What wonderful memories and a touching story, Julie. I never met Mr. Lear, but I have fond memories of watching "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," and "Sanford and Son" with my parents when I was a kid.
It would be fascinating to read what you and your family thought of those Lear shows, and other thoughts about representation in mainstream media growing up.
Ahh, something for me to write, not just talk to you about. (LOL) I have touched on various aspects of representation (or lack thereof) in columns and interviews but have not written about it comprehensively in a single piece ... hmmm ... I like your idea!
I fondly remember our time sitting with Mr. Lear on the floor of his office as he asked each of us why we had chosen to to participate in the Green Bus Odyssey, and what our parents thought about it. We met with him in January, 1970, and he came out with "All in the Family" in 1971. I have wondered if our discussion had any impact on the 'generation gap' theme of the show. We might have been expert consultants had he asked us.
Thank you for sharing these memories with us, Julie. I was talking to my husband this morning after learning of Norman Lear's passing, and we were wondering what would happen if those shows of his were created now - in this time in the world. I was in high school in the 1970s, and was (and still am) a fierce believer in equal rights and fighting for what I think is right; you will still find me at local protest rallies (just stopping short of being the one with the sign saying, "I can't believe we still have to protest this sh*t"). When I first watched Mr. Lear's TV shows, I was shocked, then I was appreciative that the issues were being brought into American living rooms. However, I'm wondering if many people only saw those shows as (outrageous) comedies instead of the important messages they were. How wonderful that you knew him and had him in your life.
Great reflection on Norman Lear, Julie! I only vaguely remembered that you knew him. What memories! Maybe best of all, you, your dog & a busload of you college hippies showing up at his Burbank office. He probably told that story the rest of his life!
You have written so beautifully and recalled such great memories of your life as they connected with Norman Lear's. Thanks for sharing with us these memories that I feel confident have brightened your day in the midst of the sadness of the end of a life that deeply affected yours; the poignant grief that one feels who has loved much, and now must experience the end of something very, very special. May your wonderful memories keep Norman Lear always alive in your mind and your heart.
Thank you for sharing these memories with us, Julie. Norman Lear was the quintessential change maker. To repeat what Diane said ...... what a life you have had!
What wonderful memories and a touching story, Julie. I never met Mr. Lear, but I have fond memories of watching "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," and "Sanford and Son" with my parents when I was a kid.
Ah...I'd love to talk to you about that...
Any time. :-)
It would be fascinating to read what you and your family thought of those Lear shows, and other thoughts about representation in mainstream media growing up.
Ahh, something for me to write, not just talk to you about. (LOL) I have touched on various aspects of representation (or lack thereof) in columns and interviews but have not written about it comprehensively in a single piece ... hmmm ... I like your idea!
Hi Julie
My condolences for the loss of your friend.
I fondly remember our time sitting with Mr. Lear on the floor of his office as he asked each of us why we had chosen to to participate in the Green Bus Odyssey, and what our parents thought about it. We met with him in January, 1970, and he came out with "All in the Family" in 1971. I have wondered if our discussion had any impact on the 'generation gap' theme of the show. We might have been expert consultants had he asked us.
I'll send some additional notes in an e-mail.
Please do. It’s time for me to write about the green bus (and winter water). Love
I got to spend a little time with Lear in 2014. He was an inspiring dynamo and humanitarian.
Thank you for sharing these memories with us, Julie. I was talking to my husband this morning after learning of Norman Lear's passing, and we were wondering what would happen if those shows of his were created now - in this time in the world. I was in high school in the 1970s, and was (and still am) a fierce believer in equal rights and fighting for what I think is right; you will still find me at local protest rallies (just stopping short of being the one with the sign saying, "I can't believe we still have to protest this sh*t"). When I first watched Mr. Lear's TV shows, I was shocked, then I was appreciative that the issues were being brought into American living rooms. However, I'm wondering if many people only saw those shows as (outrageous) comedies instead of the important messages they were. How wonderful that you knew him and had him in your life.
Thanks, Connie. My acquaintance was brief, but meaningful.
Wonderful memories., Julie. Steve and I saw him twice in Washington when her performed. We always looked forward to hearing him.
You had a few other things on your mind that day.
Great reflection on Norman Lear, Julie! I only vaguely remembered that you knew him. What memories! Maybe best of all, you, your dog & a busload of you college hippies showing up at his Burbank office. He probably told that story the rest of his life!
I remember I was wearing leather pants that I must have had on for a week.
Wonderful story!
I remember when Norman Lear sent you a beautiful floral center piece for your first wedding!!!!
Oh my gosh. I forgot that! How could I forget???
You have written so beautifully and recalled such great memories of your life as they connected with Norman Lear's. Thanks for sharing with us these memories that I feel confident have brightened your day in the midst of the sadness of the end of a life that deeply affected yours; the poignant grief that one feels who has loved much, and now must experience the end of something very, very special. May your wonderful memories keep Norman Lear always alive in your mind and your heart.
Thanks, Diana.
Thank you for sharing these memories with us, Julie. Norman Lear was the quintessential change maker. To repeat what Diane said ...... what a life you have had!
And it just keeps getting better!
Indeed. Yes, indeed.