Ed Asner, the seven-time Emmy winning TV star forever remembered as gruff-but-lovable newsman Lou Grant on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and the dramatic spinoff “Lou Grant,” died Sunday at age 91.
“We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully,” according to a statement from the family. “Words cannot express the sadness we fell. With a kiss on your head — goodnight dad. We love you.”
Forever remembered for his work as Lou Grant, the venerable actor was introduced to a whole new generation when he lent his voice to the main character in Pixar’s animated hit “Up.” He also continued working in shows including “Dead to Me,” “Grace and Frankie” and “Cobra Kai.”
His seven Emmy awards made him the most Emmy-honored performer. In addition to winning five times for portraying Lou Grant — three times on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and twice on “Lou Grant” — he also won Emmys for his work in “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Roots.”
A Kansas City native, Asner was a former president of the Screen Actors Guild, and he was presented a lifetime achievement award from the organization in 2001.