Legendary American actor Ed Asner, a seven-time Emmy Award winner, passed away on Sunday. He was 91. His publicist released a statement saying the actor died of natural causes. In a statement posted on his Twitter account, his family wrote, "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." Asner shot to the limelight after playing the role of newsroom boss Lou Grant on the iconic sitcom, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which aired from 1970 to 1977, including a spinoff later based on his character from 1977 to 1982.
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.
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) August 29, 2021
Out of the seven Emmys, Ed Asner took home three for playing Lou Grant, and continues to be one of only two actors to win a comedy and drama award for the same role on different shows. His iconic career took an even bigger turn after his portrayal of widower Carl Fredericksen in the 2009 Pixar-Disney animated film Up, which landed a nomination at the Oscars for Best Picture. Born on November 15, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri, Asner was the youngest of five children and was first employed by his high school newspaper, while also having a passion for football. After becoming a professional, he worked on an auto-assembly line and later served in the Army before getting bitten by the acting bug. Asner made appearances on several Broadway plays, television shows and films, while also being a liberal activist and took part in protests supporting labor unions, including expressing his opposition against the death penalty. He also served two terms as the President of the Screen Actors Guild.