Norman Lear Celebrates 100th Birthday By Singing Classic Song
Today is Norman Lear's 100th birthday! And the famed TV writer and movie producer is celebrating his milestone achievement by singing out a little tune while reminiscing on a life well-lived.
Lear, a 2017 Kennedy Center Honoree and the oldest person to win an Emmy Award (at age 97 for his work on Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' And 'The Jeffersons' in 2019), is best known for his creative direction that culminated in the release of over 100 TV shows, movies, and sitcoms during the "Golden Age" of TV.
Some highly acclaimed titles of Lear's include: All In The Family (1971-1979), Maude (1972-1978), Good Times (1974-1980), The Jeffersons (1975-1985), Sanford and Son (1972-1977), The Facts of Life (1979-1988) among many others.
Related: The Norman Lear Experience: His Shows, His Honesty and One Thing He Wanted to Do
In a pre-birthday celebration video Lear shared on Instagram yesterday, the living legend can be heard singing "When the moon hits your eye like a great pizza pie, that's amore."
"[That song] used to be sung by Dean Martin, for whom I worked; Ed Simmons and I with Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis' Colgate Comedy Hour all those years ago," he recalled before reflecting on all of which led up to this moment.
"But as I sit here in this glorious part of Vermont–with my glorious daughter Kate Lear LaPook, who is holding this infinitely brilliant little cellphone camera that is photographing me, I mean my god the miracle of being alive with everything that's available to us and me turning 100 tomorrow...that's as believable to me as today I'm 99," he said, laughing.
"I've been doing breakfast thoughts and I guess my breakfast thought at the moment is," he paused. "The moment."
Lear left viewers of his deep tangent on self-awareness and remaining present in the moment–erm, 'Breakfast Thought'–with some wise words that stressed the importance of the here-and-now.
"The moment between past and present, or present and past; the moment between after and next, the hammock in the middle of after and next–the moment, treasure it. Use it with love."
Related: Exclusive Video: Norman Lear on His Favorite Book, Celebrity Crushes and Singing Naked
In honor of Lear's great accomplishments and his legacy, ABC will present a one-night-only, two-hour celebration, “Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter,” at 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 22. The special will air on ABC and be available to stream the next day exclusively on Hulu.
“Norman’s illustrious career is revered by so many, and we are honored to be celebrating his legacy with this special night of entertainment,” said Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment President, Craig Erwich, in a press release.
“We have been lucky to work with Norman on a number of projects over the years, and it’s only fitting that his centennial birthday be marked by the biggest names in Hollywood raising a glass to toast, and perhaps gently roast, the television icon.”
While no special guests have been announced just yet, the special is said to feature an impressive lineup of celebrity guests and musical performances to celebrate Lear's biggest birthday yet.
And the famed writer/producer didn't take news of the upcoming celebration lightly. In a press release, Lear expressed sincere gratitude to all of those who worked to make the centennial celebration special happen.
“I’ve always believed music and laughter have added time to my life. I’ve seen a lot throughout my 100 years, but I would’ve never imagined America having a front-row seat to my birthday celebration. Thank you, ABC. Thank you, Done & Dusted. Even, This, I get to experience."
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