Ed Asner, born as Eddie Asner on November 15, 1929, in Kansas City, Kansas, was a highly accomplished actor known for his remarkable career in both television and film.
He began his acting journey while attending the University of Chicago from 1947 to 1949, but later dropped out to pursue a career in local theaters. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, stationed in New Jersey and France.
Asner's breakthrough came in 1970 when he was cast as Lou Grant, the news editor in the sitcom "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," earning him five Emmy awards. He reprised the role in the spin-off series "Lou Grant," transitioning to a drama format.
Throughout his career, Ed Asner's distinctive appearance and acting talent led him to play memorable roles in various TV dramas and guest star in popular shows like "Route 66," "Gunsmoke," "The Outer Limits," and "The Mod Squad."
His career had a resurgence in the early 21st century, with notable roles as Santa Claus in the comedy "Elf" (2003) and as the voice of Carl Fredricksen in the animated film "Up" (2010).
Aside from his acting prowess, Ed Asner was an outspoken activist for progressive causes, particularly in the anti-war movement. His dedication to social and political issues earned both support and criticism from different segments of society.
During his lifetime, Ed Asner won seven Emmy awards, the most ever for any male actor, and received a Life Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2001. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992.
Ed Asner's talent, advocacy, and warm-hearted portrayals on screen made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. He remained active in acting and social causes until his death on August 29, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of talent, activism, and public service.
Extra Credit: Ed Asner was married twice, first to Nancy Sykes (from 1959 to 1988), and later to Cindy Gilmore (from 1998 to 2015). He had three children with Nancy Sykes: twins named Liza and Matthew, and a daughter named Kathryn "Kate" Asner, who also became an actress. He also had a son, Charles, born to Carol Jean Vogelman in 1987.
His Hebrew name was Yitzhak, which was transliterated into Eddie, reflecting his Orthodox Jewish background.
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