In the fall of 2003, Arizona Jewish Theatre Company was producing “The Value of Names,” written by Jeffrey Sweet, who lives in New York. Jeff wanted to come out for the show, but as producing director, I had to tell him that we couldn’t afford to bring him in. He said, “What if we put a fundraiser together?” I said, “Sure, if you can think of anything!” The next day Jeff called back and said, “What if Ed Asner came in?” Before he could finish his question I blurted out, “Yes!”
Jeff is a longtime friend of Ed’s, stemming from the time Jeff wrote a book about the Compass Players and Second City (“Something Wonderful Right Away”). Ed was in the incredible group of Chicago actors who all went on to wonderful careers: Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Alan Arkin, Shelley Berman, Linda Lavin, Barbara Harris and others.
Ed was in New York in 2003 promoting his movie Elf. He changed his plane ticket to make a stop in Phoenix, and we put together a lovely home event. He and Barbara Harris (who lives in Scottsdale) did a reading from “The Tempest,” which they had first done 50 years prior to that. We went to The Cheesecake Factory afterward, and I remember Ed saying to the young waitress, “So you have any idea who I am?” She said, “No, but I hear you used to be somebody famous!”
For helping us, Ed asked for nothing in return — well, nothing except he insisted I get up early and take him to the airport! We had bonded almost immediately.
In 2010, the theater company was desperate for funds again — I called Ed and asked if he could come to our aid once more. His response, in his best Lou Grant gruffness, was, “And I suppose this is pro bono?” To which I replied, “Thanks!” The next thing I knew, he came in and performed his amazing one-man show, “FDR,” which we sold out in a nanosecond.
And again, the only “cost” to us was me getting up to take him to the airport.
In 2011, Rich Orloff, another wonderful playwright, sent me two one-act scripts he thought I might like. As I read them, I could hear Ed’s voice. I sent them on to him and the next thing I knew we were planning a reading for January at the Arizona Biltmore, which supplied everything for us at no cost, just for the honor of having Ed stay there.
We went to lunch the first day with the playwright, director and rest of the cast — there were six of us — and Ed insisted on picking up the tab. He was, of course, stellar the next evening, and I can now die happy having played opposite this great man.
The following morning he wasn’t feeling well. We got a wheelchair for him, but Ed’s only concern that morning was that everyone who was helping him got their tip. It was quite remarkable. His respect for his fellow man shows in everything he does.
I’m convinced that if you look up the word “mensch,” you’ll find a photo of Ed Asner.
Janet Arnold is the former producing director of the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company. She has been an active member of the local Jewish community since arriving in Phoenix in 1957.
