LOS ANGELES — Ed Asner, the burly and prolific character actor who became a star in middle age as the gruff but lovable newsman Lou Grant, first in the hit comedy “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and later in the drama “Lou Grant,” died Sunday. He was 91.
Asner’s representative confirmed the actor’s death in an email to The Associated Press. Asner’s official Twitter account included a note from his children: “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.”
Actors Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and Ed Asner reunite Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, in Century City, Calif., during the 45th annual anniversary gala for the Thalians, a charitable group that aids mental health programs through Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Moore starred with Van Dyke in the television series, “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” and later starred with Asner on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” (AP Photo/Long Photography, Richard Harbaugh) FILE – In this March 7, 2010, file photo, actor Ed Asner arrives during the 82nd Academy Awards in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Asner, the blustery but lovable Lou Grant in two successful television series, has died. He was 91. Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File) From the finale of “The Mary Tyler Moore show.” From left: Betty White, Gavin MacLeod, Ed Asner, Georgia Engels, Ted Knight and Mary Tyler Moore. — SLUG: mtm PHOTO DATE: 1977 SCAN DATE: 4/23/2003 CREDIT: cbs FILE – In this March 7, 2010, file photo, actor Ed Asner arrives during the 82nd Academy Awards in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Asner, the blustery but lovable Lou Grant in two successful television series, has died. He was 91. Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) FILE – In this Sept.17, 1978, file photo, Lindsay Wagner, left, Ed Asner, center, and Nancy Marchand pose at the 30th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, in Pasadena, Calif. Asner won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for “Lou Grant.” Marchand won Outstanding Continuing Performance for her supporting actress role in “Lou Grant.” Asner, the blustery but lovable Lou Grant in two successful television series, has died. He was 91. Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, to The Associated Press. (AP Photo, File) FILE – In this May 6, 2009, file photo, actor Ed Asner jokes as he grimaces at his home in Valley Village neighborhood in Los Angeles. Asner, the blustery but lovable Lou Grant in two successful television series, has died. He was 91. Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) FILE – In this May 6, 2009, file photo, actor Ed Asner sits at his home in Valley Village neighborhood in Los Angeles. Asner, the blustery but lovable Lou Grant in two successful television series, has died. He was 91. Asner’s representative confirmed the death in an email Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) FILE – AUGUST 29: Actor Ed Asner, star of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Lou Grant” has died at the age of 91. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Actor Ed Asner attends his 90th Birthday Party and Celebrity Roast at The Roosevelt Hotel on November 03, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
