Jennifer Aniston mourns Norman Lear as she remembers his 'huge impact on TV and humanity'

Jennifer Aniston is mourning the loss of the legendary TV producer Norman Lear, following his death at age 101 from natural causes.

The actress, 54, is still "reeling" after losing "two of the most important men", her father, John Aniston, and her Friends co-star Matthew Perry.

However, it's clear she needed to paid tribute to Lear, who died on December 5, on Instagram as well, as he was an inspiration to her.

Aniston's post included two sweet snaps of her and Lear - who is famous for creating and producing numerous popular 1970s sitcoms, including All In The Family and The Jeffersons.

The first featured a the pair hugging and the second showed Lear sat looking up at Aniston.

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In her caption, the Hollywood star explained that Lear's shows "shaped" her childhood and getting to know him was one of her "greatest honors. He made such a difference."

Aniston continued to say that Lear had a "huge impact on television and humanity."

She wrote: "He was able to tackle and discuss heated political conversations during difficult and charged times and we were able to laugh and learn. I yearn for those days. When creativity was a learning tool and could inspire people to maybe think just a little bit differently. And of course to laugh. Our greatest source of healing."

The actress added that Lear "was the kindest and gentlest man," who, when you were in his presence, made you feel like you were the only one in the room.

"Even when someone believed differently than him," Aniston said. "That’s what made life and people interesting to him."

"To have discussions and really take in how people felt and hear their point of view. He knew how to give voice to all sides and somehow in the process bring people closer together. May we take a page from Norman’s playbook as a way of honoring his life. An extraordinary life."

Aniston concluded her caption with: "Rest in peace Norman. It was a gift to stand in your light."

She only appeared in one of the six-time Emmy winner's projects in 2021 - the third Live in Front of a Studio Audience special recreating The Facts of Life episode, Kids Can Be Cruel.

The ageless star played spoiled boarding school student Blair Warner.

Aniston also appeared (as herself) in James B. Merryman's 2022 TV docu-special Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music & Laughter, which aired on ABC/Hulu last year.

During his long career, Lear earned many awards, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, the National Medal of Arts in 1999, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017, and the Golden Globe Carol Burnett Award in 2021.

He was a member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

Lear was also known for his political activism and funding of liberal and progressive causes and politicians.

The producer is survived by his third wife Lyn Davis, six childen, and four grandchildren.