Norman Lear: Sitcom writer and producer dies aged 101

Norman Lear, the acclaimed sitcom writer and producer, has passed away at the age of 101 at his Los Angeles home from natural causes, as confirmed by a family spokesperson.

Renowned for groundbreaking sitcoms such as Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons during the 1970s and 80s, Lear was a five-time Emmy Award winner and a member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame. His family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, describing knowing Lear as “the greatest of gifts.” They emphasized Lear’s life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy, highlighting his deep love for the country and dedication to preserving its founding ideals of justice and equality.

Tributes poured in from the entertainment industry, with Al Jean, a writer and producer for The Simpsons, praising Lear as a “comedy colossus” and a tireless advocate for the underprivileged. Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic, Alan Sepinwall, hailed Lear as one of the greatest in the field, crediting him with transforming television storytelling possibilities within the multi-cam sitcom format.

Lear’s career began with the 1970 sitcom All in the Family, a US adaptation of the British series Til Death Do Us Part. The show, tackling political and social issues, ran for nine seasons, accumulating numerous accolades. Lear continued to contribute to the evolution of television with shows like Good Times, featuring a regular African-American family, and The Jeffersons, unapologetically portraying the success of an African-American couple in New York society.

During the mid-1970s, Lear had five popular sitcoms simultaneously airing in prime time, collectively reaching an estimated 120 million Americans each week. In addition to his television success, Lear produced films such as Come Blow Your Horn (1963) and Divorce American Style (1967), which earned an Oscar nomination for best screenplay.

Lear’s work often addressed societal issues, leading to controversy and even landing him on President Richard Nixon’s “enemies list.” Despite challenges, his impact on television was monumental, as acknowledged by fellow comedy icon Mel Brooks, who dubbed Lear as “the bravest television writer, director, and producer of all time.”