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Rachelle Chase's avatar

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.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Ah...I'd love to talk to you about that...

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Rachelle Chase's avatar

Any time. :-)

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Julie Gammack's avatar

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.

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Rachelle Chase's avatar

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!

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John L Schuler's avatar

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.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Please do. It’s time for me to write about the green bus (and winter water). Love

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Kyle Munson's avatar

I got to spend a little time with Lear in 2014. He was an inspiring dynamo and humanitarian.

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Connie Taylor's avatar

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.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thanks, Connie. My acquaintance was brief, but meaningful.

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Dawn Roberts's avatar

Wonderful memories., Julie. Steve and I saw him twice in Washington when her performed. We always looked forward to hearing him.

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Katy Gammack's avatar

You had a few other things on your mind that day.

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Chuck Offenburger's avatar

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!

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Julie Gammack's avatar

I remember I was wearing leather pants that I must have had on for a week.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Wonderful story!

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Katy Gammack's avatar

I remember when Norman Lear sent you a beautiful floral center piece for your first wedding!!!!

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Oh my gosh. I forgot that! How could I forget???

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Diana Sickles's avatar

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.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thanks, Diana.

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

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!

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Julie Gammack's avatar

And it just keeps getting better!

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Dec 6, 2023
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Julie Gammack's avatar

Indeed. Yes, indeed.

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