by Miguel Mike Medina
Norman Lear is a man who has brought so much laughter into the homes of many people. Whether you were happy or sad, your day was going to be brighter once you tuned in to Norman Lear’s shows. Lear made his journey to heaven last week at the age of 101. Lear is easily on the Mount Rushmore of showrunners. He helped create such as Good Times, One Day At A Time, Sanford and Son, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, and Maude.
Lear was one fearless creator. He tackled so many issues such as racism, sexuality, guns, etc. He certainly rubbed off some feathers, but he stuck to telling the truth. Many things that were done on his show wouldn’t be done today because it’s too politically incorrect. Norman Lear, in his peak years on television, he dominated by working and producing so many shows. No one could touch what Norman Lear was doing. He was a machine and a brilliant comedic mind. He made a mark on television throughout the 1970s and early 80s.
Shows like “The Jefferson’s” and “Good Times” remain some of the most important and influential TV sitcoms, especially in the African American household. Learn is responsible for showing us the representation of a positive image of hard-working and United black families. The struggles and hardships that these characters have to endure.
Those who have known and got to work with Norman Lear feel a sense of sadness. One of them is actor and director Rob Reiner. During his interview on PBS, he said that Lear had “balls.” Reiner said that Lear was like a second father to him and considers him a role model. Reiner tried his best not to cry during the interview.
Norman Lear kept on working and pitching shows to executives to the end of his life. That’s unbelievably amazing. He didn’t believe in retirement. His work ethic is something you have to respect and admire. It’s also interesting to learn that Lear is a fan of South Park. It’s one of his favorite shows of the modern era. He also thinks that Modern Family is a good sitcom.
Lear has received numerous awards throughout his career. In 1999, he received the National Medal of Arts. In 2017, he was awarded with the Kennedy Center Honors. In 2021, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. He’s also a six-time Primetime Emmy Award winner.