Beloved actor Ed Asner, known for his portrayal of crotchety curmudgeons on hit television series like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant, died Sunday morning at his home in California. He was 91 years old.
“We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully,” his official Twitter account announced. “Words cannot express the sadness we feel. With a kiss on your head- Goodnight dad. We love you.”
Besides Lou Grant, Asner’s 64-year acting career included roles in the animated movie “Up!” and the television miniseries Roots and Rich Man, Poor Man. Asner was recognized with multiple awards, including seven Emmy Awards and five Golden Globes.
A two-term president of the Screen Actors Guild, Asner was also a passionate advocate for political causes like workers’ rights. He was also a vocal supporter of AIDS/HIV research, and became a member of the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee after campaigning for the election of Barack Obama in 2008.
Twice married, Asner is survived by four children.