Refresh for updates: Hollywood writers, actors and producers were quick to pay tribute to Norman Lear today as news of his death spread through the artistic community.
“Goodnight Norman,” tweeted Jon Stewart. “Love you. Thanks for raising me.”
In a statement provided to Deadline, George Clooney wrote, “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.”
Steven Canals, the co-creator of Pose – the type of groundbreaking series that can trace its lineage directly to Lear’s trendsetting ’70s shows – wrote, “I never introduced myself to Norman Lear, but was in the same room as him twice. Both times he spoke, and his words were profound. He talked about: creating art that challenges & taking risks. Thank you, sir, for creating indelible stories that inspired me as a boy & as an adult. We all benefit from your legacy.”
Al Jean, The Simpsons producer and writer, posted a message on social media accompanied by a drawing of Lear as seen on the longrunning animated series, writing, “Comedy colossus, tireless fighter for the little guy and a pleasure to know. Will be well and truly missed.”
John Leguizamo called Lear a “master of story telling 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.”
Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson wrote, “My Goat. What a life. Rest well, Norman Lear.” Gloria Calderón Kellett, the co-creator with Lear of the One Day at a Time, wrote, “Thank you for everything. I know you’re making them laugh up there.”
See those and more reactions below… Deadline will update this post as additional tributes arrive.
Jimmy Kimmel
It is obviously silly to want more time with a person who outlived a whole century but losing Norman Lear, even at 101 years old, feels unfair. 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. As a young man, Technical Sergeant Lear flew 52 combat missions over Nazi Germany. He continued to fight for freedom all the way to the end of his life on earth. 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.
Brent Miller (President of Production, Act III Productions)
It has been an absolute privilege and honor to be one of Norman’s many collaborators and partners. It has been thrilling and inspiring. He pushed us and inspired us every day to make entertainment that mattered. I will miss Norman’s wisdom, wit and friendship deeply. With the help and support of our partners at Sony Pictures Entertainment, as well as many other talented collaborators – writers, actors, executives and crew – we were fortunate enough to make television history, over and over again. He will remain the guiding light at Act III Productions as we continue the shows already in production and move forward with those we imagined together. I already miss his laugh and the twinkle in his eye and our shared love of Bloody Marys. But as he always said… to be continued….
Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO Sony Pictures Entertainment
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Norman Lear. A Founding Father in our industry, Norman and the shows he created defined what great television could be. Always entertaining, impactful, and fearless in addressing society’s most complex and difficult issues through humor, shows like “All In The Family,” “The Jeffersons,” and “One Day at a Time” set the standard for modern television audiences and paved the way for just about every great situation comedy or drama that has followed since. Norman will forever be recognized among the great television legends, and we are honored to have had him as part of the Sony family. It was always a such a joy having him with us on the lot, and I’m already missing being able to check in with him. Our hearts go out to Lyn and his family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
George Clooney
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.
Tyler Perry
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.” It was such a simple but powerful lesson to live your life fully one day at a time. And One Day at a Time just happened to be the name of one of his many hit TV shows along with Maude, All in The Family, Good Times, Sanford and Son and so many other incredible shows. They were the only thing that brought laughter and joy to me as a child, who was living a daily nightmare. 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. One who asked me to help put together a moment for him to say thank you to the surviving Redtail Tuskegee Airmen, he wanted to thank them for the escorts they provided him and others during World War II, which I did with Robin Roberts on GMA. It felt good to be able to do something for him.
A hero and someone who inspired me to try and bring as much laughter to the world as he bought 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.
Jane Fonda
Today is a very sad day. 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.