Pride LIVE! Hollywood launched its inaugural festival with a heartfelt tribute to TV legend Norman Lear, honoring his pioneering work in advancing LGBTQ+ narratives in American television. The tribute panel featured many of Lear’s collaborators and friends who discussed his enduring influence on social storytelling.
Moderated by journalist James Colucci, the discussion included notable names such as:
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Jay Moriarty (The Jeffersons)
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Bob Iles (Sanford and Son, Fernwood 2 Nite)
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Gail Parent (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman)
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Actresses Lynne Moody, Liz Torres, and Isabella Gomez
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Mike Royce (One Day at a Time co-creator)
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Dan Ewen (Clean Slate co-creator)
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Author Greg Cope White
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Lear’s producing partner Brent Miller and longtime assistant Cindy Villa
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Norman Lear’s Vision for Inclusive Storytelling
Dan Ewen described Lear as “a great humanist who always remained curious about mankind,” noting how his shows tackled sensitive subjects like race, gender, and sexuality long before mainstream TV embraced such themes. Ewen emphasized the importance of creators like Lear who use their platforms to spark meaningful dialogue.
Jay Moriarty recalled a 1977 episode of The Jeffersons that introduced a transgender character, Edie, formerly Eddie—George Jefferson’s old friend. The episode, ahead of its time, had a profound effect on viewers. “Television has power,” Moriarty said, highlighting how the show touched millions and encouraged empathy.
Continuing Lear’s Legacy through Modern Reboots
Mike Royce, who co-created the 2017 reboot of One Day at a Time, shared how daunting it was to carry on Lear’s legacy, knowing that Lear was closely involved. “He was incredibly supportive, especially when the show addressed social issues,” Royce noted.
Lear was also executive producer of Clean Slate, a recent Emmy-nominated series co-starring Laverne Cox, which focuses on transgender themes. The show was still in post-production when Lear passed away, further proving his enduring commitment to inclusive storytelling.
The Pink Marine and Lear’s Lasting Influence
Author Greg Cope White discussed how his memoir The Pink Marine became the foundation for the upcoming Netflix series Boots, one of Lear’s final projects. Lear had supported White’s story since the 1990s, especially its portrayal of a lasting friendship between a gay man and his straight best friend.
White reflected on Lear’s advocacy: “He fought for jokes, for moments, for the abortion issue. Norman raised generations of TV storytellers. His legacy continues because we’ve inherited his courage to tell the stories that matter.”
A Monthlong Celebration of LGBTQ+ Creativity
Pride LIVE! Hollywood, organized in partnership with Infinity Festival, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and The Hollywood Partnership, aims to highlight LGBTQ+ voices in media and entertainment. The Hollywood Reporter serves as the event’s presenting media sponsor.
