Ed Asner, born Eddie Asner on November 15, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, was one of the most celebrated and prolific actors in American television history, best known for his iconic portrayal of the gruff but lovable newsman Lou Grant. He achieved a rare distinction in the entertainment industry by playing the same character across both a comedy and a drama, first as the irascible boss on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1977, and then as the titular editor on the acclaimed spin-off Lou Grant from 1977 to 1982. Asner’s performance earned him a record-breaking seven Primetime Emmy Awards, the most ever won by a male performer, with five of those for his work as Lou Grant—three for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and two for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series—along with additional Emmys for his roles in the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man in 1976 and Roots in 1977.

Asner’s career began on the stage and in small television roles before he broke into film, appearing in classics like El Dorado alongside John Wayne in 1966 and They Call Me Mister Tibbs! with Sidney Poitier in 1970. His versatility as an actor was evident in his wide-ranging filmography, which included dramatic roles in Fort Apache, The Bronx in 1981 and JFK in 1991, as well as a memorable turn as Santa Claus in several holiday films. Perhaps his most beloved later role came in 2009 when he voiced the elderly, balloon-obsessed Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up, earning him widespread acclaim and introducing him to a new generation of fans. He also lent his distinctive voice to animated series such as Spider-Man: The Animated Series, where he voiced J. Jonah Jameson from 1994 to 1998, Gargoyles as Hudson from 1994 to 1997, and The Boondocks as Ed Wuncler Sr. from 2005 to 2014.

Throughout his later years, Asner remained a constant presence on television, starring in the ABC sitcom Thunder Alley from 1994 to 1995 and the digital series Michael: Every Day from 2011 to 2017. He appeared as a guest star on numerous acclaimed shows, including The Practice, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Good Wife, Cobra Kai, Briarpatch, Working Class, and Dead to Me. Known for his deep, resonant voice and his ability to convey both toughness and warmth, Asner was also a passionate political activist, serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985 and advocating for various social causes. Ed Asner passed away on August 29, 2021, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of television’s most decorated and beloved actors, whose work continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.