Hollywood is getting ready for an evening of celebrity poker, live entertainment and philanthropy as the 14th Annual Ed Asner & Friends Celebrity Poker Night returns Saturday, August 15, at Radford Studio Center in Studio City, California.
The event brings together more than 50 celebrity guests and supporters to honor the legacy of late actor Ed Asner while raising money and awareness for The Ed Asner Family Center. The nonprofit provides programs and services for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
A Hollywood Night Built Around Ed Asner’s Legacy
The annual poker night was created to celebrate Ed Asner’s life and the values he represented beyond his long acting career.
Asner, best known to American audiences for roles including Lou Grant and his memorable voice performance as Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up, left behind a legacy that extended into philanthropy and advocacy.
The 2026 event continues that tradition, bringing celebrities, poker players and supporters together for an evening built around community and fundraising.
More Than 50 Celebrity Guests Expected
Organizers say more than 50 celebrity guests will participate in this year’s event.
Past celebrity players have included Ben Affleck, Jack Black, Don Cheadle, Jean Smart, Mark Wahlberg, Maureen McCormick, Holly Robinson Peete and Mindy Sterling. The 2026 event is also honoring comedian and actor Ron Funches for his advocacy and support of the neurodivergent community.
The event offers guests the unusual opportunity to sit at poker tables alongside entertainment figures while taking part in a charitable fundraiser.
Ron Funches to Be Honored
One of the night’s featured moments will be a tribute to Ron Funches.
Funches has used his platform as a comedian and actor to advocate for acceptance and inclusion. The Ed Asner Family Center says the honor recognizes his ongoing support for the organization and the neurodivergent community.
The tribute adds a personal element to an event that has become an annual gathering for people connected to Hollywood and the center’s work.
Poker Takes Over a Famous Studio Backlot
The event will take place at Radford Studio Center, a location with deep ties to American television history.
Guests will have the chance to play poker on the studio backlot, including the famous New York Street area. The setting gives the fundraiser a distinctly Hollywood feel while connecting the evening to Asner’s television legacy.
The event is scheduled to begin with doors opening at 5 p.m., followed by the poker tournament at 6 p.m.
Food, Entertainment and a Silent Auction
Poker will not be the only attraction during the evening.
The event is scheduled to include catering from Pink’s Hot Dogs, cocktails, live entertainment, gift baskets and a silent auction featuring exclusive items.
That combination gives the fundraiser the atmosphere of a Hollywood night out while keeping its charitable mission at the center of the event.
Supporting The Ed Asner Family Center
Money raised through the event supports The Ed Asner Family Center and its programs for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
The center offers services and activities that include mental health support, vocational programs, arts and media education, camps and enrichment opportunities.
The organization was co founded by Asner’s children, Matthew Asner and Navah Paskowitz Asner, and continues the family’s commitment to building community and opportunities for families who need support.
A Different Kind of Hollywood Event
Celebrity fundraisers are common in Los Angeles, but the Ed Asner poker night stands out because it combines Hollywood nostalgia with an interactive experience.
Instead of simply attending a red carpet event, guests can actually participate in the poker tournament, meet celebrities and enjoy the studio setting while supporting a nonprofit.
That mix has helped the event become an annual gathering while keeping Asner’s name connected to a cause that mattered deeply to his family.
The 14th Annual Event Takes Place Saturday
The 14th Annual Ed Asner & Friends Celebrity Poker Night takes place Saturday, August 15, at Radford Studio Center in Studio City.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with the tournament beginning at 6 p.m. The event is restricted to guests age 21 and older with valid identification.
For Hollywood fans, the evening offers a rare combination of celebrity appearances, classic studio history, poker and philanthropy, all while continuing the legacy of one of television’s most recognizable American actors.