Ed Asner, a Legendary TV actor, has Died at the Age of 91. Ed Asner, the burly and prolific character actor died on Sunday, at the age of 91 years. In an email to The Associated Press, Asner’s publicist confirmed the actor’s death. A letter from Asner’s children was posted on his official Twitter account: “We regret to inform you that our dear grandfather died peacefully this morning. Words cannot describe how sad we are. Dad, you will always be missed”
When he was recruited in 1970 to portray Lou Grant on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” the balding Asner was a journeyman actor in films and television, built like the football player he once was. He was Moore’s rumpled employer in the fictitious Minneapolis TV newsroom where they both worked for seven seasons (he called her “Mary,” she called him “Mr Grant”). He would later reprise the role on “Lou Grant” for five years.
From the first episode of “Mary Tyler Moore,” when Asner’s character informed Mary in their first meeting, “You’ve got spunk. I detest spunk!” Ted Baxter was played by Ted Knight, Murray Slaughter was played by Gavin MacLeod, and Sue Ann Nivens was played by Betty White. The actresses who played Mary’s neighbours, Valerie Harper and Cloris Leachman, each had their own show based on their parts.
White, who is 99 years old, is the only key cast member from “Mary Tyler Moore” who has survived.
On “Mary Tyler Moore,” Asner won three Emmys for best-supporting actor and two for best actor in “Lou Grant.” He also received Emmys for his performances in the miniseries which were named “Rich Man, Poor Man” (1975-1976) and “Roots,” both of which he starred in (1976-1977).
He has over 300 acting credits and continued to work in a variety of film and television roles well into his 70s and 80s. He starred as Santa Claus in Will Ferrell’s blockbuster film “Elf” in 2003. In the short-lived 2004 CBS comedy “Center of the Universe,” he played John Goodman’s father, and in the successful 2009 Pixar film “Up,” he voiced the old hero. He has lately been in TV shows such as “Forgive Me” and “Dead to Me.”
Nonetheless, Asner told The Associated Press in 2009 that it was difficult to find compelling parts.
“I never have enough work,” he explained. It’s the account of my professional career. To put it another way, there isn’t anything to refuse.”
In a 2002 interview, Asner acknowledged his politicisation, stating that he began his career during the McCarthy period and had been reluctant to speak out for years for fear of being blacklisted.
Then he viewed a nun’s film on El Salvador’s government’s atrocities against the country’s inhabitants.
He had four children, Matthew, Liza, Kate, and Charles, from his two marriages to Nancy Lou Sykes and Cindy Gilmore.
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