It's Official! Ed Asner Is A Complete Jerk! He Just Disrespected Mary! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 09-24-2011, 11:03 AM

The great thing about being a living legend is that you can pretty much speak your mind without major repercussions. I was reminded of that Thursday night when I found myself chatting with Ed Asner at a party celebrating the upcoming season at the Fitzgerald Theater. Asner's in town for his one-man performance as Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

By way of saying hello, I asked him what he thought of the announcement earlier in the day that Mary Tyler Moore would be getting a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild.

Asner, 81, hadn't heard the news and, based on his reaction, he didn't really seem to care.

"She's changed," said Asner, who was once president of SAG and received its lifetime achievement award in 2001. "She's a Republican." Asner was now in his "I hate spunk" mode. "Last time I saw her, she said Sarah Palin was a great lady."

Asner, a highly vocal liberal, wasn't done. He slammed CMT for not picking up the sitcom "Working Class," which he starred in with Twin Cities native Melissa Peterman. He said he believes there was a conspiracy behind 9/11. He flirted with KARE's Diana Pierce, despite the presence of her boyfriend. He hissed about former NBC entertainment chief Brandon Tartikoff who canceled his critically beloved drama "The Bronx Zoo."

He was also highly entertaining, most notably when he shared a story about Walter Mondale.

Back when Jimmy Carter was in office, Asner was invited to the White House. At the last minute, the prez couldn't make it, so Asner was shuttled to Mondale's office. It was a hot day and Asner was sweating bullets in his three-piece suit. Much to his surprise, Mondale's fireplace was roaring.

Mondale's explanation: "Ed, this fireplace is the only thing in the White House that the vice president has any control over."

Asner didn't stay too long. He was off to have dinner with former wrestling superstar Verne Gagne. Unfortunately, I wasn't invited.

http://www.startribune.com/entertain...2&numToShow=50

phoebe7165 · 09-24-2011, 12:02 PM

I guess as Ed has gotten older, he's gotten crankier because when I met him at Epcot about 12 years ago, he was really, really nice. He was the narrator for the Living Christmas Tree that Epcot puts on each holiday season. and we were performing in that.

Brian Damage · 09-24-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoebe7165

I guess as Ed has gotten older, he's gotten crankier because when I met him at Epcot about 12 years ago, he was really, really nice. He was the narrator for the Living Christmas Tree that Epcot puts on each holiday season. and we were performing in that.

I am sure that must've been really cool!

I mean putting politics aside, Mary gave Ed his big break. She made him into a household name that has allowed him to do all the things he is able to do today. He just should have taken the high road and just congratulate Mary on her achievement.

Marvo301 · 09-24-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

I am sure that must've been really cool!

I mean putting politics aside, Mary gave Ed his big break. She made him into a household name that has allowed him to do all the things he is able to do today. He just should have taken the high road and just congratulate Mary on her achievement.

I agree! TMTMS was Ed's springboard career wise and he ought to remember that whenever he speaks about Mary.

AKA · 09-24-2011, 12:27 PM

Wow. What an insufferable douche.

Brian Damage · 09-24-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA

Wow. What an insufferable douche.

Like I said Brad, forget about politics. To me personally, Mary could've been supporting Obama or Clinton and Ed could've been a die hard Republican. That all is moot, what grates me about this interview was the fact he used politics to disrespect a beloved friend and co worker. What did Mary do to him personally? Was this building up inside him for years? Age is no excuse to be allowed to put down a dear friend.

AKA · 09-24-2011, 12:41 PM

Agree wholeheartedly, Brian. Ed has been showing his true colors for quite awhile. I don't know if it started with his 9/11 comments, but that's when I lost all respect for him.

It's a shame, because I'm a fan of his work. Not necessarily on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but on Studio 60.

Brian Damage · 09-24-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA

Agree wholeheartedly, Brian. Ed has been showing his true colors for quite awhile. I don't know if it started with his 9/11 comments, but that's when I lost all respect for him.

It's a shame, because I'm a fan of his work. Not necessarily on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but on Studio 60.

Well said Brad, he is a talented actor, but with this latest comment, I can never quite look at him the same way. Maybe the Mary Tyler Moore Show would have been better off if Mary didn't lobby for him to get the role of Lou Grant and gave the role to Gavin Macleod instead.

AKA · 09-24-2011, 12:47 PM

I'm so accustomed to Facebook that I just tried to "like" your post.

Brian Damage · 09-24-2011, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA

I'm so accustomed to Facebook that I just tried to "like" your post.

Facebook is for the "older generation" now anyways. I read that Google Plus is where all the hipsters go now. LOL

I am so out of the loop!

Mr. Television · 09-24-2011, 12:52 PM

I've never liked Asner's politics though I've always liked him as an actor. I didn't know Mary was a Republican. It shouldn't matter if you are friends. Asner seems to think if you don't agree with him than you're an enemy.

catlover79 · 09-24-2011, 05:40 PM

Just terrible!!! Ironic that liberals always yack that the conservatives are "intolerant". What a hypocrite!!!!

Remember that he doesn't like Morgan Brittany, also based on her political leanings?

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...asner+politics

Brian Damage · 09-24-2011, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Just terrible!!! Ironic that liberals always yack that the conservatives are "intolerant". What a hypocrite!!!!

Remember that he doesn't like Morgan Brittany, also based on her political leanings?

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...asner+politics

He refused to work with her or say hello or something like that correct? I remember the story because I posted it, but don't remember exact details.

Brian Damage · 09-24-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

He refused to work with her or say hello or something like that correct? I remember the story because I posted it, but don't remember exact details.

OOps missed the link, sorry Monika.

catlover79 · 09-24-2011, 05:56 PM

Gavin MacLeod even wrote in his book years ago that he felt caught in the middle with Ed and Ted, who were polar opposites politically. How awful to be labelled and put in a bin because your beliefs don't mesh with someone else's.

09-24-2011, 11:03 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	It's Official! Ed Asner Is A Complete Jerk! He Just Disrespected Mary! The great thing about being a living legend is that you can pretty much speak your mind without major repercussions. I was reminded of that Thursday night when I found myself chatting with Ed Asner at a party celebrating the upcoming season at the Fitzgerald Theater. Asner's in town for his one-man performance as Franklin Delano Roosevelt. By way of saying hello, I asked him what he thought of the announcement earlier in the day that Mary Tyler Moore would be getting a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild. Asner, 81, hadn't heard the news and, based on his reaction, he didn't really seem to care. "She's changed," said Asner, who was once president of SAG and received its lifetime achievement award in 2001. "She's a Republican." Asner was now in his "I hate spunk" mode. "Last time I saw her, she said Sarah Palin was a great lady." Asner, a highly vocal liberal, wasn't done. He slammed CMT for not picking up the sitcom "Working Class," which he starred in with Twin Cities native Melissa Peterman. He said he believes there was a conspiracy behind 9/11. He flirted with KARE's Diana Pierce, despite the presence of her boyfriend. He hissed about former NBC entertainment chief Brandon Tartikoff who canceled his critically beloved drama "The Bronx Zoo." He was also highly entertaining, most notably when he shared a story about Walter Mondale. Back when Jimmy Carter was in office, Asner was invited to the White House. At the last minute, the prez couldn't make it, so Asner was shuttled to Mondale's office. It was a hot day and Asner was sweating bullets in his three-piece suit. Much to his surprise, Mondale's fireplace was roaring. Mondale's explanation: "Ed, this fireplace is the only thing in the White House that the vice president has any control over." Asner didn't stay too long. He was off to have dinner with former wrestling superstar Verne Gagne. Unfortunately, I wasn't invited. http://www.startribune.com/entertain...2&numToShow=50
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09-24-2011, 12:02 PM	#2
phoebe7165 Pop Culture Goddess Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 15, 2003 Location: US of A - the country of "really bad music" lovers Posts: 11,600	I guess as Ed has gotten older, he's gotten crankier because when I met him at Epcot about 12 years ago, he was really, really nice. He was the narrator for the Living Christmas Tree that Epcot puts on each holiday season. and we were performing in that.
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09-24-2011, 12:52 PM	#11
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	I've never liked Asner's politics though I've always liked him as an actor. I didn't know Mary was a Republican. It shouldn't matter if you are friends. Asner seems to think if you don't agree with him than you're an enemy.
	__________________ Sonny

09-24-2011, 05:40 PM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Just terrible!!! Ironic that liberals always yack that the conservatives are "intolerant". What a hypocrite!!!! Remember that he doesn't like Morgan Brittany, also based on her political leanings? http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...asner+politics
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

09-24-2011, 12:27 PM	#5
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Wow. What an insufferable douche.

09-24-2011, 12:41 PM	#7
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Agree wholeheartedly, Brian. Ed has been showing his true colors for quite awhile. I don't know if it started with his 9/11 comments, but that's when I lost all respect for him. It's a shame, because I'm a fan of his work. Not necessarily on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but on Studio 60.

09-24-2011, 12:47 PM	#9
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	I'm so accustomed to Facebook that I just tried to "like" your post.

09-24-2011, 05:56 PM	#15
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Gavin MacLeod even wrote in his book years ago that he felt caught in the middle with Ed and Ted, who were polar opposites politically. How awful to be labelled and put in a bin because your beliefs don't mesh with someone else's.