Jamie Lee Curtis Pays Tribute To Norman Lear, Asks Fans To Honor Him By Donating To His Foundation

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has taken to Instagram to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late TV legend Norman Lear after he passed away on Tuesday.

In her post, Curtis heaped praises on him for his impact on the lives of millions of Americans and his role in "helping the next generation achieve their dreams."

Lear, famous for his contributions to the film industry as a comedy writer, director, and producer, with hits like "Divorce American Style" and "All in the Family" to his credit, reportedly died of natural causes at his home in L.A.

The "Everything Everywhere All At Once" actress took to her official Instagram account to remember the comedy great, who recently died at the age of 101.

Sharing a picture of them sitting together on a couch while Lear wrapped his hand around her shoulder, Curtis lamented how a "great human being is 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 continued. "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."

The actress went on to recall how he had gotten hold of the very scarce 1776 Declaration of Independence document that afforded several Americans the chance to "see the very document that was the beginning of our country."

She also stated that they were collaborating on a project before his death and went on to call him a "great example" to her and millions of others.

"What a life. We will carry on! Thank you, Norman Lear!" the actress concluded.

Joining Curtis to pay their last respect to the "Sanford and Son" creator, several fans took to the comment section to document their eulogies.

A fan wrote, "May he rest in peace. We've lost a legend."

Another fan said, "What a guy, and how blessed you are to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who also happen to be terrific artists."

"RIP," a particular sad fan penned. "What a National Treasure!"

One fan said, "Oh no! Norman was a legend and He'll be sorely missed. Go well."

According to Variety, Lear's publicist revealed that he died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday before sharing that a private service will be held in his honor in the coming days.

"Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather," his family shared 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."

Born on July 27, 1922, Lear was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of American television. With a career spanning over six decades, his impact helped shape the cultural conversation through funny sitcoms that addressed social issues.

His hit shows, including "All in the Family," "Maude," and "The Jeffersons," not only entertained audiences but also tackled taboo subjects at the time, such as racism, sexism, abortion, homosexuality, the Vietnam War, and societal prejudices.

According to the news outlet, he adopted a singular motto that was essential for the success of his creative adventures; "Keep 'em laughing." He received several awards for his on and off-screen pursuits, including six Primetime Emmys, two Peabody Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 1999, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017, and the Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award in 2021.

He is survived by his third wife Lyn Davis, six children, and four grandchildren.