Earlier today, Ed Asner passed away at the age of 91. The announcement was made on Asner’s Twitter account by his family.
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 Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) August 29, 2021
Asner’s Hollywood career began in 1961 with The Murder Men, and he remained an active actor for the rest of his life. Perhaps the most famous role in Asner’s six-decade career was Lou Grant, a part he portrayed on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and his own Lou Grant series. Additionally, Asner set an Emmy record by winning seven acting awards, including five for Lou Grant across the two shows.
However, Asner also had an extensive list of genre roles to his credit, largely in a voiceover capacity. He had a leading part as Hudson in Disney’s Gargoyles, and also provided J. Jonah Jameson’s voice in Spider-Man: The Animated Series. In Freakazoid, Asner recurred as Sargent Mike Cosgrove. He also portrayed Granny Goodness in Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited, and Superman/Batman: Apocalypse.
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Regardless, Asner’s best known voiceover role may be Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up. Asner also reprised his role as Carl in the upcoming Disney+ series, Dug Days.
Some of Asner’s more recent credits include Cobra Kai, Briarpatch, Dead To Me, Doom Patrol, and Modern Family.
Many tributes to Asner have also been posted online.
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 (@GeorgeTakei) August 29, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/EAjuW9a3J5
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 29, 2021
RIP Ed Asner
Was privileged to be interning on a show many years ago that he guest starred on. Funny, warm, and gracious. One of TV’s all-time greats.
One of his most famous on-screen moments… pic.twitter.com/6PCDrZyVFC
— Dan Signer (@DanSigner) August 29, 2021
I’m sadden to just learn that Ed Asner has passed away at the age of 91. Some of his wonderful voice roles include Carl Fredrickson (Up), Cosgrove (Freakazoid), Granny Goodness (Superman), Santa Claus, and J. Jonah Jameson (Spider-Man). Expect a spotlight on Ed Asner tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Dk6ESQXkai
— The Voice Artist’s Spotlight (@vas_90s) August 29, 2021
Please feel free to share your favorite memories about Ed Asner in the comment section below.
