Edward Asner Biography


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Edward Asner biography: Edward Asner (born November 15, 1929) is a film and television actor and former President of the Screen Actors Guild, primarily known for his role as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off series, Lou Grant.


Edward Asner quote: on making the transition from the comedy "Mary Tyler Moore" (1970) to its dramatic spin-off series "Lou Grant" (1977)] We were really worried about changing over from a three-camera half-hour comedy to a one-camera full-hour drama. The audience wasn't ready for the switch - even CBS billed us in their promos as a comedy. In fact, the whole thing was impossible. But we didn't know that.
I also think that there is a strong streak of racism, and whenever we engage in foreign adventures. Our whole history in regime change has been of people of different color.

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Career Highlights
Non-acting careers:
  1. The Bully (2003) (executive producer)
  2. Eight Characters in Search of a Sitcom (2003) (V) (executive producer)
  3. She Turned the World on with Her Smile: The Making of 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' (2002) (V) (executive producer)
  4. A Vision of Murder: The Story of Donielle (2000) (TV) (executive producer)
  5. Payback (1997) (TV) (producer)
Big break:"Studio One" .... Juror/ ... (3 episodes, 1957)
Defining characters: Bart Jason
Lou Grant
Wilson White
Captain Davies
  • Guy Banister,
  • Uncle Charlie
  • Chief Wilson
  • Santa Claus
  • Uncle Nick
  • Carl Fredricksen
Best movies:Fort Apache the Bronx
Best TV:
Stage credits:member of the Playwrights Theatre Company in Chicago in 1950s
Endorsements:
Other notable appearances/credits:"The Spectacular Spider-Man" .... Uncle Ben Parker (1 episode, 2008)
"King of the Hill" .... Stinky (2 episodes, 2001-2002)
Superman" .... Granny Goodness (4 episodes, 1998-2000)
"Freakazoid!" .... Sgt. Mike Cosgrove (15 episodes, 1995-1997)
Top awards:Won 5 Golden Globes. Another 13 wins & 19 nominations
Other:

Edward Asner Relationships
Family:
Nancy Sykes (23 March 1959 - 1988) (divorced) 3 children
Romance(s):
Frequent collaborator(s):James L. Brooks
Mary Tyler Moore,
Mason Adams
Robert Walden
Linda Kelsey;
Rebecca Balding;
Daryl Anderson.
Jack Bannon
Nancy Marchand
Other affiliations:

Fun Facts About Edward Asner
President of Screen Actors Guild (SAG). [1981-1985]
A long-time political activist, he accused the CBS network of cancelling "Lou Grant" (1977) over his publicized disapproval of the United States involvement in Central America.
On October 6th & 7th, 2001, he attended the "Hollywood Collectors & Celebrities Show", at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn, in North Hollywood, California.
His wife's nephew, Gavin Newsom, was elected mayor of San Francisco in 2003.
Was a member of the Compass Players, a predecessor to the famed Second City of Chicago.
Only actor to win Emmys for playing the same character (Lou Grant) in both a comedy ("Mary Tyler Moore" (1970)) and a drama ("Lou Grant" (1977)).
Credited as assisted in funding for Roger & Me (1989).
Has won more Emmys, 7, as an actor than any other male performer.
Announced the news of Steve Ihnat's sudden death (in Cannes, France) on the Emmy telecast.
Has played Santa Claus four times; in Elf (2003), "The Ellen Show" (2001), Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999) (TV), and The Story of Santa Claus (1996) (TV).
Was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family.
Is the parent of a child with autism.





Edward Asner's Awards & Honors
Year
Award
Category/Recipient(s)
Result
1980
Emmy
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
for: "Lou Grant" (1977)
won
1977
Emmy
Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Series
for: "Roots" (1977)
won
1976
Emmy
Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series
for: "Rich Man, Poor Man" (1976)
won
1975
Emmy
Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
for: "Mary Tyler Moore" (1970)
won
1980
Golden Globe
Best TV Actor - Drama
for: "Lou Grant" (1977)
won

Edward Asner's Upcoming Projects

Edward Asner Links
  • www.lougrant.net