Edward Asner was an American actor best known for his roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant, and Roots.
Personal and Family Life
Edward Asner was born to Russian Jewish parents Morris David Asner and Lizzie Seliger in Kansas City, Missouri. He was married twice, first to Nancy Sykes, with whom he had three children, and later to Cindy Gilmore. He had four children in total: Matthew, Kate, Liza, and Charles. Asner was known for his distinctive gravelly voice and strong on-screen presence.
Career Highlights
Asner had a long and successful career in acting, making a name for himself as a tough authority figure in films and television. He received numerous awards, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards out of 21 nominations, and he was the only actor to win Emmys for both comedy and drama for the same role, Lou Grant. Notably, he also voiced the character Carl Fredricksen in the Pixar film Up.
Death and Legacy
Edward Asner passed away on August 29, 2021, at the age of 91 from natural causes in Tarzana, California. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work and impact on the entertainment industry. Asner was also an outspoken political activist, advocating for various humanitarian causes throughout his life.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| JFK | 1991-12-20 | Guy Bannister |
| The Bachelor | 1999-11-05 | Gluckman |
| Elf | 2003-10-09 | Santa |
| Skin Game | 1971-09-30 | Plunkett |
| Gus | 1976-07-07 | Hank Cooper |
| The Animal | 2001-06-01 | Chief Wilson |
| Hard Rain | 1998-01-16 | Uncle Charlie |
| Americas in Transition | 1982-10-01 | Narrator |
| Roots | 1977-01-23 | Thomas Davies |
| Up | 2009-05-28 | Carl Fredricksen (voice) |
| The Mary Tyler Moore Show | 1970-09-19 | Lou Grant |