TV Legend Norman Lear Has Died at 101
Best known for this work on All in the Family and The Jeffersons, Lear's impact on TV cannot be understated.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Yang and CBS
Norman Lear, the legendary TV producer and writer, has sadly passed away at the age of 101. According to a statement released early this morning, he died of natural causes on Tuesday, surrounded by family in his Los Angeles home.
Lear, whose expansive TV portfolio includes the historic All in the Family and its various spinoffs, including The Jeffersons, Maude, Archie Bunker’s Palace, Good Times, Gloria, and 704 Hauser, was revolutionary in the industry. His work in the sitcom space drastically changed the way TV was consumed and engaged with, creating a television empire that captured all aspects of American life through its hundreds of episodes. All in the Family and its spinoffs showcased each aspect of the political spectrum, allowing the sitcom to venture away from crowd-pleasing comedy and closer towards biting social commentary. Tackling everything from abortion to race relations to Reaganomics, Lear sought to give the American people a voice in his shows, allowing them to feel seen by the flawed and funny characters that entered their homes once a week.