Driving Mr. Asner
I, along with co-worker Andy Gilbert, had the distinct honor of driving Ed Asner around Portland while he was here for his one man show, FDR.
How cool is that?
Growing up as a kid I used to watch him faithfully on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and then Lou Grant. And recently when I watched Up with my daughter, I was pleased to see his name among the credits.
Driving our talent around can be a scary thing. That may sound silly but for me it’s true. Will I get “star-struck” and not know what to say? Will they not want to talk with me? Will I say something foolish? Will I get lost? Will I be on time?
I didn’t need to worry with Mr. Asner. He is a gem. As I was driving and Andy was chatting with him, I detected a twang coming from Mr. Asner. I knew that twang, had heard it my whole life from my father so I summoned up my courage and asked, “Where are you from originally because I detect a twang coming from you.” He replied he has spent his whole life trying NOT to have the twang and that I must have read his bio somewhere but I replied, “No, I just heard the twang.” He said he was from Kansis City, KS and I said, “I knew it!” and proceeded to tell him my father was from Kansis City, MO. From that point on I wasn’t nervous anymore.
We brought him to a couple media interviews and the entire time he was gracious with his fans, patient as many photographs were taken and autographs given, joked with the men and flirted with the women, and the entire time had a twinkle in his eye and emitted an undying love for acting.
His performance as FDR that night left me wondering how a man of 80 years could spend over and hour-and-a-half on stage, alone, with no intermission and not be totally and utterly exhausted, and then proceed to a private reception with members and special guests and stay until he had met every single person there. All this after spending the day giving interviews. He was remarkable.
It was a very memorable day for me, one that I won’t forget. We joked with each other, teased each other and shared time together. I realized he is just an ordinary man with exceptional talents, and as I watched him at the Oscar’s Sunday night I said to myself proudly, “I know that man!”
Doreen Wilcox says:
What an amazing tribute to Ed Asner. He is such a kind and humble person. I love that about him. You are a very lucky person to have spent such a memorable time with him! Great story Mary!
Barri Lynn says:
No matter what role Ed Asner is playing, he gives it his all. He is such a wonderful role model for living life to its fullest and doing what you love—no matter what age you are. I hope I’m as charismatic and powerful when I’m 80!
Mary Jo Marquis says:
That’s a lovely story…it’s refreshing to find “stars” that have depth & talent…that acheive great success and yet have the capacity stay real and grounded. Sorry to have missed his performance.