Norman Lear, 1922 – 2023
I’m having a sad yet celebratory day. Norman was the kindest, most giving, most challenging, and most inspirational man I’ve ever worked with—that I’ve ever known, actually.
He asked for my very best work and helped me learn to deliver it. After I left his companies—Tandem Productions, TAT Communications, and Embassy—Don Havens and I started Signature Productions, he mentored us. He hired our fledging company for several broadcast projects, including producing and recording a national radio campaign for People for the American Way. (The PAW project brought Jean Stapleton to our home in Hollywood. She drank white wine and then asked if we had any trail mix. We did … I’d worked at the studio long enough to anticipate her ask.)
Today is a day of colorful, marvelous memories tinted with the darker sepia tones of losing a long-time friend and mentor. And realizing how much has time has passed … and how fast.
and I shared memories at a party in his honor.
Watch me, in my 20s, talking about the man I worked for and adored so much. I was on the Lynn Bailey Show in Naples, Florida.
I’m so sorry that you, and all his fans (myself included) are saying good-bye to Norman Lear. At a 101! It’s and understatement to say that Norman’s life was a real showstopper. Waay better than Cats. We’ve been so lucky to be able to share his brilliant, creative zest for life, and for the arts.
The world has lost a Star.