Norman Lear, the legendary writer and producer behind such sitcoms as All in the Family, Maude, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, and Good Times, died on Tuesday, December 5, at the age of 101, leading to an outpouring of tributes those within and outside of the entertainment industry.
While Lear worked as a comedy writer in the '50s and '60s, he truly broke out in the '70s when he developed CBS' All in the Family, based on the British sitcom Till Death to Us Part. It would set a precedent for Lear; not only did his shows earn laughs, but they were also bold enough to tackle fraught subjects that others wouldn't at the time. All in the Family took on issues like racism, feminism, fertility and miscarriage struggles, and much more, all while touching on headlines of the time like the Vietnam War.
All in the Family ran for nine seasons from 1971-1979 before continuing as a continuation, Archie Bunker's Place, from 1979-1983. It also, of course, inspired a number of spinoffs, including Maude (from which Good Times would spin off) and The Jeffersons.
Lear was particularly prolific during this time, also developing Sanford and Son for NBC (1972-77) and One Day at a Time (1975-84) for CBS, both of which would also become ratings hits and TV classics.
And while he no doubt shaped primetime sitcoms of the '70s, his work wasn't limited to TV, either. Lear also executive produced films like The Princess Bride and Fried Green Tomatoes, and his screenplay for Divorce American Style earned him an Oscar nomination.
CBS itself, which was home to most of Lear's sitcoms, was among the first in the industry to pay tribute to Lear with a statement, writing:
Norman Lear’s profound influence on television will never be forgotten. He was a creative icon whose comedic and courageous perspective on the America he loved had an immeasurable impact on our network, our viewers and television overall.
His funny, realistic and fearless approach to storytelling rang true in his sharp writing and rich characters. He redefined the sitcom by introducing topics that had previously been avoided, including race, poverty and sexism. And he did it all with wit and heart, making it relatable to millions of Americans.
Norman’s broad impact on our industry is surpassed only by his personal influence on the lives of the innumerable people he touched at every level of our business. He also remained a passionate advocate for equality and justice throughout his remarkable life.
We extend our deepest condolences to Norman’s beloved family. His legacy will forever touch the medium we all love.
Also, in an unprecedented move, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and The CW will all simulcast an on-air in memoriam card tonight at 8:00 PM, ET/PT in tribute of Lear.
Tributes were quick to pour out on social media, with various celebrities and filmmakers coming out to share their words of remembrance.
"His shows shaped my childhood and getting to know him was one of my greatest honors," Jennifer Aniston wrote on her Instagram, in part. "He made such a difference. A huge impact on television and humanity. He was able to tackle and discuss heated political conversations during difficult and charged times and we were able to laugh and learn."
"Goodnight Norman. Love you," wrote Jon Stewart on X/Twitter. "Thanks for raising me."
Goodnight Norman. Love you. Thanks for raising me.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) December 6, 2023
"What an amazing life that has given so much to us all," said Billy Crystal. "He used laughter as a way to look at ourselves. A blessing to have been his friend for almost 50 yrs."
We have lost a giant..a man of great humor and dignity. What an amazing life that has given so much to us all. He used laughter as a way to look at ourselves. A blessing to have been his friend for almost 50 yrs. pic.twitter.com/qlH339kD22
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) December 6, 2023
Jimmy Kimmel, who worked with Lear on a number of projects over the years, paid tribute in the following statement to THR:
“It is obviously silly to want more time with a person who outlived a whole century but losing Norman Lear, even at 101 years old, feels unfair. His bravery, integrity and unmatched moral compass were equaled by his kindness, empathy, and wit. Norman was very proud of the fact that the so-called Reverend Jerry Falwell dubbed him, ‘The number one enemy of the American family.’ The opposite was true. More than anyone before him, Norman used situation comedy to shine a light on prejudice, intolerance, and inequality. He created families that mirrored ours, showing us a world in which Archie Bunker and Michael Stivic could learn to not only co-exist, but to love one another. As a young man, Technical Sergeant Lear flew 52 combat missions over Nazi Germany. He continued to fight for freedom all the way to the end of his life on earth. Even at 101, Norman cared as much about the future, our children, and planet as anyone I have ever known. He was a great American, a hero in every way and so funny, smart, and lovely man you almost couldn’t believe it. The privilege of working alongside Norman and the opportunity he gave me and my wife to get to know him and his beautiful family has been among the great honors and pleasures of my life. We were all very lucky to have him.”
In a statement provided to Deadline, George Clooney wrote, “It’s hard to reconcile that at 101 years old, Norman Lear is gone too soon. The entire world of reason just lost its greatest advocate and our family lost a dear friend. A giant walked in his shoes.”
Lear's frequent collaborator Rob Reiner wrote on X/Twitter, "I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family."
I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 6, 2023
Tyler Perry shared on Instagram a sweet story of getting to meet Lear, also writing, "A hero and someone who inspired me to try and bring as much laughter to the world as he bought to the little boy that I was. You sir are truly one of one! I’m so glad we were on the planet at the same time."
Per Deadline, Jane Fonda wrote in a statement, "Today is a very sad day. Norman Lear, a man who meant a lot to many on a personal level and who changed the face and soul of American comedy, has passed. My heart is heavy. I loved Norman."
You can see even more tributes to the TV icon from people like Mark Hamill, Shonda Rhimes, Stephen King, and more below.
R.i.p. Norman Lear. A master of story telling and a healer through his shows! He is what all of showbiz should be aspiring to. He is the consummate creative producer we have long abandoned in the industry. pic.twitter.com/svGWzG1CMj
— John Leguizamo (@JohnLeguizamo) December 6, 2023
I met Norman Lear in his 90s--a smart, good-humored man, full of laughter and anecdote. Without him, there would have been no STAND BY ME. Do yourself a favor and check out this nice little video.https://t.co/ThRPfNEvHe
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) December 6, 2023
He changed television forever with just one show.
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) December 6, 2023
Just the beginning of a legacy that will last FOREVER.
Thank you Norman Lear. ? https://t.co/crbLcLxwh1
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
I had the pleasure of spending time with this giant at his home in the Palisades several times. The words “legend” and “icon” get thrown around too much, but this guy was both. RIP, Norman Lear pic.twitter.com/pMpL3Ek8OK
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) December 6, 2023
RIP to the kind, funny trailblazer Norman Lear. The Platonic ideal of a life well-lived. pic.twitter.com/HiPQR75YqK
— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) December 6, 2023
RIP to Norman Lear
— John Cusack (@johncusack) December 6, 2023
I wax 16 when @robreiner and @TheNormanLear gave me my break in the biz - and treated me like a son - looked after me in such a kind loving way. that only in retrospect could I fully appreciate what great caring humans they are
Norman made you feel like a…
Thumbnail credit: Bob Riha Jr/Getty Images
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
