A name synonymous with innovative television, Norman Lear has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Lear has not only been a creative mastermind but also a shrewd businessman over the course of his decades-long career. In this article, we will explore the sources of the legendary television producer’s fortune and the impact he has had on the entertainment industry, as well as his net worth.
Norman Lear Net Worth
The astonishing net worth of the famous American television producer and writer Norman Lear is $200 million. His prolific career, highlighted by iconic television shows such as “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” has not only left an indelible impact on television but has also brought him substantial financial success.
Early Life and Career
Born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 27, 1922, Norman Milton Lear grew up in a time when television was in its infancy. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing a career in writing and producing television and film. His journey to success was not without its challenges, but Lear’s determination and creativity propelled him to the top of the industry.
Creating Iconic Shows
Norman Lear is perhaps best known for creating groundbreaking television programs that tackle social issues with humor and wit. One of his most famous works, “All in the Family”, premiered in 1971 and was an immediate success. Through the lens of a working-class family, the Bunkers, the program tackled controversial issues such as racism, misogyny and politics. Lear’s revolutionary ability to solve these problems while making audiences laugh has earned him rave reviews and high ratings.
Other important works of Lear include “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times,” “Maude,” and “One Day at a Time.” These shows solidified his position as a pioneer of socially relevant comedy. Lear’s ability to captivate audiences with meaningful content allowed him to amass a large fan base, and his shows are still celebrated today.
Privacy
In 1999, he received the National Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton. He purchased one of the first copies of the United States Declaration of Independence for $8.1 million in 2001. In 1981, political activist Norman Lear founded People For the American Way. He supports First Amendment rights and founded the nonpartisan campaigns Declare Yourself and BornAgainAmerican.org in 2004 and 2009, respectively. Lear is credited with providing many African Americans with career opportunities in television. In 2017, Lear was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors.
He is married three times and has six children. His first marriage lasted from 1944 to 1956 to Charlotte Rosen. From 1956 to 1986 was the duration of his second marriage to Frances Loeb. Since 1987 he has been married to Lyn Davis.
Divorce settlement
After 28 years of marriage, Norman and his second wife Frances filed for divorce in 1985. Norman was ordered to pay Francis a divorce settlement of $112 million, equivalent to about $270 million today. Frances then spent $30 million of her settlement money (about $70 million with inflation) to create a magazine called Lear’s, which focused on women over 45. The magazine ceased publication after six years.