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

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 around the TV world in light of Norman Lear’s death.The prolific TV writer and producer died in his Los Angeles home of natural causes on Tuesday, according to a release from his representatives. He was 101.
His family asked for privacy as they grieve. And in light of the tremendous loss, Lear’s friends, colleagues and fans have expressed their love for the Hollywood icon while extending their condolences on social media.

All in the Family star Rob Reiner shared a touching message on X (formerly known as Twitter) as he called Lear his “second father.”
“I loved Norman Lear with all my heart. He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family,” Reiner, 76, wrote.
Carl Elwes, who worked with both Reiner and Lear on 1987’s The Princess Bride, shared a lovely tribute for the late writer that began: “I am heartbroken 💔.””We’ve lost a titan who didn’t just change TV but changed my life forever with The Princess Bride,” Elwes continued. “His sweetness, humor & intelligence will never be matched. Our deepest condolences to Lyn, his family & friends. Rest in power, Norman.”

In a statement to PEOPLE, Jane Fonda reacted to the news, saying, “Today is a very sad day. Norman Lear, a man who meant a lot to many on a personal level and who changed the face and soul of American comedy, has passed. My heart is heavy. I loved Norman.”
George Clooney, who starred in Lear’s The Facts of Life, said in a statement to PEOPLE: “It’s hard to reconcile that at 101 years old, Norman Lear is gone too soon. The entire world of reason just lost its greatest advocate and our family lost a dear friend. A giant walked in his shoes.”
Jimmy Kimmel echoed Clooney’s thoughts as he said in a statement shared with PEOPLE, “It is obviously silly to want more time with a person who outlived a whole century but losing Norman Lear, even at 101 years old, feels unfair. His bravery, integrity and unmatched moral compass were equaled by his kindness, empathy, and wit.”

“More than anyone before him, Norman used situation comedy to shine a light on prejudice, intolerance, and inequality. He created families that mirrored ours, showing us a world in which Archie Bunker and Michael Stivic could learn to not only co-exist, but to love one another,” Kimmel continued. “Even at 101, Norman cared as much about the future, our children, and planet or as anyone I have ever known.”

Kimmel added, “He was a great American, a hero in every way and so funny, smart, and lovely man you almost couldn’t believe it. The privilege of working alongside Norman and the opportunity he gave me and my wife to get to know him and his beautiful family has been among the great honors and pleasures of my life. We were all very lucky to have him.”
Tyler Perry shared a heartfelt story about his experience meeting Lear, who he called one of his “heroes,” as he told PEOPLE in a statement: “He invited me to lunch at his home and as we sat and talked and laughed, I got a chance to tell him how he had helped save my life. I shared with him that he taught me to dream a bigger dream by his example. He was 100 years old at the time, but sharp as ever. Full of wisdom and great advice, and I took it all in. Just before I left, I asked, ‘At 100 years old what are you looking forward to?’ Without any hesitation he said, ‘Tomorrow.’ It was such a simple but powerful lesson to live your life fully one day at a time.”

Perry, 54, said that Lear’s shows “were the only thing that brought laughter and joy to me as a child, who was living a daily nightmare,” as he shared that the writer inspired him to “try and bring as much laughter to the world as he bought to the little boy that I was” through his own work.

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