‘All In The Family’ Creator Norman Lear Dead At 101

Writer Norman Lear, best known for creating shows like “All in the Family” and “Sanford and Son” passed away on Tuesday at the age of 101.

The late TV legend was not only a writer, but a producer and a developer who helped to change the landscape of American comedy. He produced, wrote, created, and developed over 100 shows during his long career.

In a statement, Norman Lear’s family asked for privacy as they mourned his loss. Although he was beloved by millions, a private memorial service will be held in the coming days.

“Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather,” Lear’s 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.”

Lear’s publicist confirmed to Variety that he died at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes.

The Hollywood writer and producer was born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 27, 1922. The “Good Times” and “The Jeffersons” creator celebrated his 100th birthday on Wednesday, July 22, 2022, and spoke to People magazine about his Hollywood career and how he planned to celebrate the big day.

“I’ve never chosen anything to do that I didn’t wish to do,” he told the magazine of his celebrated career in the entertainment industry. “My awards and accolades mean a great deal to me, but they don’t mean as much as the drive to the studio today. I still explode with joy, excitement, interest, and utter delight every time.”

In 2019, Lear became the oldest person to win an Emmy Award at age 97 for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ And ‘The Jeffersons.’” Although he never planned to stop working, he did reflect on how “lucky” he was to celebrate his birthday with his large family.

“I can’t wait to be at my home in Vermont and celebrate with my entire family – my wonderful wife, my six children, my two sons-in-law, and my four grandchildren. How lucky am I?” he asked.

The Connecticut native was married to Charlotte Lear from 1943 to 1947. He was married to Frances Lear from 1956 to 1986 and was married to Lyn Lear, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and political activist, since 1987.

“Truth to tell, certainly I’ve done nothing more important than father or child,” Lear told the magazine. “Nothing more delicious than becoming a grandfather of a child as a result of having fathered a child. I don’t know that there’s anything more romantic in living than all of that.”

“My wife is her own individual and I fell in love with that individual,” he added. “And over those years I’ve only learned more about why I should have cared in the first place and continued to care in the following place. She is a sterling human being.”

He concluded his reflection, saying, “I could not be more grateful for sitting here today.”

Many fans and famous friends took to social media to pay their respects to the late actor. One of the first celebrities to pay tribute was "Halloween" star Jamie Lee Curtis, who posted a photo of the two together on Instagram. "A great human being has gone. Norman Lear died very ALIVE! Working and wondering till the end how he could add to the experience of art, family, and democracy," she wrote in the caption. "He was surrounded by love and laughter and his deep belief in the American dream and possibility and founded @peoplefor_ an organization that I hope you will make a donation to today in his honor."

"I want to remind you that he bought one of the few surviving copies of the 1776 Declaration of Independence which he then made a traveling roadshow which went around the country so that Americans could have a chance to see the very document that was the beginning of our country," she continued. "He died caring and helping the next generation achieve their dreams. He was working on a project with me and he and Lyn welcomed us into their home in October where we talked politics and comedy and family. Norman Lear was a great example to me and millions and millions of other people. What a life. We will carry on! Thank you, Norman Lear!"

RIP Norman Lear.