Iconic TV producer and screenwriter Norman Lear passes away at the age of 101; family issues statement

Renowned television producer Norman Lear, known for his highly successful TV sitcoms like "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Los Angeles. His family made the announcement on his website. Lear was 101 year-old.

Norman Lear's publicist, as reported by Variety, verified that he passed away at his Los Angeles residence due to natural causes. A private service for immediate family is scheduled to take place in the upcoming days.

“Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather,” Lear’s family said in a statement. “Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being.”

Lear was known for creating and producing numerous popular 1970s sitcoms, including All in the Family (1971–1979), Maude (1972–1978), Sanford and Son (1972–1977), One Day at a Time (1975–1984), The Jeffersons (1975–1985), and Good Times (1974–1979).

He served as the executive producer for beloved cult film classics such as "The Princess Bride" and "Fried Green Tomatoes." Additionally, he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay for his work on "Divorce American Style."

95-year-old Lear produced and hosted three episodes of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” along with Jimmy Kimmel, which won Primetime Emmy Awards in 2019 and 2020.

He was a member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Lear has also received other numerous honorary accolades. Beyond his achievements as a television writer and producer, Lear has been a vocal advocate for First Amendment rights and liberal causes.