Actor Ed Asner arrives at the Los Angeles premiere for "UP" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on May 16, 2009.
Asner's Twitter account confirmed the news. It read: "We are sorry that our beloved patriarch died this morning peacefully." "With a kiss on the head, Goodnight dad."
Ed Asner, a legendary actor who was best known for his role as The Mary Tyler Moore Show's boss curmudgeon, and later in memorable roles in Elf and Up, has died at the age of 91.
Our beloved patriarch, we are deeply sorry for his passing. The sadness we feel cannot be expressed in words. We will kiss you on the head and say goodnight to dad. We love you.
Asner rose to fame in 1970s television as Lou Grant, on Mary Tyler Moore's Show. Asner won seven Emmys for his portrayal of Lou Grant, which was the most by a male performer. He also became the first person to win both comedy and drama awards for the same role. Lou Grant, an hour-long drama spinoff from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, aired for five seasons.
American actors Edward Asner (as Lou Grant), and Mary Tyler Moore, (as Mary Richards), in a scene from The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Asner had a second wave in his long career in the 2000s. He first appeared as Santa in the Will Ferrell hit Elf 2003, and then played the role of Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up 2009.
Asner said that Up and Elf were his primary sources of mail deals with single-syllable titles. This interview was published in The Hollywood Reporter just three days before Asner's death. They are both my favorite.
Asner was also a progressive activist. He served two terms in office as the president of SAG, which is Hollywood's largest union.
He was known for his generosity and support of causes. THR spoke with him about the fall in Kabul and the possibility that he could become the next governor of California. Gavin Newsom being recalled.
"Afghanistan represents a huge setback for Biden. However, he's not to blame as he's only been in office for six months. Asner said, "It's a shame." He is sure to know how to take it and buckle under. He did a fantastic job with the welfare bill.
Asner has been busy in recent years, with roles on Grace and Frankie and Modern Family, Cobra Kai and Central Park.
Asner paid tribute to Gavin MacLeod, a fellow Mary Tyler Moore actor, on Twitter.
Asner wrote, "Tell the gang that I will see them soon."
