The prolific television star Ed Asner, known for his role as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, has died at the age of 91.
Asner’s family confirmed his death on Sunday in a Twitter statement.
“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,” Asner’s account tweeted.
GAVIN MACLEOD, ‘LOVE BOAT’ CAPTAIN, DIES AT 90
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
Before becoming a television success, Asner served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, appearing in plays for soldiers as they toured across Europe from 1951 to 1953.
Asner was a veteran of Chicago‘s comedy theater scene and was part of the Compass Players, later making frequent guest appearances with the Second City group. He performed one of his most notable roles as Grant in the 1970 hit Mary Tyler Moore.
His character Grant was later used in a spinoff series titled Lou Grant, which aired from 1977 to 1982. Other notable appearances on TV include roles in The X-Files, ER, Mad About You, and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Asner was also a seven-time Emmy-winning actor.
The television star’s unique voice was a hit in cartoons including Disney/Pixar’s Up as Carl Fredricksen and other character appearances in the 1994 Spider-Man animated series as J. Jonah Jameson.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Asner was a prominent voice in political advocacy, heading the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985, and he was also known for making regular contributions to Democratic candidates.
