The demise of American screenwriter and producer, Norman Milton Lear, has left many curious about his state of health leading up to his passing. Lear, known for the creation and production of over a hundred television shows, was a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. His masterpieces from the 1970s were widely loved, earning him a spot in the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame.
His talent and dedication to his work were recognised through numerous awards including six Primetime Emmys, two Peabody Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 1999, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017, and the Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award in 2021.
Lear’s influence extended beyond the realm of television. He was a strong political activist, known for his support of progressive and liberal candidates and causes. In a bid to counterbalance the political influence of the Christian right, he founded People for the American Way in 1980. His sense of patriotism was further displayed in the early 2000s when he embarked on a tour carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
In 2023, several notable figures passed away, including daytime television star Billy Miller and musicians Steve Harwell and Sinead O’Connor. The demise of Lear, however, has sparked particular interest in his health prior to his death.
Lear, who was responsible for bringing topical hits like “All in the Family” and “Maude” to prime-time television, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home, as confirmed by his family’s spokeswoman, Lara Bergthold. His innovative and provocative comedies were embraced by television viewers who were tired of relying solely on the evening news for updates.
Lear’s shows played a significant role in launching the careers of young actors such as Rob Reiner and Valerie Bertinelli and transforming established actors like Carroll O’Connor, Bea Arthur, and Redd Foxx into household names.
As of yet, the cause of Lear’s death, who passed away at the age of 101 on December 5, 2023, remains undisclosed. Speculation suggests it could be due to an undiagnosed illness or simply old age.
Lear was survived by his current wife, Lyn Davis, whom he married in 1987 after two previous marriages. His first wife, Frances Loeb, who he was married to from 1956 until 1985, received $112 million as part of their divorce settlement. Lear had six children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Actress and singer Katey Sagal also recognised Lear as her godparent.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Lear was the eldest child of Jeanette and traveling salesman Hyman “Herman” Lear. Lear was raised in a Jewish household in Connecticut. He had a younger sister, Claire Lear Brown, who lived from 1925 to 2015. Lear’s family background was Eastern European, with his father being of Russian descent and his mother from Ukraine.
At the age of nine, Lear moved to Chelsea, Massachusetts, where his father was imprisoned for fraudulent bond sales. Lear described his father as a “rascal” and credited his mother as the inspiration for the character of Edith Bunker, more so than his father was for Archie Bunker. Lear’s early exposure to antisemitism, particularly through the radio broadcasts of Catholic priest Father Charles Coughlin, was a significant influence on his lifelong activism.
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