Photo: Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb
Norman Lear, creator of sitcoms such as “The Jeffersons,” “All in the Family,” “Good Times” and “One Day at a Time,” died Dec. 5. Both the people Lear worked with and the people touched by his work pay tribute to him. Just last year, on his 100th birthday, colleagues and famous fans paid tribute to Lear. “I was grateful to work for someone who would use the greatest communications medium the world has ever known to solve some of society's problems – or at least try to,” said John Amos (James Evans Sr. in “Good Times”) told Vulture at the time. “He was brave in that regard, and his courage was rewarded by the audiences that gathered at all of his shows.” Jimmy Kimmel, who worked with Lear on “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” told Variety issued a statement pointing out the irony of having more time with a 101-year-old man. “His courage, integrity and unmatched moral compass were matched by his kindness, empathy and wit,” Kimmel wrote. “Even at 101 years old, Norman cared as much about the future, our children and the planet as anyone I have ever known. He was a great American, a hero in every way and so funny, smart and lovable that it was hard to believe. The privilege of working with Norman and the opportunity he gave me and my wife to get to know him and his wonderful family is one of the great honors and joys of my life. We were all very lucky to have him.” President Joe Biden issued an official White House statement on Lear's death. “Norman Lear was a transformative force in American culture whose groundbreaking shows redefined television with courage, conscience and humor, opening our nation's eyes and often our hearts,” he wrote. Below are tributes and memories of Norman Lear.
With the death of Norman Lear, the world has suddenly become a sadder place to live. He was a huge positive force in the entertainment industry and more importantly, to me personally, he was a good friend. We are so happy that his remarkable work reminds us of him.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) December 6, 2023
RIP Norman Lear. He truly changed the world with his comedy, fought the good fight, and lived an amazing life! It was an honor to speak with him. https://t.co/2PYU7A3Wta
– Marc Maron (@marcmaron) December 6, 2023
What an incredibly influential and brilliant man. He was a social justice advocate. I feel lucky to have grown up in the era when his shows became the standard for comedy on television. He was also so humble and generous.
Respect. Rest in peace. https://t.co/mTkatF5vXI
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) December 6, 2023
Good night, Norman. Love you. Thank you for raising me.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) December 6, 2023
Farewell to the incomparable Norman Lear, a trailblazer who challenged norms and shifted the paradigm through the laughter and lessons you shared. It was an honor to be a small part of your influence and to witness it in my lifetime. To a legacy and a life well lived, thank you… pic.twitter.com/lL5LCZgfb4
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) December 6, 2023
Norman Lear gave me my first paying job as a television writer. He was kind, inspiring and I was amazed that I got to sit in the same room with him. A million years later, I interviewed him at the Writer's Guild Theater and saw all of these things again. I'm sorry he's gone. But wow, what a life. pic.twitter.com/FRa6TEankw
— Merrill Markoe (@Merrillmarkoe) December 6, 2023
I just heard that Norman Lear died. Through his work, he has probably shaped my view of the world as much or more than my parents. Below is a pretty good example. @AbortionFinder https://t.co/H2b4impooW
— Dave Foley (@DaveSFoley) December 6, 2023
Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to say anything pointed or political in an American television conversation owes Norman Lear their admiration and reverence. He saw what was possible in this empty, glowing box and made it almost unique.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) December 6, 2023
Rip Norman Lear. A master of storytelling and a healer through his shows! He is what all show business should strive for. He is the consummate creative producer that we have long failed in the industry. pic.twitter.com/svGWzG1CMj
— John Leguizamo (@JohnLeguizamo) December 6, 2023
Without Norman Lear, who ran Embassy Pictures in the early 1980s, “This Is Spinal Tap” would never have been made. Would have liked him anyway. RIP, boss.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) December 6, 2023
An icon and visionary. Never in a million years did I think I would meet YOU Norman Lear. Without Norman Lear there would be no #TheMsPatShow. You gave @jordanecooper the vision to dream. Thank you for loving us and showing us the way. Rest well. ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/wAYKUd98XY
– Ms. Pat (@ComedienneMsPat) December 6, 2023
I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. I send my love to Lyn and the entire Lear family.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 6, 2023
Sad news. Norman Lear, the genius behind iconic sitcoms like All in The Family and Good Times, has died at the age of 101. What a life! What an incredible legacy! pic.twitter.com/peUpqoon58
— Deborah Roberts (@DebRobertsABC) December 6, 2023
Who do we have without the goat?
Thank you for everything you've taught us about ourselves, and for the lessons your children of the pen (like @quintabrunson Michael Schur and others) can hopefully teach us for years to come. RIP https://t.co/eh8rC9QVD9
— Jeremy O. Harris (@jeremyoharris) December 6, 2023
My goat. What a life. Rest well, Norman Lear. https://t.co/GJUnvXbAuH
— Quinta Brunson (@quintabrunson) December 6, 2023
RIP Norman Lear. Comedy colossus, tireless fighter for the little guy and a joy to get to know. We will miss @TheSimpsons very much pic.twitter.com/T0RK1YeLmP
— Al Jean (@AlJean) December 6, 2023
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