Norman Lear, the renowned television producer known for creating groundbreaking series like "The Jeffersons" and "All in the Family," passed away on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. He died of natural causes, surrounded by his family.
Dr. Jon LaPook, Lear's son-in-law and CBS News chief medical correspondent, shared that in Lear's final moments, the family gathered around his bed to honor his life through music. They sang songs from his favorite show, "Les Misérables," as well as themes from his own TV shows.
During the rendition of "Movin' On Up," the iconic theme song from "The Jeffersons," LaPook, who was also Lear's doctor, felt overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.
"When we were singing 'Well we're movin' on up to the east side,' and then when I heard myself say, 'to a deluxe apartment in the sky,' I just lost it because he's going to some to a deluxe apartment in the sky," said LaPook.
Despite facing illness, Lear's final years were characterized by his "engaged curiosity," a quality that defined the interactions he had with people from all walks of life, whether famous or not, according to LaPook.
Dr. LaPook, who served as Lear's doctor and family member, made it his priority to ensure a peaceful end for Lear. He wanted Lear to have a "gentle landing" that was free of pain and filled with love.
Reflecting on their over 40 years of friendship and learning together, Dr. LaPook described Lear as one of his best friends.
LaPook also shared how Lear's philosophy of "over and next" has had a profound impact on him.
"Through him, I can hear myself. When something is over, it's over, and it's on to the next... It's the best definition of living in the moment that he could think of," said Dr. LaPook. "Appreciating the moment" is one of the valuable lessons he learned from Lear throughout the years.
Lear, who began his career as a writer for radio and TV after World War II, created a series of successful shows in the 1970s that became iconic for a generation. Some of his notable works include "All in the Family," "Maude," and "One Day at a Time."
In a remarkable display of respect for Norman Lear's immense influence on the TV industry, all major broadcast networks came together to broadcast a joint in memoriam card in his honor on Wednesday evening. This rare tribute included CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and The CW.
Listen to Norman Lear's insightful conversation from 2019 with his daughter Kate Lear and Dr. LaPook as he reflects on his remarkable legacy.
