Celebrities Pay Tribute to Hollywood Icon Norman Lear After His Death

"May we take a page from Norman’s playbook as a way of honoring his life."

Beloved screenwriter and producer Norman Lear died of natural causes at the age of 101 on Dec. 5. According to a spokesperson for his family, the Hollywood icon passed in his Los Angeles home on Tuesday "after a lifetime of laughter," per Entertainment Tonight.

"Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather," the family's statement read. "Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being."

Lear, who was responsible for creating popular sitcoms including All in the Family and The Jeffersons, had a massively successful career in the industry spanning several decades. Now, his Hollywood peers are remembering his legacy with touching tributes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, even major broadcast networks will also honor the legend with “an on-air in memoriam card” during primetime tonight.

On Wednesday, Jimmy Kimmel honored Lear with a touching Instagram post that read, "It is obviously silly to want more time with a person who outlived a whole century but losing Norman Lear, even at 101 years old, feels unfair. His bravery, integrity and unmatched moral compass were equaled by his kindness, empathy, and wit."

Related: Jennifer Aniston Just Shared an Emotional Tribute to Matthew Perry

"Norman was very proud of the fact that the so-called Reverend Jerry Falwell dubbed him 'The number one enemy of the American family,'" Kimmel continued. "The opposite was true. More than anyone before him, Norman used situation comedy to shine a light on prejudice, intolerance, and inequality. He created families that mirrored ours, showing us a world in which Archie Bunker and Michael Stivic could learn to not only co-exist, but to love one another. As a young man, Technical Sergeant Lear flew 52 combat missions over Nazi Germany. He continued to fight for freedom all the way to the end of his life on earth. Even at 101, Norman cared as much about the future, our children, and planet as anyone I have ever known. He was a great American, a hero in every way and so funny, smart, and such a lovely man you almost couldn’t believe it. The privilege of working alongside Norman and the opportunity he gave me and my wife to get to know him and his beautiful family has been among the great honors and pleasures of my life. We were all very lucky to have him."

Actress and comedian Jennifer Aniston also remembered the icon with a sweet Instagram carousel that included two photos of her hugging Lear and grabbing his face. "Norman Lear. 💔 His shows shaped my childhood and getting to know him was one of my greatest honors," her caption read. "He made such a difference. A huge impact on television and humanity. He was able to tackle and discuss heated political conversations during difficult and charged times and we were able to laugh and learn. I yearn for those days. When creativity was a learning tool and could inspire people to maybe think just a little bit differently. And of course to laugh. Our greatest source of healing."

"He was the kindest and gentlest man," she added. "When you were in his presence, you were the only one in the room. He made everyone feel this. Even when someone believed differently than him. That’s what made life and people interesting to him. To have discussions and really take in how people felt and hear their point of view. He knew how to give voice to all sides and somehow in the process bring people closer together. May we take a page from Norman’s playbook as a way of honoring his life. An extraordinary life. Rest in peace Norman. It was a gift to stand in your light.
🕊️❤️"

Jane Fonda also paid tribute to Lear by writing, "Today is a very sad day. Norman Lear, a man who meant a lot to many on a personal level and who changed the face and soul of American comedy, has passed. My heart is heavy. I loved Norman."

Rita Moreno also honored the TV hero. "I am cut to the quick and already lonesome for my dear friend, Norman," she said, per ET. "Our nation has lost a treasured looking glass. By his reflected wit we were disarmed enough to see our wrinkles. And he wasn’t promoting makeup but heart transplants."

Other stars to honor Lear included George Clooney, Shonda Rhimes, Octavia Spencer, Tyler Perry, and more. Continue scrolling to read the other tributes.

"It’s hard to reconcile that at 101 years old, Norman Lear is gone too soon," Clooney said, according to ET. "The entire world of reason just lost its greatest advocate and our family lost a dear friend. A giant walked in his shoes."

See More

instyle181922016

5EO8Wg

For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on InStyle.