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Ed Asner Headshot

Ed Asner

Also Credited As: Edward Asner

Birth Place: Kansas City, KS, USA

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BIO

Asner is an American actor, voice artist, and a former president of the Screen Actors Guild. He is primarily known for his role as Lou Grant during the 1970s and early 1980s, on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off series Lou Grant, making him one of the few television actors to portray the same character in both a comedy and a drama. He is the most honored male performer in the history of the Primetime Emmy Awards, having won seven, five for portraying Lou Grant (three as Supporting Actor in a Comedy Television Series and two as Lead Actor in a Dramatic Television Series). His other Emmys were for performances in two of the most significant mini-television series of the 1970s: Rich Man, Poor Man (1976), where he won for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Performance in a TV series, and Roots (1977), for which he won for Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in a TV series.


He played John Wayne's adversary Bart Jason in the 1966 Western El Dorado. He has played Santa Claus in several films, notably in 2003's Elf. In 2009, he starred as the voice of Carl Fredricksen in Pixar's animated film Up and made a guest appearance on CSI: NY in the episode "Yahrzeit." In early 2011, Asner returned to television as butcher Hank Greziak in Working Class, the first original sitcom on cable channel CMT. He starred Michael, Tuesdays and Thursdays, on CBC Television and appeared in The Glades. Asner guest-starred as Guy Redmayne, a homophobic billionaire who supports Alicia Florrick's campaign, in the sixth season of The Good Wife.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2012
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Voice of God

[Regional (US)]
Los Angeles Revival, 2003
Narrator [recorded voice only]

[Broadway]
1989
Harry Brock

[Broadway]
1960
Perry Cates

[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [off-Broadway], 1955
Sawtooth Bob (Macheath's Gang) [Replacement]

Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum [Replacement]

Mr. J.J. Peachum [Replacement]


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News


Broadway Stage and Screen- A Fall 2024 Watch Guide

A new Broadway season has arrived at last, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 7 are already films that you can watch from home.
Sally Struthers to Star in RAPUNZEL AND HER HOLIDAY WISH at The Laguna Playhouse this December

Laguna Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Productions have announced that Sally Struthers will star as “Madame Gothel” in the world premiere of RAPUNZEL AND HER HOLIDAY WISH, written by Kris Lythgoe, directed by Becky Lythgoe, supervising director is Bonnie Lythgoe, choreography by Becca Sweitzer and musical direction by Andy Street. 
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Comes To Big Bear This Month

Big Bear Theatre Project will present LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, opening August 22 in Big Bear, CA.
Ruskin Group Theatre Presents THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE Opening July 12

Rob Morrow and Marcia Cross star in THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE at Ruskin Group Theatre, opening July 12. Written by Jon Robin Baitz, the play promises a compelling performance by the acclaimed actors.
27th Anniversary Edition of THE LONG ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM EXPO Begins This Month

The Long Island International Film Expo has announced the full schedule of screenings and events for the 27th Anniversary presentation of the festival, happening from July 9th - July 14th at the historic Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave in Bellmore.
Sacred Heart University Community Theatre Will Perform THE PETRILLOS

TrailBlazing Productions, a new nonprofit theatre company providing a platform for writers to further develop their works while collaborating with classic stars from the stage and screen, will launch its first production on June 21 at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre.
World's First Autism In Entertainment Conference to Be Held in Bel Air in April

The world's first Autism in Entertainment Conference is a one-day, in-person, groundbreaking event that takes place on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the prestigious Skirball Cultural Center.
Theater Resources Unlimited Will Host TRU Community Gathering 'The Challenges Of Young Professionals Trying To Kickstart A Career In Theater'

Join TRU on Friday 3/1 for The Challenges of Young Professionals Trying to Kickstart a Career in Theater.
Amy Pietz To Teach Viola Spolin's Improv Acting Technique

Sills/Spolin Theater Works has announced esteemed actress of TV and film Amy Pietz will be teaching a new generation of actors the technique of Viola Spolin, the legendary theater innovator known as the 'Mother of improvisational theater.'
Hal Linden and Sally Struthers Will Lead World Premiere of THE JOURNALS OF ADAM AND EVE

Hal Linden and Sally Struthers will star in the world premiere of a new play – “The Journals of Adam and Eve” by Ed. Weinberger, with a little help from the authors of Genesis, John Milton, and Mark Twain, for six performances only January 18 to 21.
Frank Ferrante to Star in AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO at Laguna Playhouse

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present Frank Ferrante starring in his critically acclaimed one-man show, AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO.
Colt Coeur Reveals List of 2023-2024 CoCo Residents

Colt Coeur has announced its list of 2023-2024 CoCo Residents, including Jose Sebastian Alberdi (playwright), Brittany K. Allen (playwright), Sarah Dahnke (director/choreographer), C.A. Johnson (playwright), Eric Norbury (designer), Lia Romeo (playwrights), Danny Tejera (playwright), and Liba Vaynberg (playwright).
Photos: Michael Shannon Honored at the Denver Film Festival

Michael Shannon was honored that the Denver Film at the 46th Denver Film Festival. Shannon accepted the Breakthrough Director award for Eric LaRue alongside Eric LaRue screenwriter, Brett Neveu. Check out photos from the awards show!
Jeff Cohen's SQUEAKY Will Receive Developmental Readings This Month

As part of its new Building the Box Developmental Reading Series, Out of the Box Theatrics will present readings of SQUEAKY, a poignant autobiographical comedy by Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen.
Kate Burton, John Cariani & More Join Williamstown Theatre Festival Performances

Get the latest updates on the star-studded performances at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, including appearances by Kate Burton, John Cariani, and more. Find out when and where you can catch these exciting shows.
Ruskin Group Theatre In Santa Monica Presents A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, August 18

Ruskin Group Theatre presents Arthur Miller's  “A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE” starring Ray Abruzzo, opening Friday, August 18, 2023.
Laguna Playhouse To Present LISTEN TO THE SEVENTIES, CARNEY MAGIC, and More This August

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE has announced six special productions this summer.
David Ellenstein Named Artistic Director & Bill Kerlin Named Managing Director of Laguna Playhouse

North Coast Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director David Ellenstein, and Managing Director Bill Kerlin, have been named Laguna Playhouse’s new Artistic and Managing Directors respectively, effective immediately.
Discounted Pre-Sale Gold Passes Now Available For The 26th Annual Long Island International Film Expo

The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) has announced that discounted Pre-sale Gold Passes for the 26th Annual Festival and Expo are now available.
THE ARSONIST OF VENICE Comes to the Hollywood Fringe

Just out of prison for a string of inexplicable arsons, a celebrated novelist returns home to Venice, California with a dark and singular goal. Set against the splendor and privation of modern Los Angeles, this dark, poetic drama excavates painful human truths, exploring how early violence and unresolved loss can lead to addiction and madness. Hollow Visions Productions will bring The Arsonist of Venice to the 2023 Hollywood Fringe Festival.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ed Asner been in?

Ed Asner has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Ed Asner been in?

Ed Asner has not appeared in the West End.

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