Some sad news broke this morning. TV legend Norman Lear has passed away at the age of 101 of natural causes at his home.
“Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather,” Lear’s family said in a statement. “Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being."
Norman Lear leaves behind an iconic legacy.
Lear is best remembered as an iconic television creator and producer, having been the force behind shows like All in the Family, The Jefferson’s, Good Times, Sanford and Son, Maude, Diff’Rent Strokes, The Facts of Life, One Day at a Time, and so much more. He also had some film credits under his belt, including the Dick Van Dyke films Cold Turkey and Divorce American Style. The latter even got him an Oscar nomination.
Even in his late 90’s and 100’s, he wasn’t slowing down. He brought One Day at a Time back a few years ago for a successful Netflix reboot. He also became the oldest Emmy Award winner ever at 98 for his live specials that Jimmy Kimmel produced. Plus, he had been working on reboots of Good Times, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, and Who’s the Boss at the time of his death.
As far as people who shaped the television landscape goes, Lear is right there at the top.
