NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Legendary actor and activist Ed Asner passed away at the age of 91 Sunday morning, his family confirmed.
"We are sorry to say that our beloved patriarch passed away this morning peacefully," his family said in a statement. "Words cannot express the sadness we feel. With a kiss on your head- Goodnight dad. We love you."
Asner, who served as the former president of the Screen Actors Guild, is best known for his iconic role as Lou Grant on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoff series Lou Grant in the 1970s and 1980s.
The seven-time Emmy Award winner was also a veteran and political activist, having served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and appeared in Army camp plays.
Asner was outspoken about his left-wing political views on social media and was a member of the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee (DSOC) and its successor, the Democratic Socialists of America.
He used his voice to criticize Ronald Reagan, also a former SAG president, for his US policy in Central America. And he was an ardent opponent of the death penalty and supported stronger gun control laws in the US.
News of Asner's death brought an outpouring of respect and admiration on social media.
"We’ve lost one of the great humans," tweeted Keith Olbermann. "Ed Asner went from the over-the-top comedy of MTM, to taking the SAME character and making him the centerpiece of an underrated drama of “Lou Grant.” I met him, where else, at a charity event. His life was charity."
Comedian Randy Rainbow added, "Heartbroken to have to say goodbye to legend and friend Ed Asner. He was always so kind to me and brought so much joy to this world. Sending love to @masner, friends and family."