOT status, her influence extends beyond performance into philanthropy and activism.

Ryan Murphy: The dynamic force behind cultural phenomena such as "Glee" and "American Horror Story", Murphy has garnered six Primetime Emmy Awards and added a Tony to his accolades. His work is celebrated for bringing diverse narratives and characters to mainstream audiences.

Conan O’Brien: An Emmy-winning writer and comedian, O’Brien boasts a 28-year career in late-night television, concluding with an 11-year run on TBS. He has been decorated with five Primetime Emmy Awards and is known for his influential tenure on "The Tonight Show".

Mike Post: Widely regarded as television’s most successful composer, Post, 80, has crafted the soundtracks for acclaimed series like "Law & Order" and "NYPD Blue". His Grammy-winning career has yielded numerous chart-topping themes that too have become synonymous with the programmes they represent.

Don Mischer: A stalwart in live event production, Mischer’s illustrious career includes directing notable ceremonies from the Emmys to Olympic events. His 13 Primetime Emmy Awards highlight his significant contributions to televised celebrations.

Henry Winkler: Best known for his role in "Happy Days", Winkler has over 100 television credits to his name. His journey culminated in an Emmy win in 2018, further solidifying his legacy in the industry.