Lou Asner is an American actor, voice actor, comedian, and director. He is best known for his role as Lou Grant in the television series The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off, Lou Grant. He has also won seven Emmy Awards, including five for his role as Ed Ames in the television series Roots and two for his role as Ed Ziff in the television series ELF. He has also been nominated for an Emmy Award for his role as Ed Moore in the television series Moore. Additionally, he has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his role as Edam in the television series Edam.