Collider can exclusively share a new featurette for Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter, a special birthday celebration for one of Hollywood’s most iconic producers. The new short film gives fans a unique glimpse into the special and also reveals that Who is the boss here? star Tony Danza is part of the holiday.
New short teases what ABC has in store for Norman Lear100 years since the birth, and the stars of a wide variety of productions will come to celebrate the life of the man behind iconic shows such as Maud, All in the family, Good times, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Jeffersonsas well as One day at a time. Lear is the king of the American sitcom, paving the way for thousands of creators and actors to work on television. Unsurprisingly, the new short features many talented people to discuss their favorite Lear productions, how the producer has directly impacted their lives, and what they love most about his work.
Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter will feature interviews, performances and musical presentations from dozens of artists. The new video gives us a little taste of the event, showing Jimmy Walker, Jay Pharoah, Kim Fields, Kristen Bell, Hayk Baringolts, Kenya Barris, Amber Stevens West, Asante Black, Emily Hampshire, George Wallaceas well as Todd Bridges. As a last-minute surprise, the short also reveals the presence of a previously unannounced Danza as part of a special.
As the short film invites rising stars and Hollywood legends, it’s easy to see what a big contribution Lear has made to solidifying television culture in America. The work of a producer has been passed down through generations and is still popular today, more than 70 years after Lear first wrote about himself. Reaching 100 years old is already an impressive feat to celebrate, but the fact that Lear had such an amazing career explains why ABC chose to create such an important and emotional release.
Lear’s list of awards includes six Emmys, a Golden Globe, a Peabody Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, a 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, and a first-class induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. In addition, Lear deserves credit not only for his work as a writer and producer, but also for using his privileged position to fight for human rights and promote a more progressive America.
Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter It premieres today, September 22 at 9:00 pm ET on ABC. The special offer will be available on Hulu tomorrow, September 23rd. Check out the exclusive short film below.
Source: Collider
