Charlotte Foster
Movies

Ed Asner dies at age 91

Star of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Ed Asner, has passed away at age 91. 

The gruff but charming actor who played old-fashioned journalist Lou Grant on the hit TV show died on August 30th. 

His family confirmed the news on the actor's Twitter account. 

They wrote, "We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully."

"With a kiss on your head - Goodnight dad."

Ed Asner won five of his seven career Primetime Emmys for his role as Lou Grant, which showcased both drama and comedy. 

He was first cast for the prolific role in 1970, where audiences instantly fell in love with the loveable rogue newsman.

He played the role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show for seven years, before moving the character to his own hour-long drama in 1977. 

In more recent years, Ed became known to younger audiences as the voice of Carl in the Oscar-winning Disney Pixar animated film Up

Ed was cast in several more TV series, including a recurring role on Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

On the big screen, he had roles in Oliver Stone's biopic on JFK, and he played Santa in the Christmas classic Elf alongside Will Ferrell.

Upon hearing news of the actor's death, tributes from actors and directors all over the world paid their respects online. 

Don Cheadle, Michael Moore, Josh Gad, Katie Couric and Vincent D'Onofrio were among the celebrities who took to Twitter to share their memories with Ed. 

Image Credits: Getty Images/Shutterstock

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ed asner, the mary tyler moore show, obituary, up