Norman Milton Lear is a highly influential American screenwriter and producer known for his work in television. During the 1970s, he created and produced numerous popular sitcoms, including "All in the Family," "Maude," "Sanford and Son," "One Day at a Time," "The Jeffersons," and "Good Times." Lear's groundbreaking approach incorporated political and social themes into the sitcom format, challenging societal norms and sparking important conversations.
July 27, 1922: Birth of Norman Lear
Norman Milton Lear was born on July 27, 1922, in New Haven, Connecticut.
1925: Birth of Claire Lear Brown
Norman Lear's younger sister, Claire Lear Brown, was born in 1925.
1940: Norman Lear Graduates High School
Norman Lear graduated from Weaver High School in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1940.
September 1942: Norman Lear Begins Military Service
Norman Lear officially enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in September 1942, serving as a radio operator and gunner during World War II.
1942: Norman Lear Enlists in the Army Air Forces
Norman Lear left Emerson College in 1942 to join the United States Army Air Forces, marking a turning point in his life.
1943: Lear's First Marriage
Norman Lear married Charlotte Rosen in 1943.
1945: Norman Lear Discharged from the Army Air Forces
After serving in World War II, Norman Lear was discharged from the Army Air Forces in 1945.
1950: Lear and Simmons Hired by Jerry Lewis
Norman Lear's career received a significant boost in 1950 when Jerry Lewis hired him and Ed Simmons as writers for the comedy duo's appearances.
1953: Lear and Simmons Secure Lucrative Writing Contract
In 1953, Norman Lear and his writing partner, Ed Simmons, secured a record-breaking $52,000 contract to write for Martin and Lewis's appearances on the Colgate Comedy Hour.
1956: Lear's First Marriage Ends
Norman Lear's first marriage to Charlotte Rosen ended in divorce in 1956.
1956: Lear Marries Frances Loeb
Norman Lear married Frances Loeb, the publisher of Lear's magazine, in 1956.
1956: Lear Contributes to "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show"
From 1956 to 1961, Norman Lear contributed his writing talents to "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show," penning some of the opening monologues for the popular variety program.
1958: Lear and Yorkin Found Tandem Productions
Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin established Tandem Productions in 1958, a company that would go on to produce some of television's most iconic sitcoms.
1959: Lear Creates First Television Series
Marking a significant milestone, Norman Lear created his first television series in 1959, a western titled "The Deputy," starring Henry Fonda.
1961: End of "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show"
After a successful run, "The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show," to which Norman Lear contributed, came to an end in 1961.
1967: Lear Writes and Produces "Divorce American Style"
Before his sitcom success, Norman Lear wrote and produced the 1967 film "Divorce American Style," starring Dick Van Dyke, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
1968: Lear Pitches "Justice for All"
In 1968, Norman Lear pitched a sitcom concept about a blue-collar American family to ABC, titled "Justice for All," but the network rejected the pilot.
1969: Lear Pitches "Those Were the Days"
Norman Lear persisted in his efforts to bring a working-class family sitcom to television, pitching "Those Were the Days" to ABC in 1969, but the network again declined.
January 12, 1971: "All in the Family" Premieres to Mixed Reception
"All in the Family" premiered on January 12, 1971, to initially disappointing ratings, but the show's critical acclaim and Emmy wins propelled it to become a cultural phenomenon.
1971: "All in the Family" Premieres
In 1971, Norman Lear's groundbreaking sitcom "All in the Family" premiered on American television. This marked a turning point in television history as the show broke new ground by openly addressing social and political issues that were considered taboo at the time, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. The show's success paved the way for more daring and realistic portrayals of American life on television.
1971: Premiere of "All in the Family"
On January 12, 1971, Norman Lear's groundbreaking sitcom "All in the Family" premiered, introducing political and social themes to the genre.
1972: Premieres of "Maude" and "Sanford and Son"
Norman Lear expanded his comedic empire in 1972 with the premieres of two new sitcoms, "Maude" and "Sanford and Son," both tackling social issues with humor.
1974: Lear Co-Founds T.A.T. Communications
Further expanding his influence, Norman Lear co-founded T.A.T. Communications in 1974, a company that would produce a range of successful television shows and films.
1974: Premiere of "Good Times"
"Good Times," a sitcom focusing on an African American family in Chicago, premiered in 1974, adding to Norman Lear's collection of socially relevant shows.
1975: "One Day at a Time" Premieres
In 1975, Norman Lear's groundbreaking sitcom "One Day at a Time" premiered on television. The show, known for its realistic portrayal of a divorced mother raising two teenage daughters, became a critical and commercial success.
1975: Malibu Mafia Forms Energy Action Committee
In 1975, driven by their shared progressive values and concerns about the growing influence of Big Oil, the Malibu Mafia, a group of wealthy and influential individuals in Los Angeles that included Norman Lear, took a significant step. They established the Energy Action Committee to challenge the powerful oil lobby in Washington D.C. This move demonstrated their commitment to leveraging their resources and influence to advocate for policy changes and raise awareness about critical social and political issues.
1975: Premieres of "One Day at a Time" and "The Jeffersons"
Norman Lear continued his reign in television comedy with the premieres of "One Day at a Time" and "The Jeffersons" in 1975, further solidifying his legacy.
1975: Lear and Yorkin Part Ways
Norman Lear's long-standing producing partnership with Bud Yorkin dissolved in 1975, marking a significant shift in their careers.
January 1976: Lear Launches "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" in Syndication
Facing network resistance to the controversial sitcom "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," Norman Lear launched the show directly into first-run syndication in January 1976, a bold move that paid off.
1976: "All in the Family" Experiences a Dip in Ratings
After several years as the top-rated show, "All in the Family" experienced a slight dip in ratings during the 1976-1977 television season, falling to #12.
1977: Lear Expands Syndication Efforts
Building on his success with syndicated programming, Norman Lear planned to offer three hours of prime-time Saturday content directly to stations in 1977, challenging traditional network dominance.
1977: Eric Monte Files Lawsuit Against Lear and Others
Norman Lear and other producers faced a lawsuit in 1977 when screenwriter Eric Monte accused them of stealing his ideas for shows like "Good Times" and "The Jeffersons," leading to a settlement and controversy.
1977: End of "Sanford and Son"
"Sanford and Son," one of Lear's hit sitcoms, ended in 1977 after a successful run.
1977: "All in the Family" Returns to Top Ten
"All in the Family" rebounded from its brief ratings dip in 1977, returning to the top ten and solidifying its legacy as one of television's most popular sitcoms.
1978: End of "Maude"
After six seasons, the socially conscious sitcom "Maude" concluded its run in 1978.
1979: End of "All in the Family"
After a successful run, "All in the Family" aired its final episode in 1979, marking the end of an era for Lear and television history.
1980: Norman Lear Founds People for the American Way
Driven by his political activism, Norman Lear founded People for the American Way in 1980, an organization dedicated to countering the influence of the Christian right in politics.
1980: Lear Founds People for the American Way
In 1980, motivated by his progressive beliefs, Norman Lear established People for the American Way. This organization was conceived as a direct response to the rising influence of the Christian right, particularly the Moral Majority, founded in 1979. Lear aimed to counter their conservative agenda and promote liberal values.
1980: Lear Supports John Anderson for President
In the 1980 U.S. presidential election, Norman Lear, known for his liberal political stance, broke from his usual support of Democratic candidates. Citing his dissatisfaction with the Carter administration, which he deemed "a complete disaster," Lear threw his support behind independent candidate John Anderson. This decision reflected Lear's willingness to prioritize his political beliefs over party loyalty.
October 4, 1981: The Wave Airs on Television
The made-for-television movie "The Wave," produced by Norman Lear, premiered on October 4, 1981.
1981: Lear Founds People for the American Way
In 1981, fueled by his concerns over the rising political influence of the Christian right, Norman Lear took a proactive stance by founding People for the American Way (PFAW). This progressive advocacy organization aimed to counter the conservative agenda promoted by groups like the Moral Majority, which Lear saw as a threat to the separation of church and state and individual liberties.
1981: Lear Hosts Quiz Kids Revival
In the fall of 1981, Norman Lear took on the role of host for the revival of the classic game show Quiz Kids, which aired on the CBS Cable Network. His stint as host lasted for 14 months.
1981: T.A.T. Communications Produces "The Wave"
T.A.T. Communications, co-founded by Norman Lear, produced the impactful film "The Wave" in 1981, a testament to the company's commitment to thought-provoking content.
January 1982: Lear and Perenchio Acquire Avco Embassy Pictures
In January 1982, Norman Lear and Jerry Perenchio made a significant business move by acquiring Avco Embassy Pictures from Avco Financial Corporation. Following the merger with T.A.T. Communications, the company was renamed Embassy Communications, Inc., with leadership entrusted to Alan Horn and Martin Schaeffer.
March 1982: Lear Produces "I Love Liberty" Special
In March 1982, Norman Lear utilized his platform to produce a television special titled "I Love Liberty." The program, which aired on ABC, was intended as a counterpoint to conservative groups like the Moral Majority, aiming to present an alternative perspective on social and political issues. A notable guest on the special was Barry Goldwater, a prominent conservative figure and the Republican nominee for president in 1964.
1983: Lear and Frances Loeb Separate
Norman Lear and his second wife, Frances Loeb, separated in 1983.
September 30, 1984: Heartsounds Airs on Television
The made-for-television movie "Heartsounds," produced by Norman Lear, premiered on September 30, 1984.
1984: End of "One Day at a Time"
After nine seasons, "One Day at a Time," a sitcom known for its portrayal of a single mother raising two daughters, concluded in 1984.
1984: Original "One Day at a Time" Ends
In 1984, after a successful nine-season run, the original iteration of Norman Lear's sitcom "One Day at a Time" came to an end. The show left a lasting legacy for its portrayal of social issues and its relatable characters.
June 18, 1985: Lear and Perenchio Sell Embassy Communications to Columbia Pictures
On June 18, 1985, Norman Lear and Jerry Perenchio sold their company, Embassy Communications, to Columbia Pictures. This deal, valued at $485 million in Coca-Cola Company shares, saw Columbia Pictures acquire Embassy's film and television divisions, including their in-house productions and television rights to the Embassy theatrical library.
1985: Lear's Second Marriage Ends
Norman Lear's second marriage to Frances Loeb ended in 1985.
1985: End of "The Jeffersons"
"The Jeffersons," a spin-off of "All in the Family" and a groundbreaking sitcom in its own right, aired its final episode in 1985, concluding its successful run.
1986: Lear Founds Act III Communications
In 1986, Norman Lear founded Act III Communications, marking a new chapter in his career. The following year, he brought on board Thomas B. McGrath as president and chief operating officer. McGrath's prior role as senior vice president at the company suggested a strategic move by Lear to establish a strong leadership team for his new venture.
1986: Lear Acknowledges Role as Head Writer
In 1986, Norman Lear openly acknowledged his and Ed Simmons's role as the primary writers for "The Martin and Lewis Show" for three years, shedding light on their contributions.
1986: Tandem Productions and Embassy Cease as Entities
In 1986, the television production landscape shifted as Tandem Productions, a company associated with Norman Lear, was dissolved following the cancellation of the popular sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes." Additionally, Embassy ceased to exist as a unified entity by the end of 1986, with its components divided and owned by separate companies. Coca-Cola sold the film division to Dino De Laurentiis and the home video arm to Nelson Holdings, while the television properties were placed under the umbrella of Columbia Pictures Television.
January 21, 1987: Lear's Associate Rejects Allegations of Anti-Christian Bias
On January 21, 1987, Martin E. Marty, a Lutheran professor associated with Norman Lear, publicly refuted claims made by prominent right-wing Christians that Lear held an anti-Christian bias. Marty defended Lear's understanding of Christianity and highlighted his respect for religious moral values.
1987: PFAW and Allies Block Robert Bork's Supreme Court Nomination
In 1987, People for the American Way (PFAW), the organization founded by Norman Lear, played a pivotal role in one of the most contentious Supreme Court nomination battles in American history. PFAW, along with other like-minded groups, mobilized a nationwide campaign opposing President Reagan's nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court. Their efforts proved successful as Bork's nomination was ultimately rejected by the Senate, marking a significant victory for PFAW and a testament to Lear's commitment to progressive values.
1987: Lear Marries Lyn Davis
In 1987, Norman Lear married Lyn Davis.
February 2, 1989: Act III Communications and Columbia Pictures Television Form Joint Venture
On February 2, 1989, Norman Lear's company, Act III Communications, entered into a joint venture with Columbia Pictures Television. The new entity, named Act III Television, was established to focus on producing television series rather than solely managing them, marking a shift in the company's strategy.
1989: Lear Founds the Business Enterprise Trust
Norman Lear established the Business Enterprise Trust in 1989, an educational program aimed at promoting social responsibility in American businesses. The program utilized awards, case studies, and videos to highlight commendable social innovations within the business sector.
1990: Act III Communications Ventures into Business Journalism
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Act III Communications, under Norman Lear's leadership, expanded its portfolio beyond television production by acquiring several business journals. This included the respected industry publication Channels magazine, founded by Les Brown, a former television correspondent for The New York Times. However, Channels ceased publication in 1990. In its place, Act III and Brown collaborated to publish and edit Television Business International (TBI), demonstrating a continued interest in media analysis and commentary.
1992: Lear Scales Back Political Activism
In 1992, Norman Lear announced a reduction in his political activism.
1997: Lear and Jim George Produce "Channel Umptee-3"
In 1997, Norman Lear, a pioneer in television, partnered with Jim George to produce the children's animated series "Channel Umptee-3" for Kids' WB. This production was noteworthy for being the first television show to fully comply with the Federal Communications Commission's newly implemented educational programming requirements.
1998: Business Enterprise Trust Concludes
Norman Lear's Business Enterprise Trust, an educational program promoting social innovation in businesses, concluded its operations in 1998.
1999: Lear Receives National Medal of Arts and Women in Film Lucy Award
In 1999, Norman Lear's contributions to American arts and culture were recognized with two prestigious honors. President Bill Clinton bestowed upon him the National Medal of Arts, acknowledging Lear's impact on how Americans view their society through his thought-provoking work. That same year, Lear, alongside Bud Yorkin, was presented with the Women in Film Lucy Award. This award celebrated their exceptional work in television, particularly in creating content that challenged traditional gender roles and offered more nuanced portrayals of women.
1999: Norman Lear Receives National Medal of Arts
In recognition of his contributions to American television and culture, Norman Lear was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1999.
2000: Lear Endows the Norman Lear Center
In 2000, Norman Lear established the Norman Lear Center at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. This multidisciplinary research and public policy center was dedicated to studying the intersection of entertainment, commerce, and society.
July 4, 2001: Lear Produces Dramatic Reading of Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 2001, Norman Lear, along with Rob Reiner, produced a filmed dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
2001: Lear Purchases Dunlap Broadside
In 2001, Norman Lear and his wife, Lyn, acquired a Dunlap broadside, an early printed copy of the United States Declaration of Independence, for $8.1 million.
2002: Declaration of Independence on Display at 2002 Olympics
As part of the Declaration of Independence Road Trip, the historical document was displayed at the 2002 Olympics, offering spectators a chance to connect with this pivotal piece of American history.
2003: Lear Lends Voice to "South Park"
In 2003, Norman Lear crossed paths with the creators of the animated sitcom "South Park." He lent his voice to the character of Benjamin Franklin in the episode "I'm a Little Bit Country" and served as a consultant for that episode and "Cancelled." His involvement went beyond a cameo appearance, as he attended a writers' retreat for the show, contributing ideas that were incorporated into the series. Lear's connection to "South Park" extended to a personal level: he officiated the wedding of Trey Parker, one of the show's creators.
2004: Lear's Declaration of Independence Road Trip Concludes
By the end of 2004, the Declaration of Independence Road Trip, organized by Norman Lear, concluded. The tour, showcasing one of the first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, traveled across the United States, making stops at presidential libraries, museums, and significant events like the 2002 Olympics and Super Bowl XXXVI.
2004: Lear Establishes Declare Yourself
In 2004, Norman Lear launched "Declare Yourself," a non-partisan, non-profit initiative dedicated to promoting voter registration among young adults aged 18 to 29 in the United States.
2006: Lear Honored with Producers Guild of America Achievement Award
In 2006, the Producers Guild of America recognized Norman Lear's immense contributions to television by presenting him with its highest honor, the Achievement Award in Television. This award celebrated Lear's groundbreaking work in creating and producing some of the most influential and beloved sitcoms in American television history.
2009: Lear Addresses Atheism Allegations
In 2009, Norman Lear refuted claims from right-wing Christian nationalists who labeled him as an atheist. He asserted his religious beliefs and highlighted the incorporation of evangelical Christian language in his "Born Again American" campaign.
2014: Lear Publishes Memoir "Even This I Get to Experience"
In 2014, Norman Lear shared his life story and insights with the world through his memoir, "Even This I Get to Experience." The book provided a glimpse into his personal and professional journey, offering reflections on his long and influential career.
2014: Lear's Jewish Identity
In 2014, Norman Lear, during an interview, identified himself as a "total Jew." However, he clarified that he was never a practicing Jew.
2015: Lear Recalls Early Career in Interview
During a 2015 interview with Variety, Norman Lear reminisced about his early career, including his work with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin.
2015: Death of Claire Lear Brown
Claire Lear Brown, Norman Lear's sister, passed away in 2015.
2016: Documentary "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You" Released
In 2016, a documentary titled "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You" was released, focusing on Lear's life and impact. The film explored his contributions to television and his role in shaping American culture.
May 1, 2017: Lear Launches "All of the Above" Podcast
On May 1, 2017, Norman Lear launched his podcast, "All of the Above with Norman Lear." This venture provided him with a platform to engage in conversations on a variety of topics, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and experiences.
2017: Lear Receives Woody Guthrie Prize and Kennedy Center Honors
In 2017, Norman Lear's enduring legacy as a champion of social justice was celebrated with two remarkable honors. He was bestowed with the fourth annual Woody Guthrie Prize by the Woody Guthrie Center, recognizing his lifelong commitment to using his platform to advocate for positive social change. Later that year, at the age of 95, Lear received the Kennedy Center Honors, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to American performing arts. This recognition made him the oldest recipient of the prestigious award.
2017: Norman Lear Honored with Kennedy Center Honors
Norman Lear's illustrious career was celebrated in 2017 when he received the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious recognition for his lifetime artistic achievements.
July 29, 2019: Lear Teams with Lin-Manuel Miranda for Rita Moreno Documentary
On July 29, 2019, it was announced that Norman Lear had joined forces with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the acclaimed creator of the musical "Hamilton," to produce a documentary about the life and career of Rita Moreno. The film, tentatively titled "Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It," was intended as part of the "American Masters" series.
2020: Lear to Executive Produce "Who's The Boss?" Revival
In 2020, it was announced that Norman Lear, through his company Act III Productions, would executive produce a revival of the popular sitcom "Who's The Boss?" This project demonstrated Lear's continued involvement in television and his desire to revisit classic concepts for contemporary audiences.
2021: Norman Lear Receives Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award
Norman Lear was honored with the Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award in 2021, recognizing his outstanding contributions to television entertainment.
December 5, 2023: Death of Norman Lear
Norman Lear passed away on December 5, 2023.
2023: Inflation Adjustment of 1953 Contract
Adjusting for inflation, the $52,000 contract Lear and Simmons signed in 1953 is equivalent to $590,000 in 2023, highlighting the significance of their deal.
2023: Lear Oversees Multiple Projects Before His Death
At the time of his passing in 2023, Norman Lear remained active in the entertainment industry, overseeing the development of multiple television projects. Among these was a planned reboot of the satirical soap opera "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," showcasing his enduring legacy and influence on television.