A New Century Starts

 

One of American’s  most beloved television writers, Norman Lear, has turned 100! When asked by USA TODAY about the milestone he replied, “”I cannot believe a century has passed. I’d rather believe a new century starts. How exciting is that?”

Most people today aren’t aware that Lear has reached this age, because he’s never stopped working. In 2020, at the age of  98, Lear became the oldest Emmy award winner for best variety show in 2020 at 98 for his collaboration with Jimmy Kimmel, “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Good Times.‘” He also received two Emmy nominations in 2021, setting another record.  That’s living 100:100!

Now that he’s reached 100 is he considering retirement? The answer is, no. “I don’t consider retirement, not so long as there’s something I want to do when I wake up in the morning. And there always is,”  Lear says. “Some people run. I don’t run. I wake up and do the things that please me. That’s my present to myself. That’s my prayer. That’s everything.” In fact, he has several television projects in the works today that are as relevant and pioneering as his past work. Learn hasn’t slowed down in any way. Except maybe, now and then, to spend time with his wife, six children, and four grandchildren.

There’s so much more to this icon’s story, and his new century has just started! Keep reading.