He was a creative force, both as an actor and as a citizen of the world.  He was passionate about his work, and he was forever dedicated to the well-being of his fellow actors.

He made us laugh, and he embodied the essence of ‘the original curmudgeon’, that essence wonderfully depicted in Disney’s UP, playing the cranky widower, Carl.  

Ed loved the theater, and he gave us the pleasure of numerous stage appearances, in my opinion, none more satisfying than his performance in G.B. Shaw’s Man and Superman. 

 As a co-founding member of LA Theater Works, his performance as Sinclair Lewis’ Babbitt can only be described as inspired.  

One auspicious evening in 2017, Ed surprised me onstage at the Saban Theater, during a Terence McNally fund-raiser for the Skylight Theater. He took my head in his hands and kissed me right on the lips. The audience was as shocked as I was, but they loved it, and it remains a cherished memory of a lingering cigar aftertaste.

The legacy of Ed Asner will forever be a shining beacon of inspiration for actors who love their craft, and who aspire to improve and enhance their talents by accepting the challenges of great roles in the live theater, together with acting before the camera.

The entire Keach family extend our deepest sympathies to the Asner family, and, thank you, Ed, for sharing your indomitable presence and your extraordinary gifts with all of us.  May God’s Blessings be with you, always. -Stacy Keach