Ed Asner Obituary, Death – Emmy-Winning Actor and Voice of Carl in Up Dies at 91
The entertainment industry continues to remember Ed Asner, the Emmy-winning American actor whose career stretched across television, film, animation, and stage. Asner, widely recognized for his portrayal of Lou Grant and as the voice of Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up, died on August 29, 2021, at the age of 91.
His children announced his death through his social-media account, sharing an emotional message about their beloved father and family patriarch. The announcement described his passing as peaceful and ended with a heartfelt farewell.
Remembering Ed Asner
Born Edward David Asner on November 15, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, Asner went on to establish one of the most distinguished acting careers in American television.
He rose to widespread fame playing newspaper editor Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The character became so popular that Asner later reprised the role in the dramatic spinoff Lou Grant.
His performance earned him numerous honors and helped establish him as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.
Asner won seven Emmy Awards during his career. At the time, his seven victories made him the most-awarded male performer in Emmy history. He also made television history by becoming the first actor to win an Emmy for portraying the same character in both a comedy and a drama series.
Carl Fredricksen in Up
A new generation of audiences came to know Asner through his voice performance as Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s 2009 animated film Up.
Carl, an elderly widower who embarks on an extraordinary adventure, became one of Pixar’s most memorable characters. The film explored themes of love, loss, grief, friendship, and finding a reason to continue moving forward.
Asner’s distinctive, gravelly voice played an important role in bringing Carl’s personality and emotional journey to life. Up went on to become an acclaimed and Oscar-winning animated film.
Asner as Santa Claus
Another memorable role associated with Asner was Santa Claus.
He portrayed Santa in the 2003 Christmas comedy Elf, starring alongside Will Ferrell. The performance became one of his recognizable holiday appearances, and he subsequently played Santa in a number of other television and film productions.
Asner continued working throughout his later years, taking on acting and voice roles even after reaching his 80s and 90s.
Ed Asner Cause of Death
Asner’s family and publicist confirmed that the actor died of natural causes at his home in the Tarzana area of Los Angeles, California, on August 29, 2021. He was 91 years old.
His death was not reported as being connected to an accident or violent incident.
A Lasting Legacy
Away from the screen, Asner was also involved in charitable work and advocacy, including efforts connected to autism awareness.
His youngest son, Charles, was diagnosed with autism, and the Asner family became involved in supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. His son Matthew later helped establish the Ed Asner Family Center, continuing the family’s advocacy work.
Asner remained active professionally for decades, appearing in television productions, movies, and animated projects well into his later years.
His career gave audiences characters that remain recognizable across generations. Television viewers remember him as Lou Grant, animation fans know him as Carl Fredricksen, and holiday audiences remember his portrayal of Santa Claus.
Ed Asner’s death marked the end of an extraordinary career that lasted roughly six decades. His Emmy-winning performances, distinctive voice, and memorable characters left an enduring legacy in American entertainment, while his family, colleagues, and millions of fans continue to remember the actor and the remarkable body of work he left behind.