he went on to star in modern classics like pixar's "up" and "elf," nbc's mark barger has a look backs life. >> you've got spunk. >> well, yes >> i hate spunk! >> reporter: that's how most of america met ed asner the first episode of the mary tyler moore show in 1970 with asner playing the gruff but soft-hearted newsroom boss lou grant. >> if i don't like you, i'll fire you. >> right. >> you don't like me, i'll fire you. >> when i read that first script, i said, this is the best character i've ever come across. >> reporter: asner embodied the cantankerous boss for seven seasons and earned three emmy awards along the way. >> would i say i hate it if i didn't hate it i really hate it >> reporter: but when the series ended, the character continued this time in the newspaper drama "lou grant." it ran five years and brought asner two more emmys he won yet another for his role as a conscience stricken slave ship captain in the landmark miniseries "roots. those honors were a long way from his upbringing in kansas city asner's father was a lithuanian scrap metal dealer, none too happy to lear