Norman Lear.Photo: Morgan Lieberman/WireImage
At 98,Norman Learis attributing his lasting career in Hollywood to one big integral ingredient: laughter.
While speaking with PEOPLE, the prolific television writer and producer expounds on what he meant when he said, “I’ve never laughed alone” uponreceiving the Carol Burnett Awardduring Sunday’s2021 Golden Globesbroadcast.
“The laughter I’ve enjoyed most is laughter that has brought numbers of us together,” says Lear, who is known for creating groundbreaking comedy series such asAll in the Family,The JeffersonsandGood Times.
Asked about whether he thinks laughter has kept him young or made him ageless, the six-timeEmmy Awardswinner noted that he knows “from the history of humankind that there’s no such thing as ageless.”
However, “I’m sure laughter has added time to my life as a result of the way it has satisfied every part of me,” he adds.
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Norman Lear, Jean Stapleton and Carroll O’Connor onAll in the Family.CBS via Getty
Adding that he “could not feel more blessed,” Lear went on to commendCarol Burnett, for whom the award is named, saying “nobody has made me laugh harder.”
Lear thanked several of his creative partners from throughout his iconic career before going on to say, “Then, of course, there’s my family: Lyn Davis Lear, five glorious daughters and my wonderful son, ranging in ages from 26 to 74,” as well as “my four fabulous grandchildren.”
“At close to 99, Ican tell you that I’ve never lived alone, I’ve never laughed alone and that has as much to do with my being here today as anything else I know,” Lear continued.
Norman Lear in 1979.Joan Adlen/Getty
For his contributions to television, Lear — a World War II veteran — has earnedsix Emmy Awards, twoPeabody Awards, two Writers Guild of America Awards, a GLAAD Media Pioneer Award, an Oscar nomination and many more.
Lear has also long been a political activist and philanthropist — something he has incorporated into many of his shows, having broached controversial topics and pushing societal norms well before it was accepted.
Along with discussing his illustrious career, PEOPLE also has a first look at thetrailer forThe Norman Lear EffectYouTube channel, which will serve as a one-stop destination for fans to discover hilarious compilation clips, as well as uncover behind-the-scenes content from his iconic shows, includingAll in the Family,Sanford and Son,One Day at a Time,The Jeffersons,Good TimesandMaude.
In the trailer, Lear says, “I’ve been making television for many years — as a writer, director, producer and, most importantly, as a storyteller.”
source: people.com
