Childhood and Education Journey of Norman Lear in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Norman Lear, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Norman Lear was a highly influential American television writer and producer renowned for creating groundbreaking sitcoms during the 1970s. His most notable works include "All in the Family," "Maude," "Sanford and Son," "One Day at a Time," "The Jeffersons," and "Good Times." Lear's shows were revolutionary for their time, fearlessly addressing complex social and political issues within the comedic format, thereby sparking national conversations and shaping American pop culture. He produced, wrote, created, or developed over 100 shows.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 27, 1922: Norman Lear Born

On July 27, 1922, Norman Milton Lear was born. He would later become a prolific American screenwriter and producer.

Others born on this day/year

1925: Sister Claire Lear Brown Born

In 1925, Norman Lear's younger sister, Claire Lear Brown, was born.

1940: Graduates from Weaver High School

In 1940, Norman Lear graduated from Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut.

September 1942: Enlists in the United States Army Air Forces

In September 1942, Norman Lear enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces.

1942: Drops out of Emerson College

In 1942, Norman Lear dropped out of Emerson College in Boston to join the United States Army Air Forces.

1943: Married Charlotte Rosen

In 1943, Norman Lear married Charlotte Rosen.

1945: Discharged from the Army Air Forces

In 1945, Norman Lear was discharged from the Army Air Forces after serving in World War II.

1956: Divorced Charlotte Rosen

In 1956, Norman Lear divorced Charlotte Rosen.

1956: Married Frances Loeb

In 1956, Norman Lear married Frances Loeb.

1975: Formed the Energy Action Committee

In 1975, Norman Lear and the Malibu Mafia formed the Energy Action Committee to oppose Big Oil's influence in Washington.

1979: Moral Majority Founded

In 1980, Norman Lear founded the organization People for the American Way for the purpose of counteracting the Christian right group Moral Majority which had been founded in 1979.

1980: Supported John Anderson for President

In 1980, Norman Lear broke from his usual support of Democratic candidates and supported John Anderson for president. He cited his belief that the Carter administration was a "complete disaster" as the reason for his decision.

1980: Founds People for the American Way

In 1980, Norman Lear founded People for the American Way, an advocacy organization to counter the influence of the Christian right in politics.

1981: Founded People for the American Way

In 1981, Norman Lear founded People for the American Way (PFAW), a progressive advocacy organization, in response to the rise of the Christian right. The organization aimed to counter the influence of religion in politics.

1983: Separated from Frances Loeb

In 1983, Norman Lear separated from Frances Loeb.

1984: Met Lyn Davis

In 1984, Norman Lear met Lyn Davis, who was studying for her doctorate in clinical psychology at the time.

1985: Divorced Frances Loeb

In 1985, Norman Lear and Frances Loeb divorced, with Loeb receiving $112 million in the settlement.

January 21, 1987: Martin Marty Defends Lear's Religious Views

On January 21, 1987, Martin E. Marty, a Lutheran professor, defended Norman Lear in The Christian Century against accusations of being an atheist and anti-Christian, affirming Lear's respect for religious moral values.

1987: Married Lyn Davis

In 1987, Norman Lear married Lyn Davis, who was pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology.

1987: Blocked Robert Bork's Supreme Court Nomination

In 1987, People for the American Way, along with other like-minded groups, successfully blocked Ronald Reagan's nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court.

1989: Founded the Business Enterprise Trust

In 1989, Norman Lear founded the Business Enterprise Trust, an educational program to spotlight social innovations in American business.

1992: Reduced Political Activism

In 1992, Norman Lear announced that he was reducing his political activism.

1998: Business Enterprise Trust Ended

In 1998, the Business Enterprise Trust, which was founded by Norman Lear, concluded its activities.

2000: Endowed the Norman Lear Center

In 2000, Norman Lear provided an endowment for the Norman Lear Center at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, focusing on the convergence of entertainment, commerce, and society.

July 4, 2001: Filmed Declaration of Independence Reading

On July 4, 2001, Norman Lear and Rob Reiner filmed a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, featuring appearances from notable actors.

2001: Purchased Dunlap Broadside

In 2001, Norman Lear and his wife, Lyn, purchased a Dunlap broadside—one of the first published copies of the United States Declaration of Independence—for $8.1 million.

2002: Declaration of Independence Displayed at the Olympics

In 2002, the Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence, owned by Norman Lear, was displayed at the Olympics as part of the Declaration of Independence Road Trip.

2004: Declaration of Independence Road Trip Ended

By the end of 2004, the Declaration of Independence Road Trip, organized by Norman Lear, concluded its travels throughout the United States, visiting various locations including presidential libraries and the 2002 Olympics.

2004: Established Declare Yourself

In 2004, Norman Lear established Declare Yourself, a nonpartisan campaign to encourage young Americans aged 18 to 29 to register and vote.

2009: Denies Atheism Allegations

In 2009, Norman Lear denied claims of being an atheist and prejudiced against Christianity in an interview with US News. He asserted his belief in separating religion from politics.

2014: Describes Himself as a "Total Jew"

In 2014, Norman Lear described himself as a "total Jew" in an interview with The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, while clarifying that he was not a practicing one.