Legendary producerNorman Learjust turned triple digits, and ABC is helping him celebrate.

Thank you, ABC."

Ahead of his 99th birthday last year,Lear spoke to EW and reflected on his legacy.

Norman Lear

Norman Lear.Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

“That was the thrill of thrills.

That we had engaged families in adiscussion of what they had just seen.”

I don’t think there’s anything better.

In my experience, there’s no more spiritual moment than an audience laughing.

It’s almost as meaningful as prayer."