TV legend Norman Lear who created 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons' dies at 101

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Norman Lear, the television legend behind the creation of groundbreaking sitcoms including 'The Jeffersons',  'All in the Family', and 'Sanford and Son' died at the age of 101 on December 5.

In a statement posted to Lear's official Instagram page, his family announced on December 6, "It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather."

"Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end," the statement added.

Norman Lear 'kept his mind and heart forever young'

Speaking about the life he lived, the family statement read that Lear "lived a life in awe of the world around him."

"He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music," his loved ones continued.

"But it was people—those he just met and those he knew for decades—who kept his mind and heart forever young," the statement added.

"As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support," the statement concluded.

Inside Norman Lear's television career

The Connecticut native's unparalleled career as a writer, producer, and creator spanned over seven decades, which included 100 shows and often addressed taboo subjects.

In the 1950s, he stepped into writing and creating monologues and comedic sketches for various television shows.

Following a foray into directing movies, the six-time Primetime Emmys winner made a comeback to television with the creation of the 1971 CBS sitcom 'All in the Family' which paved the way for another set of successful television shows.

In July 2022, Lear who turned a centenarian at the time opened up on how a century of life has been and also talked about the evolving technology.

"It is remarkable to consider that television—the medium for which I am most well-known—did not even exist when I was born, in 1922," read his article published by The New York Times.

"The internet came along decades later, and then social media. We have seen that each of these technologies can be put to destructive use—spreading lies, sowing hatred and creating the conditions for authoritarianism to take root. But that is not the whole story," he added.

The iconic screenwriter and legend is survived by his wife Lyn and their children Madeline, Brianna, and Benjamin. He also shares two children Maggie, Ellen and Kate from his previous marriages.