On August 29, 2021, American actor and former president of the Screen Actors Guild, Ed Asner, died at 91. His family confirmed his death on Twitter, saying, “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.” Shocked by this announcement, many fans sent their condolences to Asner’s family and left messages remembering his legacy.

Asner made a significant impact on the film industry, well known for his role as Lou Grant during the 1970s and early 1980s. Asner is also well known for being the voice of Carl Fredricksen in the movie Up and Santa Claus in the movie Elf. Before his death, Asner’s final appearance was reprising his role as Carl in the new 2021 television series Dug Days on Disney+.

Throughout his career, he had been nominated for 47 awards and won 25. His recognition mainly came from his time as Lou Grant in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the spinoff Lou Grant. Asner also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985 and was active in political causes within and beyond the entertainment industry. He was a part of many non-profit organizations such as the Entertainment Board of Directors for The Survivor Mitzvah Project, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Rosenberg Fund for Children, and many more. The president of the Screen Actors Guild, now known as SAG-AFTRA, Gabrielle Carteris, said in a statement, “There have been few actors of Ed Asner’s prominence who risked their status to fight for social causes the way Ed did. He fought passionately for his fellow actors, both before, during, and after his SAG presidency. But his concern did not stop with performers. He fought for victims of poverty, violence, war, and legal and social injustice, both in the United States and around the globe.”

Disney also made a tribute to Asner on their Instagram, stating, “Ed was our real-life Carl Fredricksen: a veneer of grouch over an incredibly loving and kind human being. Russell, Dug, and all of us at Pixar will miss him terribly. Ed loved voicing Carl, and our time working with him will remain some of our most beloved memories. His adventure was ours for a moment in time.”

Ed Asner will be deeply missed by many; however, his legacy will live on through all of the roles he has done over the years. He will also be remembered for everything he fought for to give others the opportunity at a better life.