Pioneering US television producer Norman Lear dies at the age of 101
Among other things, his series "Good Times", first broadcast in 1974, was the first series to revolve around an African-American family. Legendary comedian Mel Brooks once said that Lear was the "bravest writer, director and producer" ever to work in television.
Lear wrote, produced or devised around one hundred shows in a career spanning some eight decades. His series had an enormous reach: In the 1970s - years before the introduction of cable television and decades before streaming services - up to five of his sitcoms were on in prime time.
However, his TV entertainment, which was revolutionary for its time, also brought the World War II veteran, who was born into a Jewish family in 1922, powerful opponents. US President Richard Nixon, who was later forced to resign over the Watergate affair, included him on his so-called "enemies list", while conservative televangelist Jerry Falwell called Lear "the greatest enemy of the American family".
Lear's most influential work was probably "All in The Family". First broadcast in 1971, the series revolved around Archie Bunker, a narrow-minded, irascible family man who gives free rein to his prejudices against groups of people and regularly clashes with his progressive relatives. Among other things, the series served as a model for Wolfgang Menge's German TV classic "Ein Herz und eine Seele" about family man Alfred Tetzlaff, alias "Ekel Alfred".
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- Despite facing powerful opponents, Lear's TV shows, like "Good Times" and "All in The Family," continued to air on US television throughout the 1970s, with up to five sitcoms in prime time.
- During his eight-decade career, Lear wrote, produced, or devised around 100 shows, including the groundbreaking sitcom "All in The Family," which first aired in 1971.
- The 101-year-old US television producer, Norman Lear, died, leaving behind a significant legacy in the entertainment industry.
- Mel Brooks, a legendary comedian, once praised Lear as the "bravest writer, director, and producer" ever to work in television, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to sitcoms.
- Born in 1922 into a Jewish family, Lear served in the World War II and, despite facing criticism from US President Nixon and conservative televangelist Jerry Falwell, continued to produce influential series like "All in The Family."
- In the 1970s, Lear's sitcoms, including "All in The Family" and "Good Times," broke new ground, tackling social issues and having a considerable impact on American television.
- Lear's work influenced numerous other sitcoms, including the German TV classic "Ein Herz und eine Seele," which was inspired by "All in The Family."
- Lear, who died at the age of 101, will be remembered for his revolutionary contributions to television, with his series continuing to resonate and inspire generations of viewers.
Source: www.stern.de
