Aug 30, 2021

Lots of nice memories of Ed Asner on social media today. Here's another...
Back in the mid-80's, TV Guide had the highest circulation of any magazine out there and I was fortunate to have a regular gig at both NBC and CBS to create weekly promotional illustrations for their shows. On one particular occasion I was asked to do a piece for the series "Highway to Heaven". It was to feature the show’s star, Michael Landon "teaching" Ed Asner to sing a song, and they asked me to include a dog sitting on Asner's lap "howling" because supposedly he was singing so poorly.
Coincidentally, at the time I did this drawing I happened to live directly across the street from Ed. I asked him to come by so I could take a photo of him to use as my reference, and I had my own dog Shaboom sit on his lap. Of course it was impossible to get my pup to howl on command so I had an assistant hold a treat above his head (tricks of the trade).
RIP Mr. Asner...you were a terrific actor and a very nice neighbor.