Norman Lear, the comedy legend who created some of the most beloved television sitcoms of all time, has died. The producer behind such shows as “All in the Family, “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times” and “One Day at a Time, among others, was 101 years old. He died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday, a spokesperson said.
“Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather,” the Lear 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.”
In recognition of Lear’s vast accomplishments and influence across television, CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX and The CW will simulcast an on-air in memoriam card tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT honoring the late legendary TV writer and producer.
Starting in 2019, ABC commissioned several “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” specials, which saw some of today’s biggest stars playing the iconic characters spearheaded by Lear. The most recent special aired in 2021 and highlighted “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes.” Previous specials covered “All in the Family,” “Good Times” and “The Jeffersons.
In 2022, ABC aired “Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter,” a TV special honoring the life and legacy of the remarkable storyteller, activist and philanthropist as he celebrated his 100th birthday. The special paid homage to the man behind some of television’s greatest stories and featured a lineup of celebrity guests and musical performances.
Other iconic shows from Lear’s stable of hits include “Maude,” “Archie Bunker’s Place,” “Sanford and Son” and “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” among countless others.
Lear is survived by his wife, Lyn Davis Lear; his children Ellen, Kate, Maggie, Ben, Madeleine and Brianna; and grandchildren Daniel, Griffin, Noah and Zoe.