Icon Ed Asner Dies At Age 91

 

CREDIT: CBS/Photofest

Iconic actor known for portraying Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Ed Asner has sadly moved on from this world, at the age of 91.

More recently, he played Santa Claus in the classic Christmas movie Elf and voiced the loveable, grumpy Carl Fredricksen in Disney's Up.

His family announced his death via Twitter saying, "We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully. Words cannot express the sadness we feel. With a kiss on your head - Goodnight dad. We love you."

Ed was most known for playing Lou Grant in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He won seven Emmys, five of which for Lou Grant, and the other two for portraying a German immigrant in Rich Man, Poor Man, and the sea captain in Roots.

CREDIT: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

His character Lou Grant became so popular, that he went on to portray him in a spinoff title Lou Grant. Two of his Emmy's came from this show in 1978 and 1980.

While reminiscing on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, he said, "There's nothing more fun than hearing rip-roaring laughter from an audience."

As well as being an actor, Ed also became the president of the Screen Actors Guild for two terms, 1981-1985.

He was outspoken and described himself as an "old-time lefty." He was critical of Ronald Reagan administration, especially when it came to America's involvement in El Salvador's civil war.

He also spoke out about progressive causes during Trump's administration.

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended the University of Chicago briefly before being drafted into the Army in 1951. He served in France.

After serving his duty, he acted in multiple plays in Chicago and New York, including Threepenny Opera on Broadway.

During an interview not long before his death, he was asked what he still had on his bucket list.

"I haven't climbed Suribachi! No, I think just ensuring that I've left enough for the family."

CREDIT: CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

Ed was married twice and had four children, Matthew, Liza, Kate and Charles.

Many other celebrities and well-known figures have paid tribute to the icon.

"Ed Asner, who won seven Emmy awards including five for the unforgettable role of Lou Grant, has passed away. He was a giant on the screen, and a philanthropist, too. A man of true heart and talent. He will be missed." - George Takei.

"Heartbroken to have to say goodbye to legend and friend Ed Asner. He was always so kind to me and brought so much joy to this world. Sending love to @masner, friends and family." - Randy Rainbow.

"RIP Ed Asner, forever Lou Grant to me. Thank you for the laughs and for a life of intelligence and integrity. 1929-2021 #ihatespunk #ohmrgrant" - Katie Couric.

"I am heartbroken to say goodbye to our friend #EdAsner who graced #CentralParkTV as the voice of Bitsy's brother Ambrose. He was a Legend, a beautiful soul and a truly brilliant actor. Love you sir! We will miss down here, but smiling that you are have fittingly gone Up." - Josh Gad.

CREDIT: Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images

"'Hey, you've got spunk! I hate spunk.' A great performer and a great guy. Working with him and learning from him was an honor. So many wonderful roles but Lou Grant was one for the ages." - Jon Cryer.

"The SAG Awards mourn the loss of former SAG President and 2001 SAG Life Achievement Recipient Ed Asner. His acting, leadership, and activism will always be remembered. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones at this time." - SAG Awards (Screen Actors Guild Awards).

SAG-AFTRA praised his activism in a statement.

"There have been few actors of Ed Asner's prominence who risked their status to fight for social causes the way Ed did. He fought passionately for his fellow actors, both before, during and after his SAG presidency."

"But his concern did not stop with performers. He fought for victims of poverty, violence, war, and legal and social injustice, both in the United States and around the globe."

Ed becomes the third Mary Tyler Moore Show cast member to pass away recently, including Cloris Leachman and Gavin McLeod.

Betty White is the only remaining cast member alive, at 99-years-old.