Lyn Lear is a filmmaker, activist, and philanthropist focused on documentary films. She addresses social and environmental issues, including climate change, politics, and mental health. She is also known for her marriage to television producer Norman Lear. Her work blends storytelling with activism, influencing both film and social causes.
Lyn Lear Biography
Lyn Lear is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, environmentalist, and political activist known for her work in documentary filmmaking and social causes. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has used her platform to address global issues. She was married to television producer Norman Lear for over 30 years.
Career
Lyn Lear has had a successful career as a filmmaker and producer. She has executive-produced several documentaries, including The Great Hack, The Fight, HBO’s The Vow, and Fantastic Fungi: The Magic Beneath Us. Her work has been recognized at the Sundance Film Festival.
She co-founded the Environmental Media Association (EMA) in 1989 with her husband Norman Lear, Alan Horn, and Cindy Horn. The organization educates the entertainment industry on environmental issues and awards films that address these topics.
Lyn has served on the Board of Directors for the Sundance Institute and is involved with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Norman Lear Center’s Hollywood, Health & Society at USC, and The National Academy of Medicine’s Healthy Longevity Advisory Council. She has also contributed to sustainability initiatives, including UCLA’s plan for a sustainable Los Angeles by 2050.
Lyn Lear Husband and Relationship
Lyn Lear was married to Norman Lear, a television producer known for creating All in the Family, Good Times, and The Jeffersons. He passed away in December 2023 at age 101.
They met in 1984 through mutual friends. After Norman’s brief reconciliation with his second wife, Frances Lear, he and Lyn developed a relationship.
Norman praised Lyn as independent and strong-willed.
Before becoming a producer, Lyn studied psychology. She founded Lyn Lear Productions, her own production company, to focus on documentaries that explore social and environmental issues. According to her production company’s website, she is currently a PhD candidate in clinical psychology. She was pursuing her degree when she met Norman.
In the PBS documentary Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, Lyn recalled that they first connected while she was working on her dissertation.
“We saw religion and fundamentalism in America the same way,” she said.
Lyn supported his career while pursuing her own work. According to People.com, she noted that Norman was “not the retiring type” and encouraged his continued involvement in storytelling.
They married in 1987 and stayed together for 36 years.
Lyn Lear Children
Lyn and Norman Lear had three children: Benjamin Davis Lear, born in 1988, and twin daughters, Madelaine Rose and Brianna Elizabeth Lear, born in 1994. Norman also had three children from previous marriages: Ellen Lear, Kate Lear, and Maggie Lear.
Despite managing a blended family, Norman and Lyn maintained strong relationships with their children. Lyn continues to support the family’s legacy through philanthropy.
Lyn Lear Net Worth
Lyn Lear’s net worth is in the multimillion-dollar range. While the exact amount is unknown, it is influenced by the wealth of her late husband, Norman Lear, who had a reported net worth of about $200 million.
Lyn and Norman collected valuable artwork, including works by Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, and Robert Rauschenberg. Their collection was auctioned at Christie’s in 2024 and was expected to bring over $50 million.
The couple supported many causes. They founded The Lear Family Foundation, which has donated to organizations such as Hollywood Health and Society, Rainforest Alliance, Planned Parenthood, and The Rape Foundation.
What Lyn Lear Spends Her Money On
Lyn Lear invests in philanthropy, activism, and art. She donates to sustainability initiatives, environmental groups, and social justice causes. Through The Lear Family Foundation, she continues to support efforts in climate change, healthcare, and media advocacy.
In 2000, Lyn and Norman bought an original Dunlap copy of the Declaration of Independence. They used it for a national tour to promote civic engagement and voting through the Declare Yourself campaign.
She also supports the arts. She has been involved with LACMA and other institutions to preserve and promote modern and contemporary art.
FAQs
Who is Lyn Lear?
Lyn Lear is a filmmaker, environmentalist, and political activist. She was married to television producer Norman Lear and has produced several acclaimed documentaries.
What is Lyn Lear known for?
She is known for producing impactful documentaries on environmental and social issues and co-founding the Environmental Media Association.
Who was Lyn Lear’s husband?
Lyn Lear was married to Norman Lear, a legendary television producer known for shows like All in the Family and Good Times.
When did Lyn Lear marry Norman Lear?
Lyn Lear married Norman Lear in 1987, and they remained together for 36 years until his passing in 2023.
How many children does Lyn Lear have?
Lyn Lear has three children with Norman Lear: Benjamin Davis Lear and twin daughters, Madelaine Rose and Brianna Elizabeth Lear.
What is Lyn Lear’s net worth?
Her net worth is in the multimillion-dollar range, influenced by the estate and wealth of her late husband, Norman Lear.
What does Lyn Lear spend her money on?
She spends her money on philanthropy, environmental causes, and art, supporting organizations through The Lear Family Foundation.
Where does Lyn Lear live?
Lyn Lear resides in Los Angeles, where she continues her work in filmmaking and activism.
What organizations has Lyn Lear supported?
She has supported organizations such as Hollywood Health and Society, Rainforest Alliance, Planned Parenthood, and The Rape Foundation through The Lear Family Foundation.
Does Lyn Lear still work in filmmaking?
Yes, Lyn Lear continues to work in documentary filmmaking, producing films that address social and environmental issues.
