One of the highlights within the last chapter of Norman Lear‘s legendary profession had been the Live In Front Of a Studio Audience specials recreating episodes from his traditional sitcoms. He government produced them with Jimmy Kimmel, profitable an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) collectively whereas additionally creating an in depth friendship.
On Wednesday night time, hours after information broke that Lear had died Tuesday night time on the age of 101, Kimmel opened his ABC late-night present Jimmy Kimmel Live with a shifting tribute to his idol and good friend.
“Norman was the genius who brought us some of the greatest television shows and characters of all time,” a visibly emotional Kimmel mentioned, itemizing a few of Lear’s most well-known collection, together with All within the Family, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Maude, The Facts of Life; Diff’Rent Strokes; Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, and Fernwood Tonight.
“He changed situation comedy in the best possible way – he taught us so much about so many serious things – always making us laugh while he did it – and everyone who works in or even watches television owes him a great debt. Especially me,” Kimmel added.
The late-night host then then shared a comic story about Lear’s response to a “Norman f*ckin’ Lear” sweatshirt Kimmel and his spouse had despatched him as a vacation reward.
“101 years and somehow, it wasn’t enough,” Kimmel mentioned. “We were all lucky to have him. I hope we never forget him – or the many the lessons he taught us.”
Kimmel ended his tribute with a nod to one in every of Lear’s signature strains.
“One of the many many sweet things about Norman was – he never said goodbye. He’d say ‘to be continued’ – and ‘over and next,’” Kimmel mentioned. “And so that’s how we’ll leave it. To be continued…over and next.”
You can watch the video of Kimmel’s remarks above.
Earlier as we speak, Kimmel payed tribute to Lear on Instagram.