TV producer Norman Lear, known for his legendary work, passes away at the age of 101.
According to CBS News, Norman Lear, a renowned TV producer known for his revolutionary shows like “All in the Family,” “Maude,” “The Jeffersons,” and “One Day at a Time,” passed away at the age of 101.
Starting out as a writer for radio and television after World War II, Lear was behind numerous successful shows in the 1970s that pushed boundaries in the world of broadcast entertainment and left a lasting impact on a generation. His programs fearlessly addressed important societal issues, many of which had never been portrayed on television before, including racism, sexual assault, abortion, menopause, LGBTQ+ rights, and religion.
Lear’s breakthrough show, “All in the Family,” first aired on CBS in 1971 and featured Carroll O’Connor as the brash and opinionated Archie Bunker. The show depicted Archie’s clashes with his liberal son-in-law, Michael (portrayed by Rob Reiner), while his wife, Edith (played by Jean Stapleton), attempted to maintain harmony.
In a 2021 interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” Lear expressed that individuals from all political beliefs were able to find common ground through the show.
He expressed to CBS News’ primary medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, who is married to Lear’s daughter, Kate, that he believes they witnessed the foolishness of the human condition.
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Despite the potentially contentious topic, the audience was united through laughter. During rehearsals, unexpected moments of humor brought the cast together, and watching a group of people laugh as one during a performance was a profoundly spiritual experience for Lear.
My life’s soundtrack has been filled with laughter.
The series aired for nine seasons, received 22 Emmy Awards, and held the top spot in ratings for five years in a row. Starting in 1979, a spin-off series titled “Archie Bunker’s Place” aired for four additional seasons.
The popular show “All in the Family” was succeeded by the controversial spin-offs “Maude” starring Bea Arthur and “The Jeffersons” starring Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley. These shows not only provided entertainment, but also tackled important issues such as women’s liberation and race, reaching millions of households. Another sitcom, “One Day at a Time,” featured Bonnie Franklin as a divorced woman facing challenges of sexism, chauvinism, and infidelity while raising her two teenage daughters.
Lear’s successful television shows also featured “Sanford and Son” (starring comedian Redd Foxx) and “Good Times,” which made history with predominantly Black casts but also received criticism for perpetuating racial stereotypes.
He was responsible for the creation of “Mary Hartman, Marty Hartman,” a satirical take on soap operas featuring Louise Lasser. He also served as executive producer for “Hot l Baltimore,” which was adapted from Lanford Wilson’s stage play about a dilapidated hotel and featured characters such as prostitutes, undocumented immigrants, and a same-sex couple.
On July 27, 1922, in Hartford, Connecticut, Norman Lear was born. However, his childhood was not filled with happiness. At the age of 9, his father was imprisoned for selling counterfeit bonds and his mother sent him to live with his grandparents.
He subsequently stated that his father was the source of inspiration for Archie Bunker.
My goal was to demonstrate that humor can be found in any situation. I never saw him as a hater, but rather as someone who was afraid of change and advancement.Lear told
In 2017, Gayle King, co-host of “CBS This Morning”, was mentioned.
When he was a young man, he received a scholarship to attend Emerson College in Boston. However, he left school to serve in World War II. He joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and completed 52 combat missions over Germany and Italy.
Following the war, he relocated to Hollywood and experienced significant growth in his career within the entertainment business. By the start of the 1970s, he had achieved a level of success and impact that few others could match.
Lear’s production company was responsible for well-known films such as “Stand By Me,” “The Princess Bride,” and “Fried Green Tomatoes” on the large screen. He received an Academy Award nomination for co-writing the screenplay for the 1968 comedy “Divorce American Style.”
He used his films to address political and social concerns, which in turn motivated him to become involved in liberal movements. In 1981, he helped establish the nonprofit organization People For the American Way, which works towards promoting progressive ideas and reducing the conflicts and tension within the country.
In a 2022 opinion piece for the New York Times, Lear expressed his hope for America, stating that while he may be discouraged by the current state of politics, courts, and culture, he maintains faith in the country and its potential, reflecting on the progress that has been made.
2016 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Throughout his extensive profession, Lear accumulated numerous accolades, such as six Emmys, a Golden Globe, and the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.2017 Kennedy Center Honors
In 1984, he was honored with induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
The website of Norman Lear made a promise that he has no intention of retiring, which he kept by continuing to work on new projects even in his 90s. One of these projects was the reboot of “One Day at a Time” on Netflix in 2017, featuring Rita Moreno. In 2019 and 2020, he collaborated with Jimmy Kimmel to air live performances of iconic episodes of “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Good Times,” which both received Emmys for Outstanding Variety Special.
However, while shedding light on the issue of discrimination, he frequently encountered discrimination himself. In 2016, he faced discrimination firsthand.
I had a conversation with “Sunday Morning”.
The topic discussed is the limited representation of older individuals on television, often being typecast as quirky neighbors or humorous grandparents. The speaker expresses frustration with the lack of relatable content for their age group, highlighting the absence of shows that depict their experiences, perspectives, and challenges.
After creating a show called “Guess Who Died?” that takes place in a retirement community, the pilot received no interest from network executives.
1990 interview,
In a 1990 interview, he clarified.2019 interview
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He frequently mentioned that he was guided by the motto, “I can learn from every person because they are my superior.”
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In July of 2022, Lear shared that his longevity can be attributed to “love and laughter”. He also expressed the significance of love in his life, stating, “The individuals I have loved and who have loved me in return. I cannot stress that enough. I have been nurtured and have also shown care, and I believe it has greatly impacted me.”
Source: cbsnews.com