Norman Lear is an influential American television writer and producer, best known for creating groundbreaking sitcoms in the 1970s. His most famous shows include All in the Family, The Jeffersons, and Maude, which tackled social issues like race, gender, and class with humor and honesty. Born on July 27, 1922, Lear has received numerous awards for his work, including multiple Emmy Awards. He is also a political activist, advocating for various social causes and founding organizations like People for the American Way to promote democratic values and civil rights.