On his 100th birthday, Norman Lear talks about life and cigars:

Even Norman Lear finds it difficult to accept that he has reached this significant milestone: Lear turns 100 years old on Wednesday.

"I can't believe a century has passed," Lear told USA Today. "I'd love to think that a new century has begun.

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It's going to be a doozy if Lear's next century is anything like his first. Lear, a 2017 Kennedy Center Honoree, has transformed television.

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Lear, a six-time Emmy winner, continues to have an effect after years of denying media inquiries about retirement.

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"As long as I have something I want to do when I wake up in the morning, I don't think about retiring.

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There is also always, "Lear opined. "Some folks take off running. I never run. I get out of bed and do things that make me happy.

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Lear, who won the award for best variety show in 2020 at the age of 98 for his contribution, is the oldest Emmy winner.

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On July 12, Lear broke his own record for receiving the most nominations at his age, securing two for the 2021 awards.

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