TV legend Norman Lear had behind-the-scenes beefs with some of his biggest stars, according to new book

3 weeks ago 2

TV legend Norman Lear died last year at age 101. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Television legend Norman Lear — the creator of classic shows such as “All in the Family” and “Good Times” who died at 101 last year — had some behind-the-scenes beefs with his biggest stars.

An upcoming book, “Norman Lear: His Life & Times,” out Nov. 12, alleges that Lear butted heads with stars including Carroll O’Connor, when he played Archie Bunker, one of TV’s most iconic — and controversial — characters.

The book’s author Tripp Whetsell says in an interview with humor site Cracked (one of our favorite childhood publications!) that Lear and O’Connor — who played Bunker from 1971 to 1983 on two different series — “had a very difficult, contemptuous relationship.”

But, “It was much more Carroll than Norman.” The actor, who died in 2001, “went into every production meeting with the red pen,” Whetsell told the mag, “saying ‘This won’t work. This won’t work. This won’t work.’ They had a very difficult relationship, but Norman really respected him. Deep down, they respected and loved each other, but creatively it was challenging for them every step.”

A new book, “Norman Lear: His Life & Times,” says Lear had beefs with some of his stars, including John Amos. ABC via Getty Images

Carroll O’Connor played Archie Bunker. ©PBS/Courtesy Everett Collection

Lear was also behind a string of at-the-time edgy hits including “The Jeffersons,” “One Day at a Time” and “Sanford and Son.”

Whetsell said that “Good Times” star John Amos — who died in August at 84 — felt the groundbreaking sitcom set in a Chicago housing project was highjacked by co-star Jimmie Walker and his catchphrase, “Dyn-o-mite!”

According to the book, Amos said, “I looked at it objectively and said, ‘I can see that he’s comic relief. We do a lot of serious issues on the show, and people don’t want to get beat over the head.’ ” But ultimately, “It had become intolerable.”

Lear was also behind a string of at-the-time edgy hits. Getty Images

Lear’s shows also included “The Jeffersons,” “One Day at a Time” and “Sanford and Son.” Getty Images for BAFTA LA

Another star, the late Bill Macy of “Maude,” allegedly groused of Lear, “He’s a billionaire, and I need the money,” over a naive deal Macy had made for residuals for the show’s reruns.

But Lear later buried the hatchet with most of the actors, and Amos later said of Lear: “He’s the most creative person I’ve ever worked with in my career… I feel so blessed to have been able to work with him.”

Whetsell will read from the book Nov. 23 at the Remsenburg Academy in the Hamptons.

Read Entire Article