By LYNN ELBER (AP Television Writer)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Norman Lear, the author, director and producer who revolutionized prime time tv with such topical hits as “All in the Family” and “Maude” and propelled political and social turmoil into the once-insulated world of sitcoms, has died. He was 101.
Lear died Tuesday evening in his sleep, surrounded by household at his dwelling in Los Angeles, mentioned Lara Bergthold, a spokesperson for his household.
A liberal activist with an eye fixed for mainstream leisure, Lear customary daring and controversial comedies that have been embraced by TV sitcom viewers who lengthy needed to watch the night information to seek out out what was occurring on the planet. His reveals helped outline prime time comedy within the Seventies and after, launched the careers of such younger performers as Rob Reiner and Valerie Bertinelli and made Carroll O’Connor, Bea Arthur and Redd Foxx amongst others into middle-aged superstars.
His signature manufacturing was “All in the Family,” which was immersed within the headlines of the day, whereas additionally drawing upon Lear’s childhood reminiscences of his tempestuous father. Racism, feminism, and the Vietnam War have been flashpoints within the sitcom that includes blue collar conservative Archie Bunker, performed by O’Connor, and liberal son-in-law Mike Stivic (Reiner). Jean Stapleton co-starred as Archie’s befuddled, however good-hearted spouse, Edith, and Sally Struthers performed the Bunkers’ daughter, Gloria, who usually clashed with Archie on behalf of her husband.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”