Who is Matt Asner? Ed Asner’s son recalls dad’s Emmy wins as he celebrates Bryan Cranston's 7th award win for The Studio

Matt Asner, son of the late Emmy-winning actor Ed Asner, has reflected on his family legacy while congratulating Bryan Cranston for his latest achievement. Cranston has won his seventh Emmy for his role in The Studio, according to Variety, and the feat ties him with Ed Asner for the most wins by a male actor.

“Huge congratulations to Bryan Cranston on his 7th Emmy win! This remarkable achievement now ties him with my father, @TheOnlyEdAsner, for the most Emmy wins by a male actor,” Matt posted on X.

IMDb lists Matt Asner, or Matthew Asner, as a producer, director and actor, while a 2016 Punk Globe interview revealed details about his early life. Matt, 61, grew up on the set of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, played in bands from the age of 15, and briefly acted before choosing to work behind the camera. He later spent 25 years in production, winning awards before shifting focus to autism advocacy after his son’s diagnosis.

Matt Asner on growing up in Hollywood and finding his own voice

In his 2016 conversation with Punk Globe, Matt Asner reflected on his journey from acting to producing. When asked about his most memorable projects, he spoke candidly about both phases of his career.

“As an actor I did some things in the 80s. L.A. Law, Thirtysomething, Growing Pains, Neon Maniacs and The Golden Child,” Asner shared.

However, it was behind the camera that Matt Asner found reason to be proud.

“I am very proud of my work as a producer. I am most proud of Hiroshima, a mini series for Showtime that I created and 100 Voices, A Journey Home. Both films received critical acclaim and awards. Ironically Hiroshima was one of my first films and 100 Voices one of my last,” he added.

Matt Asner reflects on raising kids with autism and finding a new calling

In 2016, Matt Asner spoke with The Art of Autism about his family, his personal ties to the autism community, and his career shift from film production to nonprofit work. At the time, he had recently moved from Autism Speaks to the Autism Society of America.

When asked about his children, Asner explained:

“I have six kids. We are a blended family. We have 3 boys – ages 8, 13, and 14 on the autism spectrum.”

The conversation also touched on his younger brother Charlie, who also has autism.

“Charlie is 29. His biggest challenge is social interaction and the ability to be in the work force. I believe the world needs to adapt to him other than him adapting to the world. The work force must make accommodations for adults on the autism spectrum so they can have meaningful jobs," shared Asner.

He went on to state:

"Charlie is incredibly intelligent but lacks an ‘edit’ button. It is difficult for him to edit what he thinks and talk to people in what others may deem as an ‘appropriate way.’ Charlie wants to go back to school. He has a Bachelor’s Degree. Currently he is working at Goodwill through a work program.”

The interview also revisited his career decision in 2012 to step away from a successful run as a producer.

“It wasn’t such a difficult decision. I wanted to become more involved in the autism community and the opportunity presented itself. I’m proud of the contributions I made while working at Autism Speaks. I met incredible people at Autism Speaks, including my wife Navah [Paskowitz; who has two children on the Autism Spectrum],” he shared.

By 2016, Asner had taken on a new role at the Autism Society of America. He explained his new role, saying:

“[I will be] Vice President of Development. The headquarters is in Maryland. I will be operating out of Southern California.”

According to Matt Asner, the move came at the right time for him. He explained:

“It was a time for me to make a change. I had proven my self at Autism Speaks. I met and spoke with Scott Badesch, the CEO of ASA, about challenges the organization was facing. I thought I could help with those challenges. The opportunity at ASA allows me to be a bigger part of the leadership.”

Matt Asner on how autism shaped his bond with his father, Ed Asner

When Matt Asner spoke with The Art of Autism , the conversation moved between policy and family. On the one hand, he described the Autism Society of America’s push to expand opportunities in the workplace.

“We’re working on several training programs. We’re talking to legislators as well… People on the spectrum can provide value to employers and that they can excel at a job and enhance a company,” he pointed out.

On the other hand, Matt Asner reflected on what autism had taught him and his father.

“Autism has made us better fathers. I was a completely different person before I met my sons. My Dad was also a different person before he met his son. It has taught both of us patience and to believe in our children,” he explained.

Matt Asner was candid when he admitted that patience did not come naturally to Ed Asner, but Charlie, his autistic brother, had changed that.

“Knowing Charlie has made him a better person. It has also given us a bond… We make a great team,” Matt shared.

Matt Asner added that his father never tried to conceal the reality of having a child with autism.

“He’s always looked at celebrating the strengths his son was born with, helping those that need help and looked to celebrating the gifts of others as well,” Matt explained.

Ed Asner, remembered as one of television’s most celebrated actors, died in 2021 at the age of 91. As The New York Times reported, he won seven Emmy Awards. Five of these awards were for his portrayal of Lou Grant. He became a household name again later in life with his work in Up and Elf.