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PARKERSBURG - Franklin Delano Roosevelt was someone who has left an impression on acclaimed actor Edward Asner.

Asner, known for his award-winning role of Lou Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and later on "Lou Grant," portrayed the 32nd president Tuesday night at the Smoot Theatre in the performance of "FDR." The solo performance drama is based upon Dore Schary's Broadway hit "Sunrise at Campobello," which ran 70 weeks on Broadway.

"FDR" explores the life of one of America's best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. The play follows the iconic president as he reflects on his years in office, from inauguration to the trials of World War II.

Asner, who was born in 1929, said until the time he was 15, Roosevelt was the only president he ever knew. Roosevelt was the longest serving president in U.S. history, winning four consecutive terms, but dying during his last term. He served as president from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945.

''I have followed his history all my life,'' Asner said.

Had he lived, Asner believed, Roosevelt would have eventually resigned the presidency to become the Secretary General of the United Nations, which was formed after World War II.

''He was a worthwhile peacemaker and a visionary,'' he said.

Asner is the recipient of seven Emmy Awards ("Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Lou Grant") and 16 nominations, five Golden Globe Awards and a member of the TV Academy Hall of Fame.

His performance deals with how Roosevelt dealt with all the crises during his time in office, such as the Great Depression and World War II, as well as dealing with his cabinet and his personal relationships.

''He had his first cabinet sworn in en masse so they could get to work immediately,'' Asner said. ''They were able to accomplish a lot during his first 100 days.

''He also helped the country survive through the toughest times.''

Asner's performance also deals with FDR's relationship to his wife, Eleanor, his children and touches on an affair the president had with Eleanor's social secretary, Lucy Mercer.

FDR was a hard man for many to figure out.

''He was very chameleon-like,'' Asner said. ''He could surprise you at anytime with any number of directions he could go in.''

Although Roosevelt had money, he ingratiated himself with the common people.

''Many people considered him a traitor to his class, because he identified with the poor and unemployed,'' Asner said. ''He strove to better lives and he stepped on a lot of toes in the process.''

Through his performance, Asner said he tried to present the full picture of ideals that defined Roosevelt and his presidency.

''I have very strong remembrances of how great the man was,'' he said. ''Most of the presidents we have had just don't compare to him.''