Ed Asner was an American actor and voice artist who had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2021. Known for his versatility and longevity in Hollywood, Asner built an impressive career spanning stage, television, film, and voice acting. He rose to fame playing Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and later its spin-off Lou Grant. Over the decades, he became the most Emmy-honored television actor in history, winning seven awards out of 17 nominations.
| Ed Asner Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
To modern audiences, Asner is fondly remembered for voicing Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up (2009) and for his role as Santa Claus in Elf (2003). Beyond acting, he was deeply involved in political and social causes and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985.
Early Life
Born Yitzhak Edward Asner on November 15, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, Ed was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. His father ran a scrap metal business, while his mother raised him and his four siblings. Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish household, Asner developed a strong sense of community and resilience.
He discovered his passion for performing while working at his high school’s radio station and later attended the University of Chicago, where he acted in several stage productions. After dropping out, he worked at Ford Motors before serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.
Career in Television and Film
After his military service, Asner co-founded the Playwrights Theatre Club in Chicago before moving to New York to pursue acting. His early work included off-Broadway productions and small television appearances. In 1965, he made his film debut in Kid Galahad, starring Elvis Presley.
Asner’s big break came in 1970 when he was cast as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The series ran until 1977, winning widespread acclaim and numerous awards. His character was so popular that CBS launched the spin-off drama Lou Grant, which ran from 1977 to 1982. Remarkably, Asner became the only actor to win Emmys for playing the same role in both a comedy and a drama.
He continued to shine in projects such as Roots (1977), where his two-episode performance earned him another Emmy. His later roles included Santa Claus in Elf, Warren Buffet in Too Big to Fail (2011), and appearances in Netflix’s Dead to Me (2019).
Voice Acting Success
Asner also enjoyed a rich career in voice acting. He lent his voice to over 70 characters, appearing in shows like Spider-Man (1994–1998), Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990–1995), Gargoyles (1994–1996), and the controversial animated series The Boondocks (2005–2014).
His most iconic voice role was Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up, which grossed over $735 million worldwide and earned critical acclaim. The film introduced him to a new generation of fans and cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved voices in animation.
Personal Life
Ed Asner married Nancy Lou Sykes in 1959, and they had three children before divorcing in 1988. He later had a son with Carol Jean Vogelman in 1987. In 1998, he married producer Cindy Gilmore, but they separated in 2007 and later divorced.
Away from acting, Asner was an outspoken activist. He supported labor rights, humanitarian causes, and democratic campaigns. He also narrated Behind the Fear (2016), a documentary on HIV denialism.
Ed Asner Net Worth
Ed Asner net worth was $10 million.
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