The great Norman Lear passed away on December 5 at the age of 101. Over his illustrious eight-decade career in showbiz, the television maestro developed more than 100 shows, many of which painted a more idealistic vision for America. Lear’s creations—such as All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, and Diff’rent Strokes—tackled hot-button issues including racism, sexuality, misogyny, and abortion with brutal honesty. These shows thrust important conversations into the cultural zeitgeist while remaining entertaining and funny.
In the wake of Lear’s passing, Rolling Stone spoke with Rob Reiner, who famously portrayed Michael “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family. Reiner, an accomplished actor, filmmaker, and activist, considered Lear to be a “second father.” Reiner opened up about Lear’s immense TV and political legacy, his influence on Reiner’s own career, and the deep personal loss he feels.
On Hearing the News Reiner described the moment he heard about Lear’s passing as “horrible.” Despite being prepared for the inevitable after speaking with Lear’s family, the news still hit hard. “He was like a second father to me,” Reiner shared. Having lost his own father, Carl Reiner, in 2020, the loss of Lear marked the departure of another pivotal figure in his life.
Lear’s Tenacity and Patriotism Even in his final days, Lear’s spirit remained indomitable. Reiner recalled a moment when Lear, slipping in and out of consciousness, responded to his child’s reassurance with, “Who are we going to get to write that?” highlighting his unwavering dedication to his craft. Lear’s resilience was forged in the crucible of World War II, where he flew 57 bombing missions over Nazi Germany. Reiner emphasized Lear’s lifelong fight for democracy and against fascism, a battle that Lear saw resurfacing in contemporary America. “He couldn’t believe it,” Reiner said, referring to Lear’s dismay at the resurgence of fascist ideologies.
Political Activism and People for the American Way Lear was not just a TV pioneer; he was a staunch political activist. He founded People for the American Way to combat the Christian right’s influence over American politics. Reiner noted the chilling parallels between the past and present, drawing connections between the Christian right’s ideology and the events of January 6. He stressed the importance of the upcoming election, framing it as a choice between democracy and fascism.
Norman Lear’s Vision of America Lear’s unique ability to present hard realities while making audiences laugh set his work apart. All in the Family showcased the bigotry and racism of Archie Bunker and the ideological clashes with Michael Stivic, mirroring the societal debates of the time. Reiner lamented the current lack of shared experiences in media, contrasting it with the era when All in the Family prompted nationwide discussions. “At least when we were on, there were a common set of values,” he said, highlighting the show’s role in fostering dialogue.
A Renewed Urgency in the Trump Era Lear’s political activism saw a resurgence during the Trump years. “You couldn’t not,” Reiner remarked, referring to the pervasive sense of urgency felt by many. Lear’s commitment to stirring the pot, to challenging the status quo, remained unwavering until the end. He believed in using his voice and celebrity to advocate for a better world, a lesson Reiner carries forward.
A Lasting Legacy Norman Lear’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his groundbreaking work and the countless lives he touched. “There will never be another Norman Lear,” Reiner said, underscoring the indelible impact of a man who shaped television and society with his courage, humor, and relentless pursuit of justice.