“All in the Family” creator, Norman Lear, has passed away at the age of 101. The iconic screenwriter and producer was responsible for many groundbreaking series throughout his career. Such as, “Maude,” “The Jeffersons,” “One Day at a Time,” “Good Times,” and “Sanford and Sons.”
A family spokesperson, Lara Bergthold, state that Lear died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home.
Norman Lear’s Early Years
The TV sitcom genius was born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 27, 1922. Prior to flying 52 combat missions of Europe during World World II, Lear attended Emerson College.
After returning from war, he started his successful career in writing and producing television programs. With shows like “The Colgate Comedy Hour, and “The Martha Raye Show,” Lear captivated the heart of 120 million viewers per week.
Subsequently, his iconic shows became a major hit in the 1970s and 1980s. Upon seeing the rise of the radical religious right, Lear placed his TV career on hold to found People For The American Way. Today, his organization has over one million members and activists. All of whom stand up against right-wing extremism as they defend constitutional values like:
- Free expression,
- Religious liberty,
- Equal justice under the law,
- And the right to meaningfully participate in America’s democracy.
Remembering a Legend
In a Facebook post on his official page his family announced his death.
It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end.
Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music. But it was people—those he just met and those he knew for decades—who kept his mind and heart forever young.
As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
Since his death announcement, condolences, prayers, and tributes have flooded the internet. In response to the family’s post, Steven Kunes wrote, “I knew this day would come but was hoping not for another ten years. The man who waved a magic wand and gave me the career I’d dreamed of since childhood has left for a very special corner of heaven.”
No doubt already having a cigar with Carl Reiner and Jimmy Durante and Carroll O’Connor and all the other comedy magicians. It will be strange not to be able to call him up and run a line by him, or just to talk. So Norman, once you settle into your new digs and have some time to catch up reading social media posts, I want you to know how much I love you and that I’ll miss you for the rest of my life. I hope you’re one of the five people I meet in heaven. Sweet dreams old friend…until we meet again…
Loren Gold stated, “There will never be another man like Norman Lear. The last of his generation. A pure genius and wonderful human being on top of everything else. Thank you for the laughs, and touching on subjects no one else dared to approach.” Others spoke about how they had the chance to meet him.
Farewell to the incomparable Norman Lear, a trailblazer who challenged norms and shifted the paradigm through the laughter and lessons you've shared. It was an honor to be a small part of your impact and to witness it in my lifetime. To a legacy and life well-lived, thank you… pic.twitter.com/lL5LCZgfb4
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) December 6, 2023
Gone But Not Forgotten
Lear’s comedic ways and casual style is something that will stick in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. Lear leaves behind, his wife, children, grandchildren, and various other family members. May he rest in peace and his family find solace.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CBS News: Norman Lear, legendary TV producer, dies at age 101
NBC News: Norman Lear, boundary-breaking TV master behind ‘All in the Family’ and progressive activist, dies at 101
IMDb: Norman Lear Biography
Norman Lear; The Back Story
Featured Image by Bret Hartman / TED Courtesy of TED Conference‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image by Ralph Alswang Courtesy of Brookings Institution‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
