Norman Lear, , TV Legend, Dead at 101.<br />'Variety' reports that the legendary television <br />writer, producer and developer <br />died on December 5.<br />According to his publicist, Lear died <br />of natural causes in his Los Angeles home.<br />Lear helped revolutionize comedy <br />sitcoms with wildly popular shows like <br />'All in the Family' and 'Sanford and Son.'.<br />Lear helped revolutionize comedy <br />sitcoms with wildly popular shows like <br />'All in the Family' and 'Sanford and Son.'.<br />Lear's family released a statement <br />shortly after announcing his passing. .<br />Thank you for the moving <br />outpouring of love and support <br />in honor of our wonderful <br />husband, father and grandfather. , Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.<br />Thank you for the moving <br />outpouring of love and support <br />in honor of our wonderful <br />husband, father and grandfather. , Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.<br />Norman lived a life of creativity, <br />tenacity and empathy. He deeply <br />loved our country and spent a lifetime <br />helping to preserve its founding <br />ideals of justice and equality for all. , Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.<br />Knowing and loving him <br />has been the greatest of gifts. <br />We ask for your understanding as <br />we mourn privately in celebration <br />of this remarkable human being, Norman Lear family statement, via 'Variety'.<br />Lear's shows were historical for television, addressing <br />serious political, cultural and social issues, <br />such as racism, abortion and homosexuality.<br />'Variety' reports that Lear was one of the most <br />outspoken philanthropists in Hollywood, founding the <br />People for the American Way advocacy group in 1981. .<br />Over the course of his career, Lear was inducted into the <br />Television Academy's Hall of Fame and honored with the <br />Producers Guild of America's lifetime achievement award. .<br />In addition to multiple Writers Guild of America awards, Lear was <br />the recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 1999, and his <br />career was celebrated at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors
