Ed Asner was one of those actors you never forget. If you’ve watched old TV shows, the holiday movie Elf, or Pixar’s Up, you’ve probably seen his face or heard his voice.
When he passed away in 2021, fans all over the world remembered him. They didn’t just love him for acting — they also respected him because of how humble and caring he was. However, he worked in movies and TV for over 60 years and became one of the most well-known names in Hollywood.
But even today, people still ask: How much was Ed Asner net worth when he died? And who got it? Maybe you’re wondering the same thing. If so, keep reading. In this article, we’ll discuss everything we know so far. So, let’s get started!
Who Was Ed Asner?
Ed Asner was born on November 15, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri. His real name was Yitzhak Edward Asner. His parents were Jewish and moved to the U.S. from Russia.
As a child, Ed Asner went to school. After finishing high school, he went to the University of Chicago. He started studying there, but he didn’t stay long. Ed left college before getting a degree because he wanted to help with his father’s business and also follow his dream of becoming an actor.
Later, during the Korean War, Ed joined the Army. He worked in a group called the Signal Corps from 1951 to 1953. While in the army, he traveled around Europe.
When he returned home, Ed decided to pursue his dream. He started acting on stage with small theater groups. But he wanted to be on TV. So he moved to New York City, and then later to Los Angeles, where his acting career truly began.
Ed Asner’s Acting Career

Like many actors, Ed didn’t become famous right away. In the 1960s, he acted in small TV shows and a few movies. Soon in 1970, everything changed.
He got a major role as Lou Grant on a popular show called The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Lou Grant was a tough but kind news editor. The show was smart, funny, and loved by many people. Ed’s acting was amazing. People really liked his character. Soon, everyone knew who Ed Asner was — and he became a star.
When The Mary Tyler Moore Show ended in 1977, Ed didn’t leave the character of Lou Grant. He had a chance to play the same role in a new drama series called “Lou Grant.” This time, the show was more serious. The show ran for five more years, and people enjoyed it just as much as the first show.
During that time — Ed Asner became the only Amrican actor ever to win an Emmy award for playing the same character in both dramas. This was a rare moment in TV history.
Some of Ed Asner’s Most Famous Roles so far:
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Lou Grant in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant
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Santa Claus in Elf (2003) – a funny Christmas movie
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Carl Fredricksen in Up (2009) – the grumpy old man with a soft heart
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Warren Buffett in Too Big to Fail (2011)
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Roots (1977) – a emotional story where Ed acted well
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Dead to Me (2019, Netflix) – one of his last major TV roles
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Kid Galahad (1965) – a movie he did early in his career with Elvis Presley
Ed Asner worked for more than 60 years in the entertainment industry. Even when he was in his 80s and 90s, he didn’t stop. His voice, talent, and passion kept him active.
Ed Asner’s Work Beyond Acting
Ed Asner wasn’t only a TV and movie actor — he did a lot more.
He had a strong and deep voice, and he used it in many cartoons, movies, and video games. Over the years, he voiced more than 70 characters and became one of the most loved voice actors.
His most famous voice role was in the movie Up, where he played Carl — a grumpy but kind old man. The film touched people’s hearts all over the world, and Ed’s voice made the character unforgettable.
His other popular voice roles include:
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J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man (1990s cartoon)
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Hudson in Gargoyles
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Hoggish Greedly in Captain Planet
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A regular voice role in The Boondocks (an adult cartoon)
How Much Was Ed Asner’s Net Worth?
When Ed Asner passed away in 2021, his net worth was about $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He earned all that through years of hard work.
Ed didn’t earn from TV shows only. He also made money from movies, voice acting, and reruns of his popular shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant. These shows were shown again and again on TV for years.
As we discussed, he also did voice acting in large movies like Up and Spider-Man.
Besides acting, Ed also went to paid events, gave interviews, and sometimes worked as a speaker or producer. These things likely added even more to his wealth.
So when we talk about Ed Asner’s net worth, we’re really talking about a lifetime of hard work in TV, movies, voice acting, and more.
Ed Asner’s Personal Life

Away from acting and the public eye, Ed Asner lived a quiet, happy family life. He was married twice and had four children.
His first marriage was to Nancy Lou Sykes in 1959. Together, they had three children: Matthew Asner, Liza Asner, and Kate Asner. This marriage lasted many years, but they later divorced in 1988.
In 1987, Ed had another son, Charles Edward Vogelman, with Carol Jean Vogelman.
Later, in 1998, he married Cindy Gilmore, a producer. But after some years, they separated in 2007 and later got divorced. They did not have any children together.
How Did Ed Asner Die?
Ed Asner died on August 29, 2021, at the age of 91. He passed away because of his age, not because of an accident or illness. His family shared that he died peacefully at home.
People from all over the world were sad to hear the news. Fans, actors, and friends shared sweet memories of Ed on social media. They posted photos, videos, and kind words about how much he meant to them.
Ed Asner was buried at Sheffield Cemetery in Kansas City, his hometown.
Who Inherited Ed Asner’s $10 Million Net Worth?
After Ed Asner passed away, many people started asking the same question:
Who got his money? Who inherited the $10 million he earned over his lifetime?
The truth is, his will and inheritance details were kept private. We don’t know exactly who received what. The list of names and amounts was never shared with the public.
But based on what we do know about Ed’s life, the answer is simple: He had four children, and he loved all of them very much. He stayed close to his family even in his last years. So it makes sense to believe that most of his wealth likely went to his children.
Also, Ed Asner loved helping others. So it’s also possible that some of his money was given to charity groups. Ed was the kind of person who liked to give back.
Final Thoughts
Ed Asner’s net worth was $10 million, and he achieved a lot in his life. He worked hard and used his talent and voice. But honestly, money was never his main goal.
(FAQs)
How old was Ed Asner when he died?
He was 91 years old when he passed away in 2021.
What was Ed Asner’s cause of death?
He died naturally because he was too old.
Did Ed Asner have any children?
Yes, he had four children: Matthew, Liza, Kate, and Charles Edward.
Who inherited Ed Asner’s money?
The full details are private, but his children likely inherited most of it.
Where was Ed Asner buried?
He was buried at Sheffield Cemetery in Kansas City, his hometown.