Norman Lear's Wife Breaks Silence After TV Legend's Death at 101: 'He Would Want Us to Laugh'

Mar. 15, 2025

Lyn and Normal Lear attended Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter to celebrate his 100th birthday.Photo:Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images

Lyn Learis reminding creatives her late husband,Norman Lear, would want the best for them.

“I would have been there tonight if not for the passing of our beloved Norman,” she said. “He was so proud of the work of The Lear Center and Hollywood Health and Society. And he would not have wanted all of us to mourn. He would want us to celebrate the important shows you are honoring tonight, and most of all … he would want us to laugh.”

Lyn and Normal Lear.Lyn Lear and Norman Lear

Lyn Lear and Norman Lear

Throughout the evening, designed to honor incredible storytellers and the impact they make, others spoke about Norman’s legacy. Kaplan honored theAll in the Familycreator with his own statement. “Norman’s shows moved our hearts and minds to embrace our common humanity and live up to what’s best in us. Doing that is why these winning writers are being honored,” he said.

Emmy-winning producer, comedian, actor and writerLarry Wilmoreaddressed the tangible loss in the television community. “Well you got to say this about Norman — the man knew how to make an exit. He knew his audience, And wanted us to make sure we were all listening,” he said. “A giant has left us and we’re going to do him proud. This evening meant a lot to Norman because he believed television can reflect our best. That’s why the Sentinel Awards were created — to honor television’s best and brightest writing.”

Norman and Lyn Lear in 1989.Ron Sachs/CNP/Getty Images

Ron Sachs/CNP/Getty Images

Hollywood, Health & Society program director Kate Folb added, “They say never to meet your heroes because you might be disappointed. Not so when I met Norman. He was everything I imagined and so much more. I feel so blessed to have been a very small part of his massive universe.”

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In lieu of flowers or gifts, Lear’s representatives say he requested contributions be made toPeople For the American Way.

source: people.com