This week's Your Nerd Side Show:
Television titan Norman Lear, known for developing revered sitcoms like All in the Familyand The Jeffersons, has died.
As announced by his family on his official website, Lear passed away while surrounded by loving family members at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday, Dec. 5. His death was due to natural causes, and Lear was 101 years old. His family also shared a statement on Lear's passing thanking those who've been showing their support in the wake of this news.
"It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather," the family also said in a post on Lear's X account. "Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end."
The post continued, "Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music. But it was people - those he just met and those he knew for decades - who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support."
Lear was very well known for his television work, serving as a creator and producer of a variety of popular sitcoms. That notably includes titles like All in the Family, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, and Good Times. Even as a centenarian, Lear had continued to work on TV shows, serving as a producer on 2022's Good Times revival on Netflix. He also executive produced a One Day at a Time revival from 2017 to 2020. During his accomplished career, Lear had earned six Primetime Emmy Awards, with his other honors including two Peabody Awards, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award.
Outside of show business, Lear was also known as a political activist, specifically for progressive and liberal causes. He was the founder of the advocacy group People for the American Way, which was established in 1980 to counter the Christian right in politics. Lear's family spoke about how important this was to him in the statement addressing his passing.
"Norman lived a life of patriotism. Frightened by antisemitic rhetoric he heard on the radio as a child, Norman became a lifelong activist and philanthropist," the statement said, noting how that goes back to Lear's military service. "He felt that one of his greatest contributions to the world was founding People for the American Way in 1981, an organization that continues its work to this day guaranteeing our first amendment rights. He flew 52 missions in World War II and was proud of that service every day of his life. He was the consummate American for the America he believed in and worked tirelessly to protect."
Friends and fellow show business stars are honoring Lear after learning about his passing. That includes Rob Reiner, who memorably starred on Lear's revered sitcom All in the Family. Taking to X, Reiner wrote, "I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family."
Lear's survivors include his wife, Lyn Davis, as well as six children and four grandchildren. May he rest in peace. More tribute posts for Lear can be seen below.
Source: NormanLear.com
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