Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal and Quinta Brunson are amongst these remembering sitcom nice and TV legend Norman Lear, who died Tuesday on the age of 101.
The six-time Emmy-winning writer-producer behind such basic TV exhibits as All within the Household, Maude, Good Occasions, The Jeffersons, Sanford & Son and One Day at a Time died at his dwelling in Los Angeles surrounded by household.
Crystal paid tribute to his pal of just about 50 years, sharing a photograph of the 2 of them collectively and transient remembrance of Lear on X (previously often known as Twitter).
“Now we have misplaced an enormous..a person of nice humor and dignity,” Crystal wrote. “What a tremendous life that has given a lot to us all. He used laughter as a approach to take a look at ourselves. A blessing to have been his pal for nearly 50 yrs.”
Rob Reiner, who taught his daughter to play jacks once they had been youngsters earlier than showing in All within the Household and directing such movies as This Is Spinal Faucet, Stand by Me and The Princess Bride, all of which Lear offered funding for, wrote on X, “I cherished Norman Lear with all my coronary heart. He was my second father. Sending my like to Lyn and the entire Lear household.”
Quinta Brunson, the creator, author and star of the present hit sitcom Abbott Elementary paid tribute to Lear on X, writing “My Goat. What a life. Relaxation effectively, Norman Lear.”
And Jon Stewart thanked Lear “for elevating me” whereas bidding him “Goodnight” and sharing, “Love you.”
Jimmy Kimmel wrote in an announcement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s clearly foolish to need extra time with an individual who outlived an entire century however dropping Norman Lear, even at 101 years previous, feels unfair. His bravery, integrity and unmatched ethical compass had been equaled by his kindness, empathy, and wit. Norman was very pleased with the truth that the so-called Reverend Jerry Falwell dubbed him. ‘The primary enemy of the American household.’ The other was true. Greater than anybody earlier than him, Norman used state of affairs comedy to shine a lightweight on prejudice, intolerance, and inequality. He created households that mirrored ours, displaying us a world during which Archie Bunker and Michael Stivic may be taught to not solely co-exist, however to like each other. As a younger man, Technical Sergeant Lear flew 52 fight missions over Nazi Germany. He continued to combat for freedom all the way in which to the top of his life on earth. Even at 101, Norman cared as a lot in regards to the future, our kids, and planet or as anybody I’ve ever recognized. He was an incredible American, a hero in each approach and so humorous, sensible, and beautiful man you virtually couldn’t imagine it. The privilege of working alongside Norman and the chance he gave me and my spouse to get to know him and his lovely household has been among the many nice honors and pleasures of my life. We had been all very fortunate to have him.”
George Clooney, in the meantime, shared: “It’s laborious to reconcile that at 101 years previous, Norman Lear is gone too quickly. The complete world of motive simply misplaced its best advocate and our household misplaced a pricey pal. A large walked in his sneakers.”
Tyler Perry recalled assembly one in every of his “heroes” in Lear.
“He invited me to lunch at his dwelling and as we sat and talked and laughed, I acquired an opportunity to inform him how he had helped save my life,” Perry wrote in an announcement obtained by THR. “I shared with him that he taught me to dream an even bigger dream by his instance. He was 100 years previous on the time, however sharp as ever. Stuffed with knowledge and nice recommendation, and I took all of it in. Simply earlier than I left, I requested, ‘At 100 years previous what are you wanting ahead to?’ With none hesitation he stated, ‘Tomorrow.’ It was such a easy however highly effective lesson to reside your life totally in the future at a time. And One Day at a Time simply occurred to be the title of one in every of his many hit TV exhibits together with Maude, All in The Household, Good Occasions, Sanford and Son and so many different unbelievable exhibits. They had been the one factor that introduced laughter and pleasure to me as a toddler, who was dwelling a day by day nightmare. I’m so glad that I had the possibility to say to him, due to his imaginative and prescient and his work, he gave me many ‘tomorrows’ to stay up for. So right this moment, sadly, I say goodbye and I salute a veteran. One who requested me to assist put collectively a second for him to say thanks to the surviving Redtail Tuskegee Airmen, he wished to thank them for the escorts they offered him and others throughout World Warfare II, which I did with Robin Roberts on GMA. It felt good to have the ability to do one thing for him. A hero and somebody who impressed me to try to convey as a lot laughter to the world as he purchased to the little boy that I used to be. You sir are actually one in every of one! I’m so glad we had been on the planet on the identical time. Thanks to your instance. Relaxation in peace my expensive pal, I thank God for you. My prayers are with your loved ones. Journey effectively, Mr. Norman Lear.”
And Jane Fonda referred to as it “a really unhappy day,” studying that Lear had died, calling him “a person who meant so much to many on a private degree and who modified the face and soul of American comedy.”
“My coronary heart is heavy,” she wrote in an announcement. “I cherished Norman.”
John Leguizamo referred to as Lear “a grasp of story telling and a healer by way of his exhibits!”
The actor-activist, writing on social media, continued of Lear, “He’s what all of showbiz needs to be aspiring to. He’s the consummate inventive producer we’ve lengthy deserted within the business.”
Lear was additionally well-known for his activism, with the longtime liberal co-founding the nonprofit Folks for the American Means in 1981.
Reacting to Lear’s dying PFAW president Svante Myrick stated in an announcement, “We’re heartbroken. We prolong our deepest sympathies to Norman’s spouse Lyn and their whole household, and to the many individuals who , like us, cherished Norman. Norman cherished this nation, and he cherished defending its beliefs. We’ll honor Norman by carrying on the work to which he devoted a lot of his life.”
Simpsons boss Al Jean referred to as Lear a “Comedy colossus, tireless fighter for the little man and a pleasure to know.”
And Pose showrunner Steven Canals wrote, “I by no means launched myself to Norman Lear, however was in the identical room as him twice. Each instances he spoke, and his phrases had been profound. He talked about: creating artwork that challenges & taking dangers. Thanks, sir, for creating indelible tales that impressed me as a boy & as an grownup. All of us profit out of your legacy.”
Learn extra tributes to Lear under.
