Lear was born to an unmarried teenager and relinquished for adoption. Her adoptive mother was cold and cruel and her father, whom she loved, died when she was 10. Her step-father sexually abused her and tried to murder her when she disclosed the abuse.

She married Norman Lear, a television producer (All in the Family), but they divorced after 28 years. She used part of her divorce settlement to found and publish the influential feminist women's magazine, Lear's Magazine, from 1988 to 1993.

References

Lear, Frances. The Second Seduction. (Chatto, 1992)
Koenig, Rhoda. "Queen Lear," Sunday Times [London], 28 June 1992, p.6/5
"Oliver, Myrna. "Frances Lear, Founder of Lear's Magazine, Dies at 73," Los Angeles Times, 30 September 1996. Also available at: http://www.wcinet.com/th/News/1996/th1002/stories/28231.htm

Indexes

European
USA
20th Century
Journalism
Social Services and Social Sciences
Estrangement from Adoptive or Foster Family
Mental Illness
Sexual
Formal, American/European-Type Adoption
Birth or Infancy
Unmarried Mother, Single Parent (Mother or Father) Unable to Cope
Others ("Strangers")
Divorce or Premature Death of Adoptive Parent(s)
Unmarried Mother