Lesbian.com, June 22, 2012
Jane Lynch and Nancy Pelosi were among the celebrities and politicians who gathered in Washington, D.C. last night to honor Norman Lear. Members of Congress mingled with Hollywood luminaries at the event which was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Lear is a lauded television producer and activist who is known for his many popular and controversial television shows including “All in the Family,” “Maude” and “The Jeffersons.” The 1970s sitcoms addressed issues which were previously untouched by network television—racism, abortion and homosexuality.
Lynch praised Lear’s list of trailblazing sitcoms. “He was the first guy to have the toilet flush on TV,” the “Glee” actress said with a laugh before making a flushing sound.
“He dealt with things like homosexuality, and religious bigotry, racism, abortion…What he did that was groundbreaking back then, is still kind of groundbreaking today.”
Lear will celebrate his 90th birthday on July 29.
