While fans around the world mourned the loss of actor Ed Asner today at age 91, many in the Hollywood community praised a different side of the man.
Asner was remembered for his liberal crusading and kindness toward those whose credentials were far less than his own, all captured in online postings by the famous and not-so-famous. They uniformly recalled a man who was unafraid to take on difficult tasks and speak truth to power. Moreso, he got results from his actions.
A few of the early takes:
will never forget at my former station.. a long time ago when I called Mr Asner and asked if he would front promos for our news. we didn’t have a budget or anything to offer an acting legend. he told us he did it because he believed in the importance of local news @TheOnlyEdAsner
— Pete Wilgoren (@WILGOREN) August 29, 2021
He had spunk. I like spunk. RIP, Ed Asner.
— Randi Mayem Singer (@rmayemsinger) August 29, 2021
This is very sad news. Ed Asner was a radical until the end. I’ll never forget when he spoke once to a labor conference in L.A. on plant closures and brought out 3 members of El Salvador’s Farabundo Martí National Liberation to talk instead. RIP. https://t.co/WOovgPvkPM
— Tim Shorrock (@TimothyS) August 29, 2021
Oh Ed Asner Rest In Peace and power friend. what a truly good and honorable human you were .gratitude for all you did for the screen Actors Guild ,when it was a true Union bless you. @Frances_Fisher @EllenBarkin
— ✌?rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) August 29, 2021
RIP Ed Asner ?
Was privileged to be interning on a show many years ago that he guest starred on. Funny, warm, and gracious. One of TV’s all-time greats.
One of his most famous on-screen moments… pic.twitter.com/6PCDrZyVFC
— Dan Signer (@DanSigner) August 29, 2021
Ed Asner was a difficult dude, a grump, a shittalker, and one of the primary reasons actors have health benefits.
Miss you already, Ed. Rest In Power https://t.co/BIuwRhXW9j
— Andy Cobb (@AndyCobb) August 29, 2021
I’m sadden to just learn that Ed Asner has passed away at the age of 91. Some of his wonderful voice roles include Carl Fredrickson (Up), Cosgrove (Freakazoid), Granny Goodness (Superman), Santa Claus, and J. Jonah Jameson (Spider-Man). Expect a spotlight on Ed Asner tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Dk6ESQXkai
— The Voice Artist’s Spotlight (@vas_90s) August 29, 2021
Ed Asner has passed away at the age of 91
Rest in PEACE, Ed. And thanks… pic.twitter.com/kTUojhSPP6
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) August 29, 2021
w/Ed Asner after the Death Penalty Focus Awards in Bev Hills. This healed all the pain of the 1st 10 mins of ‘Up’ pic.twitter.com/6L37qG3xhn
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) May 29, 2016
