Tributes are pouring in from around Hollywood in response to the death of Norman Lear at 101.Photo:Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty
Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty
His family asked for privacy as they grieve. And in light of the tremendous loss, Lear’s friends, colleagues and fans have expressed their love for the Hollywood icon while extending their condolences on social media.
All in the FamilystarRob Reinershared a touchingmessageon X (formerly known as Twitter) as he called Lear his “second father.”
Carl Elwes, who worked with both Reiner and Lear on 1987’sThe Princess Bride, shared a lovelytributefor the late writer that began: “I am heartbroken 💔.”
(L-R) Jane Fonda and Norman Lear are pictured participating in Jane Fonda’s Fire Drill Friday at Los Angeles City Hall on February 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.Rachel Luna/Getty
Rachel Luna/Getty
In a statement to PEOPLE,Jane Fondareacted to the news, saying, “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.”
George Clooney, who starred in Lear’sThe Facts of Life, said in a statement to PEOPLE: “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.”
(L-R) Norman Lear and George Clooney are pictured in September 2005.A Rodriguez/BEI/Shutterstock
A Rodriguez/BEI/Shutterstock
“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,” Kimmel continued. “Even at 101, Norman cared as much about the future, our children, and planet or as anyone I have ever known.”
Kimmel added, “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.”
Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Kerry Washington and Brent Miller for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’".Eric McCandless via Getty
Eric McCandless via Getty
Perry, 54, said that Lear’s shows “were the only thing that brought laughter and joy to me as a child, who was living a daily nightmare,” as he shared that the writer inspired him to “try and bring as much laughter to the world as he bought to the little boy that I was” through his own work.
“You sir are truly one of one! I’m so glad we were on the planet at the same time. Thank you for your example,” he added. “Rest in peace my dear friend, I thank God for you. My prayers are with your family.”
Norman Lear gives Marisa Tomei a kiss on the cheek on set of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’".Eric McCandless via Getty
Viola Davisshared aphotowith Lear as she posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram, crediting him for changing “the face of television.”
“You understood that humor and pathos exist on the same playing field. You were a bastion of inclusivity,” she said. “The talent you discovered was unparalleled. You left something ‘in’ us, sir, and THAT is eternal. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. You did GOOD!! 🙏🏿❤️.”
Judd Apatowalso shareda tributeto Lear on social media alongside a photo of him, Lear,Dick Van DykeandMel Brooks.
“Every moment with Norman was special but this one topped them all. What an honor to be around people who devote their lives to making people happy,” he wrote.
Melissa RiverscreditedLear with leaving “an indelible mark on television, and on America,” as she shouted outAll in the Family,MaudeandGood Timesfor changing “the way we watched and laughed at sitcoms.”
Mia Farrowkept hertributeshort as she shared a photo of the writer and wrote, “Thank you Norman Lear 🙏.”
“The words ‘legend’ and ‘icon’ get thrown around too much, but this guy was both,”Kathy Griffinwrote on X.
Rita Morenoshared a heartfelt message to her dear friend as she wrote on Instagram, “I am cut to the quick and already lonesome for my dear friend, Norman. Our nation has lost a treasured looking glass. By his reflected wit we were disarmed enough to see our wrinkles. And he wasn’t promoting makeup but heart transplants.”
This is Spinal TapstarMichael McKeancredited Lear for the creation of the iconic ‘80s satirical film, as he noted that he “headed” Embassy Pictures at the time of the film’s production. “Would have liked him anyway. RIP, boss.”
Al Gorewroteon Twitter that “few people have had as unique and positive an impact on our culture as Norman Lear,” who he called “a dear friend.”
“He brought an incredible diversity of stories about American life into our living rooms, and in doing so, brought us together to laugh — not at one another, but with one another. His enduring sense of kindness and compassion meant that even at 101 years old, he never stopped working to make sure he left the world better off than when he found it, and I have no doubt that he succeeded.”
Nancy PelosirecognizedLear for his military service, too, as she remembered him as “legendary” and “a decorated veteran, a patriotic champion of our civil liberties and a towering titan of American culture.”
Sheryl Lee Ralphwroteon X, “RIP Norman Lear, who brought social commentary to the sitcom,” whileQuinta Brunsonsaid, “My Goat. What a life. Rest well, Norman Lear.”
William Shatnersent his “condolences to the family” of Lear onXwhile noting how the writer “contributed so much to American Television over the years.”
“How lucky are we? How lucky are we to have crossed timelines with Norman Lear?“Jane Lynchwrote in atweet. “How lucky am I to have grown up with All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Good Times, Maude and all the rest? #Blessed. Rest now, Norman.”
Ben StillerpraisedLear as “an incredibly influential & brilliant man” as well as “a champion for social justice.”
“I feel fortunate to have grown up in the time his shows became the standard for comedy on television. Also he was so humble & generous,” Stiller, 58, continued. “Respect. Rest in peace.”
Producer Norman Lear joins the cast of ‘The Jeffersons’ as they celebrate the taping of the 200th episode of the series.Bettmann Archive/Getty
Bettmann Archive/Getty
Mark Ruffaloreferred to Lear as a “progressive King” as he exalted the writer’s honesty about “the love, laughter and troubles we all share.”
John Cusackkept histributeshort and sweet as he wrote, “RIP to the great Norman Lear - Proud to call him a friend.”
“The world lost a legend last night,“Kerry Washingtonwrote in a post on Instagram as she reacted to the death of her friend. “My heart goes out to all his family, friends and countless fans. Dearest Norman, thank you for making us laugh, and think, and understand and LOVE each other more. ❤️ Thank you for using humor to make us better. Heaven just got a lot brighter. Love you. Rest in peace #NormanLear.”
Alec Baldwincalled Lear’s death and the world’s loss of his presence “incalculable” as hereflectedon the life of his “mentor.”
“With a legendary brilliance in his creative field, a dogged pursuit of truth and human rights in his political advocacy, and a warmth, wit and generosity to all who served with him on behalf of @peoplefor_ , this is the passing of a true giant in American life. Norman was a real mentor to me which I will never forget,” he added.
In atweet,Maria Shrivercalled Lear “a legendary figure in the entertainment world” who “always tried to make the larger world better.”
John Leguizamodescribed Lear as a “master of story telling and a healer through his shows” in atweet. “He is what all of showbiz should be aspiring to. He is the consummate creative producer we have long abandoned in the industry,” Leguizamo, 63, wrote.
Albert BrookscalledLear “the greatest of the greats” as he wrote in a tweet, “R.I.P. Norman lear. You were so loved.”
Al Jean, a writer who worked with Lear when he made a cameo onThe Simpsonsin 2017,saidthe actor “will be well and truly missed” as he described him as a “comedy colossus, tireless fighter for the little guy and a pleasure to know.”
Yvette Nicole Browndescribed the news of Lear’s death as “such sad news to wake up to” as she called the writer a “titan of this industry” in atweet. “He was always so lovely when I got to spend time in his presence,” she said.
SenatorCory Bookersaid Lear was “an artist and activist I’ve long-admired,” as he shared astoryfrom Lear’s childhood that had made an impact on his own life.
“I always used this story as inspiration. Thank you for making so many impactful ripples,” Booker wrote of the story Lear told about throwing rocks into a lake with his grandfather.
Norman Lear for the 2022 special “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’".Eric McCandless via Getty
Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-Inproducer George Schlatter told PEOPLE his friend Lear “really pushed the envelope,” adding, “He brought formerly taboo subjects into the conversation and made us think.”
“While we were laughing there was that ‘Oh, wait a minute” moment. What did he say?'” he shared. “By using humor, it took the onus off many topics that had been considered too controversial to be discussed openly.”
“He was also responsible for breaking down the many barriers we faced when we were trying to sellLaugh-In,“he added. “Norman would be really missed except for all the great shows he left behind. Because of that he will live on.”
“Another side of Norman was his passion for our country. He even bought a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence and spent 3 years touring the US reminding people of who we were and where we came from. "
“Over the years Norman and I talked a lot about what we got away with back then and how we were the only ones left,” He concluded. “He was a friend, contemporary and hell of a guy.”
Tony-nominated playwrightJeremy O. Harrispraised Lear for his role in encouraging and cultivating the next generation of creative writers, tweeting, “You were always so kind and curious with new writers and it’s one of the great honors of my life to have gotten to know you even a bit.”
Of Lear’s family, Harris added: “Your whole family was full of gems and thats bc you’re the crown jewel.”
Several members of the progressive advocacy group Lear founded, People for the American Way, spoke out in honor of him, too. In a press release, the foundation’s president Svante Myrick said the group is “heartbroken” at the loss.
Lara Bergthold, a co-chair of the group’s board, said of her friend: “Norman knew the power of culture to generate conversation, reach hearts, and change minds—and he was a master at using that power for good.”
Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, said that “there are no words to fully express the monumental impact and legacy that Norman Lear leaves behind.”
“He was an icon and the brilliant mind behind countless timely and meaningful shows that were full of heart and humor. He wasn’t afraid to take risks and was one of the most influential storytellers in television history,” Iger continued. “His passion went far beyond the screen as a veteran, philanthropist and social activist. Our hearts are with his wife, Lyn, his children and all those who knew and loved him. Norman, we thank you for the beautiful stories that transformed our industry and for making us laugh along the way.”
In a statement from CBS, the network began: “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.
CBS concluded, “We extend our deepest condolences to Norman’s beloved family. His legacy will forever touch the medium we all love.”
Also reflecting on Lear’s death was the Writers Guild of America East. “Norman Lear’s commitment to storytelling and social justice made him a pioneer in television. His ability to use humor to combat racism and prejudices showed his sense of decency. And his charitable work exemplified what it means to use your influence to make the world a better place,” the WGA East’s statement read.
“Upon being honored at the 2015 Writers Guild Awards for bringing honor and dignity to writers, Lear said, ‘Nobody enjoyed a greater, larger, longer collaboration than I with dozens of brilliant writers,'” the WGA East added. “We were lucky to call Norman Lear a peer. We were lucky to see his genius up close. We will miss him with all our hearts.”
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis issued a statement on the organization’s behalf, saying, “Norman Lear was a true pioneer whose legacy will forever be connected to including LGBTQ characters on television when no one else would.”
“With storylines on ‘All in the Family,’ ‘Maude,’ ‘The Jeffersons,’ the new ‘One Day at a Time,’ and the upcoming ‘Clean Slate’ starringLaverne Cox, Lear humanized the LGBTQ community for the millions of people who tuned in to watch his shows,” the statement continued. “Norman Lear made it a priority to champion LGBTQ creators and he pushed Hollywood to follow in his groundbreaking footsteps.”
Norman Lear’s “Live in Front of A Studio Audience” celebrated two groundbreaking sitcoms, “All in the Family” and “Good Times”.Eric McCandless via Getty
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Lear is best known for creating the groundbreaking comedy series,All in the Family, which broached social and political issues deemed controversial at the time of its 1971 premiere. It ran for eight years, earning 57 Emmy nominations and 22 wins, and marked the beginning of a prolific and decorated career as both a writer and producer for Lear.
source: people.com
