Norman Lear Dead at 101: Jamie Lee Curtis, William Shatner and More Celebrities Pay Tribute
Norman Lear
At the age of 101, legendary TV producer and writer Norman Lear, who created and produced a number of influential sitcoms over the years, has passed away. Now, celebrities, whether they knew Lear personally or were simply influenced by his life, are sharing meaningful tributes to the late icon.
Shortly after news of Lear's death broke, actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared a photo of herself with Lear on Instagram, writing in the caption, "A great human being has gone. Norman Lear died very ALIVE! Working and wondering till the end how he could add to the experience of art, family and democracy."
She went on to describe a unique project Lear did involving the Declaration of Independence and allowing Americans around the country the chance to see one of the few copies of the document.
Curtis concluded, "He died caring and helping the next generation achieve their dreams...Norman Lear was a great example to me and millions and millions of other people. What a life. We will carry on! Thank you, Norman Lear!" She also revealed that she was working on a project with him, although she included no further details about if it would still be released.
Rob Reiner, who first gained fame for his performance in Lear's sitcom All in the Family in the 1970s, eloquently said, "I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family."
Today's Al Roker also marked the passing of Lear with a sweet message, saying, "What a giant of comedy and a genuinely nice man. @thenormanlear will be missed. 101 years of funny."
Barbra Streisand penned the message, "Just heard about Norman Lear. He was 101. What a long life in television and film as well as being an activist and philanthropist. What an extraordinary man he was! Brilliant, kind and funny. He made the world a better place —now he’ll make heaven a better place too. Love you Norman. Barbra 🙏🏻🥲❤️❤️💔."
Michael Douglas also shared a tribute, posting, "RIP Norman Lear. A one-of-a-kind talent and one of the greatest to ever do it! What an incredible legacy! Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Lear family ❤️ @thenormanlear."
Roker's wife, TV journalist Deborah Roberts, added on X, "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!"
William Shatner wrote about Lear, "Condolences to the family of Norman Lear. He contributed so much to American Television over the years."
Another notable actor, John Leguizamo, also commented on Lear's death, writing, "R.i.p. Norman 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."
Jane Lynch wrote, "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."
Along with All in the Family, Lear helped create other hit shows like Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time and more.
Next: From All in the Family to Good Times, These Are Norman Lear's Greatest Hits
