Jimmy Kimmel honors 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."

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."

The outpouring of love continues 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.

George Clooney, Jane Fonda, 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."

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."

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 that 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."

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."

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).