By Wonderwall.com Editors
1:00pm PST, Dec 7, 2023
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The entertainment world is mourning the death of legendary TV writer and producer Norman Lear, who died on Dec. 5 of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles. He was 101.
A six-time Emmy Award winner whose celebrated shows included "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," "Maude," "Good Times" and others tackled difficult social and political topics never before seen on primetime television, and he did so with grace, humor and a whole lot of heart.
"Norman lived a life of curiosity, tenacity and empathy," Norman's family said in a statement. "He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. He began his career in the earliest days of live television and discovered a passion for writing about the real lives of Americans, not a glossy ideal."
Entertainers across Hollywood and beyond are also praising Norman Lear's life and legacy in the wake of his death.
"Today is a very sad day," Jane Fonda wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Norman Lear, a man who meant a lot to many on a personal level and who changed the face and soul of American comedy, has passed. My heart is heavy. I loved Norman."
Keep reading to see how George Clooney, Rob Reiner, Tyler Perry and many more stars are remembering Norman Lear…
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"I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family." –Rob Reiner, on X
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"His bravery, integrity and unmatched moral compass were equaled by his kindness, empathy, and wit. Norman was very proud of the fact that the so-called Reverend Jerry Falwell dubbed him 'The number one enemy of the American family.' The opposite was true. More than anyone before him, Norman used situation comedy to shine a light on prejudice, intolerance, and inequality. He created families that mirrored ours, showing us a world in which Archie Bunker and Michael Stivic could learn to not only co-exist, but to love one another."
"Even at 101, Norman cared as much about the future, our children, and planet or as anyone I have ever known. He was a great American, a hero in every way and so funny, smart, and lovely man you almost couldn't believe it. The privilege of working alongside Norman and the opportunity he gave me and my wife to get to know him and his beautiful family has been among the great honors and pleasures of my life. We were all very lucky to have him." —Jimmy Kimmel, in a statement
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"Not long ago I had the pleasure of meeting one of my heroes. He invited me to lunch at his home and as we sat and talked and laughed, I got a chance to tell him how he had helped save my life. I shared with him that he taught me to dream a bigger dream by his example. He was 100 years old at the time, but sharp as ever. Full of wisdom and great advice, and I took it all in. Just before I left, I asked, 'At 100 years old what are you looking forward to?' Without any hesitation he said, 'Tomorrow.' … I'm so glad that I had the chance to say to him, thanks to his vision and his work, he gave me many 'tomorrows' to look forward to.
So today, sadly, I say goodbye and I salute a veteran. … A hero and someone who inspired me to try and bring as much laughter to the world as he brought to the little boy that I was. You sir are truly one of one! I'm so glad we were on the planet at the same time. Thank you for your example. Rest in peace my dear friend, I thank God for you. My prayers are with your family. Travel well, Mr. Norman Lear." –Tyler Perry, on Instagram
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"I am cut to the quick and already lonesome for my dear friend, Norman. Our nation has lost a treasured looking glass. By his reflected wit we were disarmed enough to see our wrinkles. And he wasn't promoting makeup but heart transplants." –Rita Moreno, on Facebook
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"It's hard to reconcile that at 101 years old, Norman Lear is gone too soon. The entire world of reason just lost its greatest advocate and our family lost a dear friend. A giant walked in his shoes." —George Clooney, in a statement
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"Norman brought the world so many of my favorite TV families: the Evans, the Jeffersons, the Bunkers. I'm so thankful to have been a small part of his legacy at his 100th birthday celebration last year. Thank you Norman, what a life you lived! Sending love to his family, friends and fans around the world." —Octavia Spencer, on Instagram
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"The greatest of the greats. R.I.P. Norman Lear. You were loved." –Albert Brooks, on X
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"The world lost a legend last night. My heart goes out to all his family, friends and countless fans. Dearest Norman, thank you for making us laugh, and think, and understand and LOVE each other more. Thank you for using humor to make us better. Heaven just got a lot brighter. Love you. Rest in peace #NormanLear." –Kerry Washington, on X
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"Norman Lear #RIP. Working with and for Norman Lear was and still is a great educational and learning experience. Norman worked hard and with the help of many achieved incredible success. I worked hard and never came close and never will. Norman in body and flesh will be missed. But [his] work will live forever. … He will be missed." –Jimmie Walker, on Facebook
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"This is such sad news to wake up to. What a titan of this industry. And he was always so lovely when I got to spend time in his presence. I know 101 is a LONG life, but still…this one hurts. #HaveYouSeenMyChildhood #RIPNormanLear" –Yvette Nicole Brown, on X
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"How lucky are we? How lucky are we to have crossed timelines with Norman Lear? How lucky am I to have grown up with 'All in the Family,' 'Sanford and Son,' 'Good Times,' 'Maude' and all the rest? #Blessed. Rest now, Norman." —Jane Lynch, on X
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"Goodnight Norman. Love you. Thanks for raising me." –Jon Stewart, on X
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"I had the pleasure of spending time with this giant at his home in the Palisades several times. The words 'legend' and 'icon' get thrown around too much, but this guy was both." —Kathy Griffin, on X
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"RIP to Norman Lear. I [was] 16 when @robreiner and @TheNormanLear gave me my break in the biz — and treated me like a son – looked after me in such a kind loving way. that only in retrospect could I fully appreciate what great caring humans they are Norman made you feel like a better human being every time you had the pleasure of being in his company — he was a man of wisdom intelligence. Wit humor depth compassion — a mensch if ever there was one." —John Cusack, on X
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"Farewell to the incomparable Norman Lear, a trailblazer who challenged norms and shifted the paradigm through the laughter and lessons you've shared. It was an honor to be a small part of your impact and to witness it in my lifetime. To a legacy and life well-lived, thank you…" –Wanda Sykes, on X
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"My Goat. What a life. Rest well, Norman Lear." —Quinta Brunson, on X
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"A master of storytelling and a healer through his shows! He is what all of showbiz should be aspiring to. He is the consummate creative producer we have long abandoned in the industry." –John Leguizamo, on X
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"I have no words. RIP." –Shonda Rhimes, on Instagram
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"Condolences to the family of Norman Lear. He contributed so much to American Television over the years." –William Shatner, on X
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"Sad news. Norman Lear, the genius behind iconic sit coms including All in The Family and Good Times, has died at 101. What a life! What an incredible legacy!" –Deborah Roberts, on X
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"Anyone who ever had a chance to say something pointed or political in an American television entertainment owes Norman Lear their adoration and awe. He saw what was possible in that vacuous glowing box and, almost singularly, he made it so." –David Simon, on X
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"There are no words to fully express the monumental impact and legacy that Norman Lear leaves behind. He was an icon and the brilliant mind behind countless timely and meaningful shows that were full of heart and humor. He wasn't afraid to take risks and was one of the most influential storytellers in television history. His passion went far beyond the screen as a veteran, philanthropist and social activist.
Our hearts are with his wife, Lyn, his children and all those who knew and loved him. Norman, we thank you for the beautiful stories that have transformed our industry and for making us laugh along the way." –Disney CEO Bob Iger, in a statement
