Jennifer Aniston and Norman Lear.Photo:Jennifer Aniston/Instagram

Jennifer Aniston/Instagram
Jennifer Anistonis reflecting onNorman Lear’s tremendous legacy.
“Norman Lear. 💔 His shows shaped my childhood and getting to know him was one of my greatest honors,” she began her message, which featured two pictures of her and Lear embracing. “He made such a difference. A huge impact on television and humanity.”
“He was able to tackle and discuss heated political conversations during difficult and charged times and we were able to laugh and learn. I yearn for those days,” Aniston continued. “When creativity was a learning tool and could inspire people to maybe think just a little bit differently. And of course to laugh. Our greatest source of healing.”
She remembered Lear as “the kindest and gentlest man,” recalling how he made people feel like they were “the only one in the room.”
“He made everyone feel this,” she explained. “Even when someone believed differently than him. That’s what made life and people interesting to him. To have discussions and really take in how people felt and hear their point of view. He knew how to give voice to all sides and somehow in the process bring people closer together.”
She concluded her tribute, “May we take a page from Norman’s playbook as a way of honoring his life. An extraordinary life. Rest in peace, Norman. It was a gift to stand in your light.”
Norman Lear and Jennifer Aniston at a dinner party.Jennifer Aniston/Instagram

Lear died of natural causes in his Los Angeles home on Tuesday, according to a release from his representatives. He was 101.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” the post continued.
“But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young,” the caption read. “As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.”
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In addition toAll in the Family, Lear’s other notable shows includeThe Jeffersons,Sanford and Son,Good TimesandMaude.
source: people.com