While fans around the world mourned the loss of actor Ed Asner today at age 91, many in the Hollywood community praised a different side of the man.
Asner was remembered for his liberal crusade and his kindness towards those whose credentials were far less than his own, all captured in online posts by the famous and not so famous. They uniformly remembered a man who was not afraid to take on difficult tasks and speak truth to power. In addition, he obtained results from his actions.
That is not to belittle your career achievements. He was also the male actor with the most Emmys, an iconic figure who had an active presence in the entertainment world well into the nineties.
Some of the first shots:
RIP Ed Asner. A great star and a great labor leader. pic.twitter.com/bfTVUNRZ0C
– David A. Goodman (@DavidAGoodman) August 29, 2021
Ed Asner, who won seven Emmys, including five for the unforgettable role of Lou Grant, has passed away. He was a giant on screen and also a philanthropist. A man of true heart and talent. He will be missed.
– George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 29, 2021
My heart hurts to say goodbye to our friend #EdAsner who graced #CentralParkTV as the voice of Bitsy’s brother, Ambrose. He was a legend, a beautiful soul, and a truly brilliant actor. I love you Sr! We will miss here, but smiling that you have climbed properly. pic.twitter.com/EAjuW9a3J5
– Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 29, 2021
I will never forget at my old station … a long time ago when I called Mr. Asner and asked if he would be in charge of promotions for our news. We had no budget or anything to offer an acting legend. told us he did it because he believed in the importance of local news @ElOnlyEdAsner
– Pete Wilgoren (@WILGOREN) August 29, 2021
He had courage. I like semen. RIP, Ed Asner.
– Singer Randi Mayem (@rmayemsinger) August 29, 2021
This is very sad news. Ed Asner was a radical to the end. I will never forget when he spoke once at a labor conference in Los Angeles about plant closures and brought out 3 members of El Salvador’s National Liberation Farabundo Martí to speak in his place. BREAK. https://t.co/WOovgPvkPM
– Tim Shorrock (@TimothyS) August 29, 2021
Oh Ed Asner Rest in peace and mighty friend. what a truly good and honorable human you were. Thanks for everything you did for the Screen Actors Guild, when it was a true Union that bless you. @Frances_fisher @EllenBarkin
– ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) August 29, 2021
RIP Ed Asner 😪
I had the privilege of being an intern on a show many years ago where he guest-starred. Fun, warm and friendly. One of the television greats of all time.
One of his most famous screen moments … pic.twitter.com/6PCDrZyVFC
– Dan Signer (@DanSigner) August 29, 2021
Ed Asner was a tough, grumpy, talkative guy, and one of the main reasons actors have health benefits.
I miss you already, Ed. Rest in power https://t.co/BIuwRhXW9j
– Andy Cobb (@AndyCobb) August 29, 2021
It saddens me to learn that Ed Asner passed away at the age of 91. Some of his wonderful voice roles include Carl Fredrickson (Up), Cosgrove (Freakazoid), Granny Goodness (Superman), Santa Claus, and J. Jonah. Jameson (Spider-Man). Expect a spotlight on Ed Asner tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Dk6ESQXkai
– The voice artist’s spotlight (@ vas_90s) August 29, 2021
Ed Asner passed away at the age of 91
Rest in PEACE, Ed. And thank you … pic.twitter.com/kTUojhSPP6
– Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) August 29, 2021
with Ed Asner after the Death Penalty Focus Awards in Bev Hills. This healed all the pain from the first 10 minutes of ‘Up’ pic.twitter.com/6L37qG3xhn
– John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) May 29, 2016