Norman Lear, 1922-, was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Before he entered the film industry, he briefly attended Emerson College, then joined the US Army Air Force to serve during World War II. After the war, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a media career. After working as a comedy television writer in the fifties and sixties, Lear began directing writing and directing films such as a Divorce American Style (1967) and Cold Turkey (1971). He shot a few pilot episodes for a sitcom, which eventually aired in 1971 as All in the Family (1971-1979) on CBS. All in the Family told the story of a working class family, starring Carroll O'Connor as Archie Bunker, a World War II veteran and blue-collar worker. The show addressed contemporary social issues such as racism, sexuality, war, and women's health. It won several Emmy awards throughout the 1970s. The show ran for nine seasons and sparked a spin-off sitcom called Archie Bunker's Place. Lear went on to direct the series Steptoe and Son (1962-1974). He was also involved in social advocacy movements and founded the progressive group People for the American Way in 1980.