Bringing Lou Grant to Life: A Personal Touch
When Ed Asner crafted the iconic character Lou Grant, he didn’t just pull it out of thin air. He reached deep into his own life for inspiration. In an exclusive conversation with Closer shortly before his passing, Ed revealed, “I drew from inner images of my two older brothers to create the comedic side of Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” But when the time came to headline his own drama series, Ed went even deeper. “I delved into myself, and what emerged was essentially me, with a few adaptations,” he shared. It’s this authenticity that made Lou Grant resonate so profoundly with audiences.
A Career Spanning Seven Decades
Over seven decades, Ed Asner left an indelible mark on Hollywood. He stood toe-to-toe with legends like John Wayne in 1966’s El Dorado, portrayed morally complex characters in epic miniseries such as Roots and Rich Man, Poor Man, and delighted new generations with roles in animated classics like Up and family comedies like Elf. Yet, it’s his portrayal of the cantankerous but lovable Lou Grant that fans cherished most. Winning Emmys in both comedy and drama categories, Lou Grant became synonymous with Ed Asner’s legacy. When Ed passed away at 91 on August 29, fans worldwide mourned the loss of this beloved figure.
Leaving a Legacy: Ed Asner's Final Words
Even in his twilight years, Ed Asner remained as spirited and ambitious as ever. Just weeks before his death, he told Closer, “If the good Lord is feeling generous, he could grant me another 91 years, and I’d show the world what I can still accomplish.” Ed, who made memorable appearances on shows like Grace and Frankie and Cobra Kai, was far from ready to hang up his hat.
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The Journey to The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Ed Asner’s journey to stardom began in Kansas City, Missouri, where he initially pursued journalism before switching to drama at the University of Chicago. He fondly recalled his 1974 audition with Mary Tyler Moore, describing her as “a goddess and a powerhouse in the industry.” Working on The Mary Tyler Moore Show was “seven years of pure joy,” Ed said. However, he admitted to being frustrated that the show’s female characters often had more substantial storylines. “But I swallowed my pride, did the work, and eventually the women got their own shows, leaving the men behind,” he noted with a chuckle.
Lou Grant: A More Responsible Side
When Lou Grant premiered in 1977, the character evolved into a much more responsible and reflective individual. “He showed the wear and tear of the times,” Ed explained. As a politically active actor, Ed infused his idealistic character with progressive values. “Lou was honest, cared deeply, and believed in the truth of journalism,” he emphasized. This transformation made the character even more relatable and endearing to audiences.
Ed wasn’t shy about expressing his candid opinions. In speaking with Closer, he admitted that he wasn’t always a fan of his MTM costar Valerie Harper. “She was a clever gypsy who could talk her way through life,” he remarked. Despite their differences, Ed acknowledged her talent, conceding, “She delivered most of the time.”
