Rob Reiner, George Clooney, Tyler Perry and More Pay Tribute to Norman Lear After His Death: We ‘Lost a Titan’

Tributes are pouring in from across the TV world in light The Death of Norman Lear.

The prolific TV writer and producer died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to a statement from his representatives. He was 101.

His family has asked for privacy while they grieve. In light of the tremendous loss, Lear’s friends, colleagues and fans expressed their love for the Hollywood icon as they shared their condolences on social media.

Everyone in the family star Rob Reiner shared a touching message on Xu (formerly known as Twitter) in which he called Lear his “second father.”

“I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. I send my love to Lyn and the entire Lear family,” 76-year-old Reiner wrote.

Carl Elwes, who worked with Reiner and Lear on the 1987 The princess brideshared a beautiful tribute to the late writer that began: “My heart is broken 💔.”

“We’ve lost a titan who not only changed TV, but changed my life forever The princess bride“, Elwes continued. “His loveliness, humor and intelligence will never be matched. Our deepest condolences to Lyn, his family and friends. Rest in power, Norman.”

(L-R) Jane Fonda and Norman Lear are pictured taking part in Jane Fonda’s Friday fire drill at Los Angeles City Hall on February 7, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

Rachel Luna/Getty

In a statement to PEOPLE, Jane Fonda reacted to the news, saying, “Today is a very sad day. Norman Lear, a man who meant so much to so many on a personal level and who changed the face and soul of American comedy, has passed. My heart is heavy. She loved Norman himself.”

George Clooney, who starred in Lear Facts of lifesaid in a statement to PEOPLE: “It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that Norman Lear has passed away too soon at the age of 101. The entire world of reason has just lost its greatest advocate, and our family has lost a dear friend. A giant walked in his shoes .”

(L-R) Norman Lear and George Clooney are pictured in September 2005.

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Jimmy Kimmel echoed Clooney’s thoughts, saying in a statement shared with PEOPLE: “Obviously, it’s foolish to want more time with someone who has outlived a century, but the loss of Norman Lear, even at 101 years old, seems unfair. His courage, integrity and unparalleled moral compass were equal to his kindness, empathy and wit.”

“More than anyone before him, Norman used situational comedy to shine a light on prejudice, intolerance and inequality. He created families that mirrored our own, showing us a world where Archie Bunker and Michael Stivic can learn not only to coexist, but to love each other.” Kimmel continued. “Even at 101, Norman cared about the future, our children and the planet as much as anyone I’ve ever known.”

Kimmel added, “He was a great American, a hero in every way and such a funny, smart and sweet man you almost couldn’t believe it. It was a privilege to work with Norman and the opportunity he gave me and my wife to get to know him and his beautiful family.” he was one of the greatest honors and pleasures of my life. We were all very happy to have him.”

Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Kerry Washington and Brent Miller for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons'”.

Eric McCandless via Getty

Tyler Perry shared a candid story about his experience meeting Lear, whom he called one of his “heroes,” as he told PEOPLE in a statement: “He invited me to his home for lunch and as we sat and talked and laughed, I got I had the opportunity to tell him how he helped save my life. I shared with him that he taught me to dream bigger by his example. He was 100 years old at the time, but as bright as ever. Full of wisdom and great advice, and I understood everything. Just before I left, I asked, ‘What are you looking forward to when you’re 100?’ Without the slightest hesitation he said, ‘Tomorrow.’ It was such a simple yet powerful lesson in living your life fully one day at a time.”

Perry, 54, said the Lear shows “were the only thing that brought laughter and joy to me as a child, living a daily nightmare,” and that the writer inspired him to “try to bring as much laughter as possible to the world as it is bought the little boy I was” by my work.

“You, sir, are truly one of a kind! I’m so glad we were on the planet at the same time. Thank you for your example,” he added. “Rest in peace dear friend, I thank God for you. My prayers are with your family.”

Norman Lear kisses Marisa Tomei on the cheek on the set of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’.”

Eric McCandless via Getty

The Brady Bunch star Maureen McCormick shared her “deepest condolences to Norman’s family and loved ones” while thanking the writer for “bringing to life some of my all-time favorite TV memories… gathered in the family room surrounded by my family watching ‘All in the Family.’ Television at its best.”

Another sitcom star, Too close for comfortLydia Cornell wrote: “Rest in Peace Norman Lear. So thankful I got to hug him last year. One of my favorite icons. He said he stayed young at 100 by laughing a lot and being thankful for everything.”

Sheryl Lee Ralph wrote on X, “RIP Norman Lear, who brought social commentary to the sitcom,” while Quinta Brunson said, “My goat. What a life. Rest well, Norman Lear.”

William Shatner sent his “condolences to the family” of Lear on Xu, noting that the writer has “contributed so much to American television over the years.”

“How lucky are we? How lucky are we to cross timelines with Norman Lear?” Jane Lynch wrote in a tweet. “How lucky am I to have grown up with All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Good Times, Maude and all the others? #Blessed. Rest now Norman.”

Ben Stiller praised Lear as “an incredibly influential and brilliant man” as well as “a fighter for social justice”.

“I feel lucky to have grown up at a time when his shows became the standard for comedy on television. He was also so humble and generous,” continued Stiller, 58. “Respect. Rest in peace.”

Producer Norman Lear joins the cast of ‘The Jeffersons’ as they celebrate filming the show’s 200th episode.

Bettmann Archive/Getty

Mark Ruffalo called Lear a “progressive king” while praising the writer’s honesty about the “love, laughter and troubles we all share.”

John Cusack kept his tribute short and sweet as he wrote: “RIP to the great Norman Lear – proud to call him a friend.”

In a tweet, Maria Shriver called Lear a “legendary figure in the world of entertainment” who was “always trying to make the wider world a better place.”

“Rest in peace. Sending love to his family,” Shriver, 68, added.

Norman Lear’s career in photographs

John Leguizamo described Lear as a “master storyteller and healer through his shows” in a tweet. “He is what the whole showbiz should strive for. He is the ultimate creative producer that we have long abandoned in the industry,” wrote the 63-year-old Leguizamo.

Albert Brooks called Lear “the greatest of the greats” as he tweeted, “RIP Norman Lear. You were so loved.”

Al Jean, the writer who worked with Lear when he recorded the cameo The Simpsons In 2017, he said the actor would be “greatly missed” as he described him as “a colossus of comedy, a tireless fighter for the little man and a joy to know.”

Yvette Nicole Brown described the news of Lear’s death as “sad news to wake up to” while calling the writer a “titan of this industry” in a tweet. “He was always so wonderful when I got to spend time in his presence,” she said.

Senator Cory Booker said Lear is “an artist and activist I have long admired,” as he shared a story from Lear’s childhood that influenced his life.

“I have always used this story as inspiration. Thank you for making so many impressive waves,” Booker wrote of the story Lear told about throwing rocks into the lake with his grandfather.

Former MP Stacey Abrams thanked the writer for his contributions to society, writing on Twitter: “The extraordinary Norman Lear understood the complexities of culture, community and communication. He did his part by giving voice to stories that hurt and shedding light on forgotten places – all the while inviting us to we laugh at ourselves.”

Norman Lear for the 2022 Special “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons'”.

Eric McCandless via Getty

Tony-nominated playwright Jeremy O. Harris praised Lear for his role in encouraging and nurturing a new generation of creative writers, tweeting: “You’ve always been so kind and curious with new writers and it’s one of the great honors of my life to have you at least I know a little.”

Of Lear’s family, Harris added: “Your whole family was full of jewels and that’s first and foremost you’re the jewel in the crown.”

15 essential works of Norman Lear

Several members of the progressive advocacy group Lear founded, People for the American Way, also spoke in his honor. In a press release, foundation president Svante Myrick said the group was “heartbroken” by the loss.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Norman’s wife Lyn and their entire family, and to the many people who, like us, loved Norman,” Myrick said. “Norman loved this country and he loved to defend its ideals. We will honor Norman by continuing the work to which he devoted so much of his life.”

Lara Bergthold, co-chair of the group’s board, said of her friend: “Norman knew the power of culture to spark conversation, reach hearts and change minds — and he was a master at using that power for good.”

Norman Lear’s “Live Front of A Studio Audience” celebrated two groundbreaking sitcoms, “All in the Family” and “Good Times.”

Eric McCandless via Getty

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Lear is best known for creating the revolutionary comedy series, Everyone in the family, which tackled social and political issues that were considered controversial at the time of its 1971 premiere. It ran for eight years, earning 57 Emmy nominations and 22 wins, and marked the beginning of a prolific and award-winning career as a writer and producer for Lear.

He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1984 and went on to create several iconic TV series that established the social realist genre and explored its democratic values, including Mary Hartman and The Jeffersons.

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