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Golden Globes 2021: Norman Lear wins Carol Burnett Award, Internet says he has 'the best hat in the biz'

Iconic TV producer Norman Lear won everyone's heart with his speech and his tan hat was a favorite on the internet

The 78th edition of the Golden Globes is finally here and legendary TV personality Norman Lear was presented with the Carol Burnett Award during the ceremony. The iconic writer-turned-producer accepted the award with a huge smile on his face and credited laughter for longevity as he prepares to celebrate his 99th birthday this year.

“At close to 99, I can tell you that I have never lived alone. I have never laughed alone and that has as much to do with my being here today as anything else I know,” Lear said during his acceptance speech. He added: “I am convinced that laughter adds time to one’s life and no one has made me laugh harder than Carol Burnett. Thank you, Carol Burnett, as I think about you and laughter and the joy of our parallel careers, so glad we have this time together.”

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Lear thanked writer Ed Simmons, his former writing partner Bud Yorkin, producer Roland Kibbee and TV creator Mark E Pollack during his speech. The legendary producer was honored for having a progressive approach while addressing controversial topics with humor. He is responsible for giving the world some of the finest TV shows such as ‘All in the Family’, ‘Good Times’, ‘Maude’ and ‘Sanford and Son’.

Fans were in awe of the 98-year-old who gave one of the most-endearing speeches in the show’s history and congratulated him on a wonderful career. One said: “I am still in awe of him and his speech!! That ending in tribute to Carol Burnette just took my heart and adoration for him to a deeper level!” “I'm gonna give Norman Lear a standing ovation from my couch. He deserves that much at least. #GoldenGlobes,” another wrote.

Meanwhile, Fortune Feimster shared the moment she met Lear for the first time and said that is something I will “cherish forever”. She wrote: “Norman Lear is a legend. I met him at Kelly Clarkson’s show and he was so lovely. About a month before the pandemic, he invited me to his office and we got to chat for about an hour and a half. It’s something I will treasure forever.”

“Norman Lear looks like the nicest old man I like his fun little hat,” added another one. One said, "Norman Lear is a legend AND HE HAS A LITTLE HAT." Fashion editor Vanessa Friedman said, "Norman Lear's hat wins the night." One said, "Norman Lear has the best hat in the biz."

However, the funniest reaction to his win came when he said “he has kids aged 26-74”. A young guy went to Alexa and asked about Lear’s age. “After Norman Lear said he had kids ages 26-74, my son immediately says, “Alexa, how old is Norman Lear?!” the person wrote.

Meanwhile, one of the users said: “Norman Lear pulling his ear for Carol Burnett while receiving the Carol Burnett Award the perfect moment to call it a night on this year’s #GoldenGlobes. Good night, all. I’ll catch up on all the scandals with you tomorrow.”

The highest honor by the HFPA for work in TV has previously been awarded to Burnett herself (2019) and Ellen DeGeneres (2020).