Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel at the 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.Photo:Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
Jimmy Kimmelmourned the loss of his friend and collaboratorNorman Learon Wednesday, a day afterthe Hollywood icon died at the age of 101.
“Last night at around 7 p.m., we lost not only a giant in the world of television, but a great man who was one of the most important and impressive people I ever had the pleasure of meeting,” Kimmel, 56, began.
“Norman was the genius who brought us some of the greatest television shows and characters of all time,” he said before listing some of the series Lear created, includingAll in the Family,Maude, Good Times,The Facts of Life, Diff’Rent Strokes,Sanford and Son,One Day at a TimeandThe Jeffersons(among others). “It’s an incredible list and he was an incredible person."
The comedian continued, “He changed situation comedy in the best possible way. He taught us so much about so many serious things, always making us laugh while he did it, and everyone who works in or even watches television owes him a great debt. Especially me.”
Photos of the pair together then flashed up on the screen as Kimmel explained, “I was fortunate enough to work with Norman on several projects over the last five years, including live revivals of some of his greatest shows, and I loved him dearly. He was so funny.”
The star then revealed that during the 2021 holidays, he and his wifeMolly McNearneysent Lear a shirt with “Norman F-ing Lear” printed on the front.
“And he loved it,” said Kimmel, before sharing the thank you note that Lear sent the couple in return.
Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel.Eric McCandless via Getty
Eric McCandless via Getty
“Dear Molly and Jimmy, I can’t f—ing believe this f—ing sweatshirt. It’s something I’ve always wanted more than I can f—ing tell,” he said. “You guys are the f—ing best and I wish you the dearest, sweetest, greatest f—ing holiday season in the history of holiday f—ing seasons. Signed Norman F. Lear.”
“His middle name was Milton so…” smiled Kimmel as he began to get teary. “Norman was 100 when he wrote that. He died last night at 101. 101 years and somehow, it wasn’t enough. He leaves behind his wife Lyn, a beautiful family, and a legacy that won’t ever be matched. It would be impossible. We were all lucky to have him. I hope we never forget him, or the many the lessons he taught us.”
Norman Lear.Eric McCandless via Getty
The Hollywood icon died on Dec. 5 at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes, according a release from his representatives.
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Norman Lear.Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty
Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty
Kimmel was not the only famous face remembering Lear following his death.
All in the FamilystarRob Reinershared a touchingmessageon X (formerly known as Twitter) as he called Lear his “second father.”
Meanwhile,George Clooney, who starred in Lear’sThe Facts of Life, said in a statement to PEOPLE, “It’s hard to reconcile that at 101 years old, Norman Lear is gone too soon. The entire world of reason just lost its greatest advocate and our family lost a dear friend. A giant walked in his shoes.”
source: people.com
