Norman Lear, TV Legend, Dead at 101

Norman Lear, , TV Legend, Dead at 101.

'Variety' reports that the legendary television writer, producer and developer died on December 5.

According to his publicist, Lear died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home.

Lear helped revolutionize comedy sitcoms with wildly popular shows like 'All in the Family' and 'Sanford and Son.'.

Lear helped revolutionize comedy sitcoms with wildly popular shows like 'All in the Family' and 'Sanford and Son.'.

Lear's family released a statement shortly after announcing his passing.

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Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

, Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.

Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

, Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.

Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity and empathy.

He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all.

, Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.

Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts.

We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being, Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.

Lear's shows were historical for television, addressing serious political, cultural and social issues, such as racism, abortion and homosexuality.

'Variety' reports that Lear was one of the most outspoken philanthropists in Hollywood, founding the People for the American Way advocacy group in 1981.

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Over the course of his career, Lear was inducted into the Television Academy's Hall of Fame and honored with the Producers Guild of America's lifetime achievement award.

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In addition to multiple Writers Guild of America awards, Lear was the recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 1999, and his career was celebrated at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors