Norman Lear— the award-winning American television writer, film producer and activist — has died at the age of 101.
The Hollywood icon died on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes, according a release from his representatives. His family has also requested privacy at this time, and will hold a private service for immediate relatives, they said.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music. But it was people—those he just met and those he knew for decades—who kept his mind and heart forever young,” the caption read. “As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.”
A native of New Haven, Connecticut, 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.
Before his successful career in entertainment, Lear joined the United States Army Air Forces in 1942, where he fought through World War II. He was discharged in 1945 and became a publicist, ultimately moving his career and family to California.
Norman Lear.Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage
All in theFamily — his sitcom which covered a multitude of issues, including prejudice, menopause, rape, homosexuality, sexual dysfunction and religion — earned 55 Emmy nominations and ultimately won 22 of them.
Lear’s other notable shows includeMaude,Good Times,Sanford and SonandFernwood2 Night.
Later in his career, Lear wanted to find another platform to express his political views and founded People for the American Way in 1981, a liberal coalition to defend core First Amendment freedoms. In 1991, he created the Business Enterprise Trust, a nonprofit that celebrated acts of integrity, courage and social vision in American businesses.
Norman Lear.Jesse Grant/WireImage
“Good morning and good afternoon, good evening, depending on where you are, who you are,” Lear began, before breaking out laughing.
“It’s Norman Lear here, dribbling a bit because he’s entering his second childhood,” theOne Day at a Timecreator joked. “I’ve just turned 101, and that is, they tell me, my second childhood.”
He added, “It feels like that because of the kind of care I’m getting. I get the kind of care at this age that I see children getting, toddlers getting. And so I am now a 101-year-old toddler.”
Norman Lear with wife Lyn Lear.Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage
“The right to vote is foundational to addressing all these issues. It is at the heart of everything I have fought for in war and in peacetime,” he added. “Protecting voting rights should not be today’s struggle. But it is. And that means it is our struggle, yours and mine, for as long as we have breath and strength.”
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Lear’s representatives say he requested contributions be made toPeople For the American Way.
source: people.com
