Oh, Mr. Grant…

​By: Beverly Washburn/Hollywood Memories

I thought I'd write this month about Ed Asner who, although has done countless films and TV, is probably best known for his role as Lou Grant on the 70s sitcom "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

He was born in 1929 and is still a working actor today. He's been nominated 20 times for the coveted Emmy award, seven of which was for the Mary Tyler Moore Show and three of which he won for that same show. 

After the MTM show was cancelled, Ed went on to star in his own show titled "Lou Grant" which was a dramatic show. In fact, he is the only actor to win an Emmy for a sitcom and a drama for the same role.

He was also president of the Screen Actors Guild for five years. And in 2001, was the recipient of the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.

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I had the privilege of working with him in 2007 in a little, low budget independent film called "Hard Four" which was about shooting Craps. I played the part of Brenda - a tourist who loses all her money playing the slot machines. 

Now there's a concept for ya! I was delighted to meet him as I had always been a fan. 

As you can see by the photo, I had short blonde hair at the time. He was very nice to work with and I was so happy to have met him.

Fast forward to October 2014. I was at a wedding in Los Angeles and Mr. Asner was also there. I wasn't sure he would remember me as seven years had gone by, not to mention I now have red hair.

I walked up to him and before I could introduce myself, he gave me a big hug and said "Beverly, love the red hair!" I was so thrilled that he would remember me. 

How blessed I am to know him. He is truly one very nice, special man.

Until next time, remember wherever there is a human being or an animal, there is an opportunity for kindness.