James Van Der Beek Instagram – 1922- 2023 (yes, he was 101) If there was a Mount Rushmore of television, Norman Lear would be front & center. As a writer, producer, and director he developed over 100 shows, including ALL IN THE FAMILY, which was watched by 60 million people every week. His shows were timely, funny, and always pushed the envelope of what execs thought audiences could handle (btw, he also produced The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, and Spinal Tap, just to name a few).
I got to meet him when I was courting @vanderkimberly (his wife’s Lyn early approval of me as husband material was key). In those days, Norman & Lyn’s home was regularly host to the most incredible gatherings of artists, thinkers, inventors and entrepreneurs. This wasn’t vacuous Hollywood chit-chat at these parties – it was geniuses sharing their talents, ideas, and humor. And Norman – then in his 90’s – was always the sharpest, funniest guy in the room. I always left inspired and uplifted.
And as I started writing and creating shows, he never failed to take the time to meet with me when I needed counsel. And rather than speak to me like a legend, he treated me like a peer. Which was maybe the most impactful thing he could’ve done.
My favorite advice of his: “Go with your gut, and don’t let anyone talk you out of it… unless someone comes up with a better idea – then go with that.”
And when I confided in him that the most accurate description of me might be “a clown trapped in a leading man’s body,” his response was a genuine: “Oh, I hope that’s true!”
Norman, thank you for your kindness, your art, and your activism… but mostly for modeling how to utilize fame & success to bring people together and support innovators. And share some beautiful laughs along the way.
#normanlear #mentor #legend | Posted on 07/Dec/2023 02:09:01
