Most people remember Ed Asner as Lou Grant, the grumpy boss with a heart of gold on the "Mary Tyler Moore Show." But how many know he is also a humanitarian and a political activist? When I had the chance to speak with him, I was surprised to learn there was much more to Asner's character than the roles he's played on television.



Flyer News: How did you get started acting?

Ed Asner: I first started acting as a form of therapy. I wasn't crazy about who I was, and I loved becoming someone else vies-a-vies performing. As I developed my own personality, I found myself wedded to it because it was a craft I had perfected and loved.



FN: Since your talk at UD will be about morality and freedom of speech in the media, do you feel the government should legislate what we can see?

EA: Absolutely not. The human condition tries to please the government and the majority. But only when the government is displeased and the majority is incensed can we say the media is truly doing its job.



FN: Since your talk at UD will be about morality and freedom of speech in the media, do you feel the government should legislate what we can see?

EA: Absolutely not. The human condition tries to please the government and the majority. But only when the government is displeased and the majority is incensed can we say the media is truly doing its job.



FN: When did you become interested in humanitarian and political organizations?

EA: When I was younger, I just expressed an interest by sending in the minimal among for membership. Then as you acquire a name and send more money, the various organizations want to use your name. In each of those instances, I've always given gladly.



FN: What organizations are you still with?

EA: Medical Aid for El Salvador, Peace Now, New Jewish Agenda, American Civil Liberties Union, People for the American Way, Defenders of Wildlife and Amnesty International.



FN: What's the most compelling human rights issue now?

EA: Bosnia's certainly one of them. I'm also keeping an eye on Cambodia to see how peace will proceed there. Ensuring human rights everywhere, finding the most effective way for the United States to use the United Nations to maintain peace and keeping petty warlords and thugs from acquiring temporary sway over the country, like what's happened in Somalia and Angola. Anything that's keeping these countries from choosing their own leaders and getting on with business.



FN: Do you think race relations have gotten any better since the making of "Roots"?