Lear, Norman (1922-2023), an American producer and director, created some of the most popular and influential shows in television history. Many of Lear’s programs broke fresh ground in their use of adult language and subject matter on evening network television. Lear won a variety of awards, including Emmy and Golden Globe awards, for his work.
Lear changed the course of television with his series “All in the Family” (1971-1979). The series introduced a new realism into TV comedy and frequently dealt with previously avoided subjects, such as racial and religious prejudice and attempted rape. Lear created two successful new series from characters who originated in “All in the Family.” They were “Maude” (1972-1978) and “The Jeffersons” (1975-1985). “Good Times” (1974-1979), in turn, was created from characters in “Maude.” Lear also developed the series “Sanford and Son” (1972-1977) about a 65-year-old junk dealer in Los Angeles and his adult son. “The Jeffersons,” “Sanford and Son,” and “Good Times” introduced a new realism in their portrayals of modern African American life.
Another popular Lear comedy series was “One Day at a Time” (1975-1984), which dealt with a divorced woman and her two teenage daughters. Lear created a satirical soap opera called “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” (1976-1978) that was a national sensation for much of its run.
Lear was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He entered the TV industry in 1945 as a writer and later directed, produced, and wrote many programs during the early years of television. He teamed with Bud Yorkin in 1959 to make a number of light motion-picture comedies, usually with Lear producing and writing and Yorkin directing. Their collaborations included Come Blow Your Horn (1963), Never Too Late (1965), Divorce American Style (1967), and Start the Revolution Without Me (1970).
Lear was active in promoting liberal political and social causes. In 1980, he founded People for the American Way, an organization intended to counteract what he saw as right-wing religious influences in American society. Lear wrote a memoir, Even This I Get to Experience (2014). He died on Dec. 5, 2023.
