Ed Asner is best known for his award-winning roles in television, but he is also known for his heart-felt interest in politics and humanitarian efforts. Mayhaven has had the priviledge of publishing Misuse of Power: How the Far Right Gained and Misuses Power co-authored by Asner and Burt Hall.

When your co-writer, Burt Hall, contacted me, I did look up the articles you had written with him, but I didn't bother looking up your biography. After all, you seemed familiar to me as a television personality, and I had recently watched an episode on you on "Biography." Of course that didn't scratch the surface. Where did this busy life begin?

I began acting at the Chicago Playwrights Theatre Club in 1953.

Some readers will know the variety of roles you have played, especially on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and your own spin-off, Lou Grant, but can you fill us in on the roles that might not be familiar?

Sloane in A Case of Libel, Axel Jordache in Rich Man Poor Man, the Captain in Roots.

You were once with Second City in Chicago. How did that come about?

Second City was the successor to the Playwrights Club and although I participated, I wasn't an official member of Second City, but did participate in their 25th. Anniversary.

And your voice has been heard more than we can imagine. The Simpsons for instance.

I've also done many books on tape, countless cartoon voices as well as documentaries but I'm probably best known for the 'Conversations with God' series.

When, amidst all this success, did your interest in others take a leap? When did you start doing something about what you saw as injustices in this world?

I've always had an interest, but I finally got the guts to publicly state my position on El Salvador.

You stir strong feelings in some. Why, do you think that's the case?

I'm naive enough to think if you tell the truth, nobody's entitled to hit you. An old Jewish saying comes to mind: two Jews, three opinions.

As a publisher, I like to present many views. Who are you trying to reach with this book?

It seems necessary to drum the facts of this book repeatedly as its truth and import seems not to have affected the majority of Americans as it should.

Readers report that Misuse of Power clarifies what has happened, that it draws information together. Are they getting the message?

Evidently.

And you get part of your message across through a satire. Why did you and Burt Hall choose to write a satire within a very serious book?

Comic relief?

Why do you think the concerns of people from particular professions or cultures aren't considered worthy?

If you mean as applied to me as an actor, it's used to discredit views the critic doesn't agree with - he's an actor, what does he know?

At the time of this writing, this country is facing major problems, domestically and internationally. The issues are complex. Do you have suggestions for people who might want to become active in addressing these issues?

Read this book.

I know your interest in humanitarian interests go beyond what is often projected in the media. I have had more than one person relate their deep appreciation of your efforts. How do you find the time?

It's a great hobby when you're not working.

Many have asked if you plan to write a biography one day. Have you considered it?

Yes, and dismissed the idea. Self-examination is an unbelievably arduous task and I'm not really up to it.