Ed Asner, the screen actor known for his role as the crusty, loveable boss Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, died today at the age of 91. Here are my thoughts.
I’ve seen several tributes today to Ed Asner noting his passing at age 91. These remembrances of the late actor have been nice to read and remember the memorable roles he played which made us laugh and sometimes cry.
But Asner was much more than “Lou Grant.” Asner the private man was a fiercely progressive activist who was always courageous enough to stand up and speak out for his convictions, no matter how unpopular the cause. Long before actors and celebrities incorporated attention-seeking activism onto their career ladders, Asner was often donating his own time, meeting behind the scenes with no publicity, and marching in the streets. He fought for unions, not just his own (Asner was SAG president), but for common workers. He spoke out against America’s appalling policy in Central America that led to militarism and misery for millions. He was a tireless campaigner for peace and humanity. He wasn’t just a presence, but a veritable force who was passionate, persuasive, and undoubtedly changed many minds.
Asner will rightfully be celebrated for his larger-than-life TV and movie characters and is a powerful onscreen personality. But Asner should also fondly be remembered as something far more meaningful to those he helped and influenced.
Asner was a real progressive’s progressive, someone who always stood for the underdog and for civil rights and the noble cause of social justice.
We would be wise to learn from him and try to fill those footsteps.