NEW YORK (AP) — Norman Lear, a titan of the entertainment industry, revolutionized the medium of television. As the creator, producer, and writer of groundbreaking programs such as “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times,” and “Maude,” Lear infused humor and heart into complex and poignant issues, forever changing the landscape of television.
Lear ushered in a new era of candor on television, reflecting the reality of everyday life onscreen—from the simple sound of a toilet flush to the major sociopolitical issues of the day. His work expanded the scope of television narratives by including feminist characters, divorced women, and both wealthy and working-class Black families. By addressing significant topics like politics, abortion, race, and poverty, Lear managed to unite viewers through comedy.
“Norman Lear changed situation comedy in the best way possible,” said late-night host Jimmy Kimmel in an on-air tribute following Lear’s death in December 2023. “He taught us so much about so many serious things, always making us laugh while he did it. Everyone who works in, and even watches, television owes him a great debt.”
Lear’s sensitivity to the world around him permeated every aspect of his life. Alongside his wife, Lyn Davis Lear, he pursued authentic responses to modern life across entertainment, philanthropy, activism, and art. Over the decades, the couple amassed an extensive art collection, featuring works by creatives such as David Hockney and Ed Ruscha, who, like Lear, sought to represent the truth of their times. Their groundbreaking representations of post-war American culture both reflected and defined the era.
This May, Christie’s is proud to offer The Collection of Norman and Lyn Lear in New York. Led by legends of 20th-century art, from Richard Diebenkorn to Willem de Kooning, the collection embodies the authenticity and dedication to truth at the heart of Lear’s life and legacy. “Norman used to say that whenever he flew across the country, he would look at the lights down below and think about how he had helped people laugh in all those towns,” Lyn tells Christie’s. “He loved that he could bring that to people.”
Throughout his 65-year career, Lear brought more than 100 television series to life. He received numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award.
Breaking Boundaries with ‘All in the Family’
In the 1950s and ’60s, American television often presented an idealized portrait of the country. However, in 1971, Lear premiered “All in the Family,” which centered on the domestic conflict between prejudiced, loud-mouthed Archie Bunker and his progressive son-in-law. By tackling difficult topics with nuanced and layered storylines, the series reinvented onscreen comedy. His subsequent shows built on the success of “All in the Family’s” unique tone, and by the mid-1970s, Lear was producing five of the 10 most popular programs on television.
Expanding the Narrative with ‘The Jeffersons’ and ‘Good Times’
One of Lear’s hallmarks was his ability to introduce outspoken characters, and “The Jeffersons” was no exception. As a spinoff from “All in the Family,” the show focused on George Jefferson, a temperamental dry cleaner, and his level-headed wife, Louise. The show ran for 11 seasons from 1975 to 1985, presenting a successful Black family on TV before “The Cosby Show.”
Before “The Jeffersons,” Lear brought “Good Times” to the screen, another spinoff from “Maude” that ran for six seasons between 1974 and 1979. The show depicted the Evans family living in a Chicago housing project, tackling issues prevalent among the poor while turning Jimmie Walker into a star with his “Dy-no-mite!” catchphrase.
Embracing Realism with ‘One Day at a Time’ and ‘Sanford and Son’
“One Day at a Time,” a two-time Emmy-winning comedy, aired for nine seasons from 1975 to 1984, focusing on a divorced Indianapolis woman raising her two teenage daughters and delving into women’s issues. The show was rebooted in 2017, with Lear serving as a producer.
“Sanford and Son,” starring Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford, a loudmouthed junk dealer in Los Angeles, premiered in 1972 and ran for six seasons. The show was known for its recurring gags and spectacular ratings and was revived briefly in 1980-1981 as “Sanford,” making it one of TV’s earlier reboots.
A Legacy of Authenticity and Philanthropy
Lear’s commitment to truth extended beyond television and art into philanthropy. In 1980, he founded People for the American Way, a progressive advocacy group, and provided an endowment for the Norman Lear Center, a nonpartisan research and public policy center. He also served on the National Advisory Board of the Young Storytellers Foundation and was a trustee of the Paley Center for Media.
In 2001, the Lears purchased one of 26 known Dunlap broadsides, one of the first published copies of the Declaration of Independence, and brought the document on a national tour to inspire civic activism. “Whenever he saw an opportunity to give back or make a change, he would jump in,” says Lyn. “It was very invigorating and exciting being with him for that reason.”
Throughout his pioneering career, Lear explored the complex nature of humanity and strove to reveal universal truths. The Collection of Lyn and Norman Lear reflects the couple’s values, driving their activism and love of art. “Norman was not only a legend, he was very much loved,” says Lyn. “People had so much admiration for him because he really made a difference.”
Norman Lear’s contributions to television, art, and society continue to be celebrated, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come.