Jimmy Kimmel, 'One Day at a Time' stars honor TV legend Norman Lear: 'A hero in every way'

Jimmy Kimmel is remembering Norman Lear, the legendary TV producer behind shows like "All in the Family," "Maude" and "The Jeffersons," who has died at 101.

Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes, his rep Matthew Lawrence confirmed Wednesday. A private service for immediate family will be held.

Despite his age, Kimmel wished for more time with the TV icon.

"His bravery, integrity and unmatched moral compass were equaled by his kindness, empathy, and wit," he said in a statement. "Norman was very proud of the fact that the so-called Reverend Jerry Falwell dubbed him 'The number one enemy of the American family.' The opposite was true."

He continued: "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."

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Kimmel worked on "Live in Front of a Studio Audience" with Lear, a re-creation of classic episodes of "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" that starred Woody Harrelson and Jamie Foxx, among others.

Obituary:Norman Lear, legendary TV producer of 'All in the Family,' 'The Jeffersons,' dies at 101

"He was a great American, a hero in every way and so funny, smart, and lovely man you almost couldn’t believe it," he continued. "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."

Kimmel shared more memories of Lear on Wednesday's episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," telling the audience about an expletive-filled holiday card the late producer wrote him. "Norman was 100 when he wrote that. He died last night at 101. One hundred and one years and somehow, it wasn’t enough," the comedian said. "He leaves behind his wife Lyn, a beautiful family, and a legacy that won’t ever be matched. It would be impossible. We were all lucky to have him. I hope we never forget him, or the many the lessons he taught us."

Kimmel concluded his tribute by sharing "one of the many, many sweet things about Norman was he never said goodbye. He’d say, ‘To be continued,’ and ‘over and next.’ And so that’s how we’ll leave it. To be continued, over and next."

The outpouring of love continues to come in for the TV writer and producer, who had a profound influence on television and social attitudes with a series of entertaining, challenging and controversial TV series starting in the early 1970s.

President Joe Biden remembers Norman Lear as a 'transformational force in American culture'

President Joe Biden echoed Kimmel's sentiments about Lear's impact on American culture in a statement issued by the White House. "Norman Lear was a transformational force in American culture, whose trailblazing shows redefined television with courage, conscience, and humor, opening our nation’s eyes and often our hearts," Biden said.

His statement continued, "From Archie Bunker and George Jefferson to the casts of 'Good Times' and 'One Day at a Time,' his characters became fixtures in tens of millions of American lives, often reminding us of family or neighbors. We loved them, disagreed with them, grew with them, rooted for them, and in the process, changed the way we see ourselves."

'All in the Family' star Billy Crystal on Norman Lear death: 'America lost him'

Billy Crystal appeared on CNN's "King Charles" and he recalled doing stand-up at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles in 1975 where he first met Lear. The late producer was so impressed, he called Crystal a week later to portray Al Bender.

"He gave me the same kind of greeting that he would give to any of the big stars on the show. He made me feel important," Crystal said of his first major role.

"What he leaves behind, the legacy of not only the show but his friends and the laughter and his dedication to America, his love for this country," Crystal said. "He was an extraordinary man."

He concluded: "I don't have a sadness. I'm sad I won't be able to talk to him and joke with him. One morning he called me at 9:00 a.m. out of the blue and said, 'Just want to tell you, I love you. Come over and have lunch and bring friends. Let's have some laughs.' That's what it was about. … Everyone feels like they got to know him a little bit. America lost him."

George Clooney, Jon Stewart, Octavia Spencer remember Norman Lear

Actors are remembering the Hollywood legend amid his passing.

George Clooney called Lear "a giant."

"It's hard to reconcile that at 101 years old, Norman Lear is gone too soon," he said in a statement. "The entire world of reason just lost its greatest advocate and our family lost a dear friend. A giant walked in his shoes."

Jon Stewart shared a simple sentiment on X, writing, "Goodnight Norman. Love you. Thanks for raising me."

Octavia Spencer wrote on Instagram that she "could not be more grateful" for Lear's work.

"Norman brought the world so many of my favorite TV families: the Evans, the Jeffersons, the Bunkers," she captioned a photo of herself with Lear, Kimmel, Jennifer Aniston and Amy Poehler. "I'm so thankful to have been a small part of his legacy at his 100th birthday celebration last year. Thank you Norman, what a life you lived! Sending love to his family, friends and fans around the world."

TV creators Tyler Perry, Quinta Brunson, David Simon mourn Norman Lear

"Abbott Elementary" creator Quinta Brunson said Lear was her "Goat," or greatest of all time. "What a life. Rest well, Norman Lear," she wrote on X, former Twitter.

"The Wire" writer David Simon said on X: "Anyone who ever had a chance to say something pointed or political in an American television entertainment owes Norman Lear their adoration and awe."

Tyler Perry posted a photo of him and Lear on Instagram and wrote about meeting Lear for the first time and the producer's home. "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. Full of wisdom and great advice, and I took it all in," he wrote.

The filmmaker said Lear's shows "were the only thing that brought laughter and joy to me as a child."

"A hero and someone who inspired me to try and bring as much laughter to the world as he brought to the little boy that I was," he said.

Perry also recounted a time when Lear asked him to put together a thank you to the surviving Redtail Tuskegee Airmen for the TV legend.

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

'One Day at a Time' stars Rita Moreno, Valerie Bertinelli honor Norman Lear

Valerie Bertinelli, who starred as Barbara Royer in the Lear-developed sitcom "One Day at a Time," shared a black-and-white throwback photo of the pair on Instagram.

"He meant the world to me 💔," Bertinelli wrote.

Rita Moreno, who starred in a reboot of "One Day at a Time," also paid tribute to Lear on Instagram. "I am cut to the quick and already lonesome for my dear friend, Norman. Our nation has lost a treasured looking glass," she wrote.

Moreno concluded: "By his reflected wit we were disarmed enough to see our wrinkles. And he wasn’t promoting makeup but heart transplants."

Actors Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kerry Washington, Ben Stiller, more pay tribute

Other actors, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kerry Washington and William Shatner, paid tribute to Lear's legacy.

"Norman Lear created families: not just the Bunkers of All In The Family, but the extended galaxies of families of casts and crews on every groundbreaking show he helped produce," Miranda said in a statement. "There will be so many words on how Norman made the world better in the days to come. They’re all true and they’re all underselling it.  I’ll miss writing him birthday tunes every year. I’m grateful for every text and conversation we had."

"The world lost a legend last night," Washington wrote on Instagram. "My heart goes out to all his family, friends and countless fans. Dearest Norman, thank you for making us laugh, and think, and understand and LOVE each other more. ❤️ Thank you for using humor to make us better. Heaven just got a lot brighter. Love you. Rest in peace #NormanLear"

"Condolences to the family of Norman Lear," Shatner wrote on X. "He contributed so much to American Television over the years."

"What an extraordinary man he was!" Barbra Streisand wrote on Instagram. "Brilliant, kind and funny. He made the world a better place —now he’ll make heaven a better place too."

"Farewell to the incomparable Norman Lear, a trailblazer who challenged norms and shifted the paradigm through the laughter and lessons you've shared," Wanda Sykes wrote on X. "It was an honor to be a small part of your impact and to witness it in my lifetime. To a legacy and life well-lived, thank you…"

"What an incredibly influential & brilliant man," Ben Stiller said in a statement. "He was a champion for social justice. I feel fortunate to have grown up in the time his shows became the standard for comedy on television. Also he was so humble & generous. Respect. Rest in peace."

America Ferrera took to Instagram to recognize Lear as one of her heroes. "Norman Lear made us better. He used television shows to push the culture past its comfort. He compelled us to use our voices as artists and citizens of the world," she wrote in a caption of a photo of the two of them.

She continued, "He’s always been a hero of mine and I’m grateful for his meaningful and extraordinary 101 years on this earth. It is better because of him."

Norman Lear remembered as a 'comedy colossus'

"The Simpsons" executive producer Al Jean remembered Lear in an X post as a "comedy colossus, tireless fighter for the little guy and a pleasure to know. Will be well and truly missed."

Comedian Cristela Alonzo reflected on his impact on the genre in an Instagram post, crediting him for creating "worlds that left so many of us not only moved by laughter and tears…it gave some of us something to strive for."

"A comedy should have serious moments. That’s life. It makes you appreciate the joy more. It has an impact that so many of us go through so many similar things, regardless of how different we may look," she wrote.

Jane Fonda said Lear was a "man who meant a lot to many on a personal level and who changed the face and soul of American comedy." She added: "My heart is heavy. I loved Norman."

Rob Reiner calls Norman Lear his 'second father'

"I loved Norman Lear with all my heart," director and producer Rob Reiner, the son of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" creator Carl Reiner, wrote on X. "He was my second father. Sending my love to Lyn and the whole Lear family."

"A master of story telling and a healer through his shows!" wrote actor John Leguizamo on X. "He is what all of showbiz should be aspiring to. He is the consummate creative producer we have long abandoned in the industry."

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, praised Lear as "one of the most influential storytellers in television history" in a statement.

"There are no words to fully express the monumental impact and legacy that Norman Lear leaves behind. He was an icon and the brilliant mind behind countless timely and meaningful shows that were full of heart and humor," Iger said. "Norman, we thank you for the beautiful stories that transformed our industry and for making us laugh along the way."

He changed television forever:Why we all owe thanks to the genius of Norman Lear

TV news anchors remember Norman Lear

Lear's son-in-law, Dr. Jon LaPook, confirmed Lear's death to CBS Mornings Wednesday.

The morning show's anchors shared their thoughts on the beloved TV industry figure.

"We all loved and respected Norman Lear," said Gayle King.

Co-anchor Tony Dokoupil added: "As an artist and a writer ... it's Madonna-like, to be so connected to the culture and to deliver art that resonates with people," he said. "Timeless work."

ABC News anchor Deborah Roberts called the TV icon a "genius." She wrote on X: "What a life! What an incredible legacy!"

After a decade of silly TV shows about hillbilly millionaires and island castaways, Lear and his producing partner, Bud Yorkin, slapped viewers in the face with the bracing, serious CBS comedy "All in the Family" (1971-79), an adaptation of a British series that immersed itself in the grit of racial prejudice, sexism, social inequality and the Vietnam War – while introducing the toilet flush to series TV – at a time when networks thought viewers were looking to escape the real world.

Instead of fleeing, they embraced "Family" and its lead character, bigoted Queens working stiff Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor). The series became TV's top-rated show for five seasons and spun off groundbreaking popular hits "Maude" (1972-78), "The Jeffersons" (1975-1985) and "Good Times" (1974-79).

Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY