Norman Lear, Legendary Television Producer, Dies at 101

Norman Lear, the iconic television producer known for creating groundbreaking series such as "All in the Family," "Maude," "The Jeffersons," and "One Day at a Time," has passed away at the age of 101, according to CBS News.

Lear, who began his career as a writer for radio and TV after World War II, was responsible for a series of hit shows in the 1970s that pushed the boundaries of broadcast entertainment and left a lasting impact on a generation. His shows fearlessly addressed social issues that were rarely seen on television before, including racism, rape, abortion, menopause, homosexuality, and religion.

The show that launched Lear's career was "All in the Family," which debuted on CBS in 1971. The series starred Carroll O'Connor as the working-class Archie Bunker, a character known for his narrow-minded opinions and resistance to social change. Bunker often clashed with his liberal son-in-law, Michael (played by Rob Reiner), while his compassionate wife, Edith (Jean Stapleton), attempted to maintain harmony.

In a statement, the President praised Lear for his significant impact on American culture. Lear's groundbreaking shows revolutionized television by addressing important issues with bravery, compassion, and humor, enlightening the nation and touching our hearts.

President Biden also commended Lear for fearlessly tackling controversial topics such as racism, classism, divorce, and abortion. Through his work, Lear captured the essence of humanity, showcasing the grace and dignity present in people's lives. Additionally, Lear's political activism spanned decades as he fought passionately for free speech, women's rights, environmental protection, voting rights, and more.

CBS expressed their deep appreciation for Lear's profound influence on television. They described him as a creative icon who left an indelible mark on their network, viewers, and the television industry as a whole. Lear's comedic and courageous perspective on America resonated with millions of Americans, thanks to his relatable storytelling, sharp writing, and rich characters. By addressing previously avoided topics like race, poverty, and sexism, Lear redefined the sitcom genre.

To honor Lear's contributions to the TV industry, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and The CW aired a joint in memoriam card on Wednesday evening. This rare tribute across major broadcast networks serves as a testament to Lear's lasting legacy.

In a 2021 interview on "CBS Sunday Morning," Lear said people on both ends of the political spectrum found something to connect with in the show.

"I like to think what they saw was the foolishness of the human condition," he told CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, who is married to Lear's daughter, Kate.

And even if the subject matter was divisive, the audience would be bonded by humor. "To be able to laugh in a rehearsal at something you hadn't expected, and then to stand to the side or behind an audience laughing, and watch them, their bodies – a couple of hundred people as one – when something makes them laugh, I don't think I've ever seen a more spiritual moment than an audience in a belly laugh!" Lear said. 

"The soundtrack of my life has been laughter."

The show ran for nine seasons, won 22 Emmy Awards, and was No. 1 in the ratings for five consecutive years. Beginning in 1979, a sequel series, "Archie Bunker's Place," ran for four more seasons.

"All in the Family" was followed by the popular and provocative spin-offs "Maude" (starring Bea Arthur), and "The Jeffersons" (starring Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley). Along with laughter, both shows brought storylines about women's liberation and race into millions of living rooms across the country. Another sitcom, "One Day at a Time," starred Bonnie Franklin as a divorced woman struggling against sexism, chauvinistic bosses and cheating boyfriends, while raising two teenage daughters. 

Lear's string of hit TV series also included "Sanford and Son" (with comedian Redd Foxx), and "Good Times," which broke ground with mostly Black casts but also faced accusations of promoting racial stereotypes.

He was also creator of the syndicated "Mary Hartman, Marty Hartman," a parody of soap operas that starred Louise Lasser; and executive producer of "Hot l Baltimore," based on the Lanford Wilson stage comedy set in a run-down hotel. Its characters included prostitutes, undocumented immigrants, and a gay couple.

Norman Lear was born on July 27, 1922, in Hartford, Connecticut, and his childhood wasn't all laughs. When he was 9 years old, his father went to prison for fraud for selling fake bonds, and his mother sent him to live with his grandparents.

He later said his father served as an inspiration for Archie Bunker.

"The intention was to show there's humor in everything. And I never thought of him as a hater so much as a fearful man of progress," told "CBS This Morning" co-host Gayle King in 2017.

As a young man, he attended Emerson College in Boston on a scholarship before leaving school to serve in World War II. He joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and flew on 52 combat missions over Germany and Italy. 

After the war, he moved to Hollywood, and his career in the entertainment industry grew. By the early 1970s, he'd reached a level of success and widespread influence few others could equal.

On the big screen, Lear's production company was behind popular movies like "Stand By Me," "The Princess Bride" and "Fried Green Tomatoes." He shared an Academy Award nomination for the screenplay of the 1968 comedy "Divorce American Style." 

The political and social issues he explored on screen also inspired his own activism in liberal circles. In 1981, he co-founded the nonprofit group People For the American Way to advocate for progressive causes and counter the divisiveness and discord straining the nation.

In 2022, Lear wrote in a New York Times op-ed of his optimism in America: "I often feel disheartened by the direction that our politics, courts and culture are taking. But I do not lose faith in our country or its future. I remind myself how far we have come." 

Over his long career, Lear racked up a multitude of awards, including six Emmys, a Golden Globe and the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1984.