Norman Lear, an influential TV writer and producer, passed away at the age of 101. He is best known for creating popular and groundbreaking sitcoms of the 1970s, including “All in the Family,” “Maude,” “One Day at a Time,” “Sanford and Son,” and “The Jeffersons.”

Born on July 27, 1922, in New Haven, Connecticut to Jewish Russian parents, Lear dropped out of college to enlist in the US Air Force during World War II. After the war, he entered showbiz and found success writing sketches for popular comedians. This launched his career in TV writing.

In 1971, Lear created his most iconic TV series, “All in the Family.” The show tackled sensitive issues such as racism, antisemitism, and the Vietnam War, in a humorous and mature way. Initially met with reluctance by networks, “All in the Family” became a smash hit and transformed the TV landscape.

Lear continued to produce boundary-breaking sitcoms throughout the ’70s, including “Maude,” “One Day at a Time,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Good Times.” These shows made headlines for their hot-topic subject matter while still delivering laughs.

But Lear’s influence extended beyond the small screen. He was a passionate advocate for liberal and progressive causes, founding the advocacy organization People For the American Way. He also toured the US with an original copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Even in his old age, Lear remained active and popular in the industry. He produced revivals of his sitcoms for Netflix and participated in live TV specials recreating episodes of “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Good Times.”

Lear’s passing has been met with an outpouring of love and support from his peers in the industry. He will be remembered as a true television pioneer who created some of the greatest TV shows of all time and changed television forever.

Please share this story in memory of Norman Lear. Rest in peace, Norman. ❤️💔