Ed Asner Cast In Up
Lou Grant Star Voices Main Character in Disney/Pixar Film
Apr 10, 2008 Dominic von Riedemann
TV legend Ed Asner will voice the lead in Pixar's 2009 movie Up, announced Disney.
The Mouse House also said that Christopher Plummer (My Dog Tulip) will voice the villain in the Pete Docter and Bob Peterson (Monsters Inc.) film. Disney hasn't announced what role John Ratzenberger will play in the movie, but rest assured that Pixar's lucky rabbit's foot will do something in this flick.
It's also interesting to note that Disney is following DreamWorks Animation's lead, and rendering their upcoming animated movies in 3-D. DreamWorks' first fully 3-D flick will also come out in 2009, Monsters vs. Aliens.
What Is Up About?
Here's the synopsis for Up, courtesy of Disney:
"Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. Up takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer – look Up. Christopher Plummer voices the villain. Up will be released in Disney Digital 3-D™."
Ed Asner Starred in TV's Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant
Asner is best known for playing gruff-but-likable broadcaster Lou Grant in the popular half-hour comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1977. He later successfully spun that character into its own self-titled hour-long drama, which ran from 1977 to 1982. Asner has won 7 Emmy awards, more than any other male performer, and is the only actor to win an Emmy for two different shows, but playing the same character.
Despite the show being in the A.C. Nielson Top Ten in its last year, CBS decided to cancel Lou Grant in March of 1982. Asner maintained that CBS' decision was a 'punishment' for Asner's outspoken liberal views on many topics. Actor Howard Hesseman, who had helped Asner promote a medical aid package for El Salvador, found his equally popular show W.K.R.P. in Cincinnati canceled the same day Lou Grant was tossed.
As president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985, Asner led the SAG strike and famously clashed with right wing actor Charlton Heston. He also helped fund Michael Moore's controversial 1988 "documentary" Roger and Me.
Asner also has extensive voice acting experience, portraying Granny Goodness in Justice League Unlimited and Superman: The Animated Series, plus Hoggish Greedly in Captain Planet and the Planeteers and Jedi Master Vrook Lamarr in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
Up hits theatres on June 12, 2009.
Fun Fact: Although he has been known as Ed Asner for his entire career, he actually prefers to be called Edward.
concept art for Up
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