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Hollywood star Ed Asner who delighted audiences around the world as the voice of grumpy but loveable widow Carl Fredericksen in Disney-Pixar's 2009 animated film Up, has passed away.
The family of the seven-time Emmy winner shared the sad news on his Twitter page writing:
"We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully. Words cannot express the sadness we feel. With a kiss on your head - Goodnight dad. We love you."
AdvertisementNo details were released about the cause of his death but as per the Hollywood Reporter, Asner's publicist says he passed away from natural causes at his home in Tarzana.
Long before his role on Up, Ed rose to fame as newsroom boss Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and it's spinoff Lou Grant, as well as taking on a number of roles on Broadway.
In more recent years, he's also scored many guest and recurring roles in major TV productions including The Good Wife, ER, The Practice, Grace and Frankie and Cobra Kai.
Asner's career ultimately spanned more than seven decades and he served two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Behind the scenes, the actor also set up the "Ed Asner Family Centre" in California, a place providing wellness, enrichment and arts program for neurodiverse children and their families.
A statement released by the Centre today reads:
"Today, we mourn the loss of a legend who had a heart of gold. Our beloved namesake, Ed Asner. Many knew him as the gruff comedian with impeccable timing, but for us he was a father, grandfather, friend and champion. Ed was kind, gentle and fierce -champion for individuals living with special needs. We love you, Ed. Rest in peace knowing that through your talent, humour, strength and commitment you made this world a better place for all of us. We will continue to honour your legacy everyday."
Asner was 91.
(Feature Image Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com; Disney)
