We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our festival friend Ed Asner, the seven-time Emmy winner and tough guy with the soft side who starred as the irascible newsroom boss Lou Grant on the legendary sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He's one of only two actors to win a comedy and drama Emmy for the same role on different shows, and late in his career, attracted a new generation of fans when he voiced Carl Fredricksen in Pixar's Up.
In 2021, the Miami Jewish Film Festival had the honor of hosting two films featuring Ed Asner, the award-winning animated film
The Tattooed Torah which he beautifully narrated, and the world premiere of one of his final on-screen roles in the inspiring drama
Tiger Within. Since its world premiere at the festival,
Tiger Within was acquired out of MJFF for US distribution and has played at festivals all over the world. Accompanying both films were insightful conversations that featured a sharpwitted Ed Asner, who talked about everything from Judaism, his legendary acting career, and his final wishes. For those who missed the conversations or want to rewatch them in honor of Ed Asner, you can view the q&a for
Tiger Within here and
The Tattooed Torah here.
We miss our beloved festival friend — may his memory be a blessing for all.
