Film and television actor Ernest Borgnine, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a lovelorn butcher in 1955's "Marty," has died at 95, his manager said Sunday. Here are some selected tidbits from CNN's library about the life and times of the actor:
His personal life
– He was born Ermes Effron Borgnine on January 24, 1917, in Hamden, Connecticut.
– He had a quite a few divorces before his fifth and final marriage: Tova Traesnaes (February 24, 1973, to present). Donna Rancourt (June 30, 1965, to July 17, 1972). Ethel Merman (June 27, 1964, to May 25, 1965). Katy Jurado (December 31, 1959, to June 3, 1964). Rhoda Kemins (September 2, 1949, to August 29, 1958).
– He had three children: Nancee, 1952. Sharon, 1965. Cris, 1966.
– He went to the Randall School of Drama in Hartford, Connecticut.
– He served in the U.S. Navy from 1935 to 1945.
Actor Ernest Borgnine dead at 95
Key dates in his career
– 1949: He has his Broadway debut in "Harvey" as the asylum nurse.
– 1953: "From Here to Eternity" is released. The part of mean Sgt. Fatso Judson is Borgnine's breakout role.
– 1956: He wins an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA best actor for 1955's "Marty."
– October 11, 1962 – April 12, 1966: "McHale's Navy" airs on ABC for 138 episodes. He gets an Emmy nomination for his role as Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in 1963.
– January 22, 1984, to August 7, 1987: "Airwolf" airs on CBS for 55 episodes. Borgnine plays the role of Dominic.
– 2009: Emmy nomination as outstanding guest actor in a drama series for "ER."
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He was awesome in The Dirty Dozen. Same role, but he really stole the screen for the short time he was on it..
One of my heroes, on screen and off. A great actor and a great humanitarian. My heroes and I have reached an age where we are being abandoned, left, and dying – I only hope the IDEALS can live on.
So, if Norman Lloyd dies, it's clear sailing for Kirk Douglas to be the next celebrity to be 100.
My wife, Carol and I lived in Studio City, CA from 1975 -1988 and would see Ernest and his wife from time to time at Hughe's market at Ventura Blvd. & Coldwater Canyon. He was always smiling and very friendly and we took to him immediately and he responded in such a nice manner. We also admired his great acting in Marty, From here to eternity and enjoyed his role in McHale's Navy. I really was surprised to see that he was still alive until 95! God bless and keep you..
Grew up watching him in McHale's Navy with Tim Conway and Joe Flynn. Great actor and comedian from a more innocent time, he will be greatly missed. God bless him, and condolences to his family.
He was also a really great Freemason and contributed time and money to the many charitable causes of Freemasonry, such as Shriners Hospitals.
Thank you for adding that great fact! As a fellow Mason, I greatly respect his accomplishments in that area of his life as well as all the others.
A giant man with a bigger smile! One of my very favorites. Watch the Robert Osborn interview for insight into this bawdy gentleman with a rugged face that could instantly soften into your Grandpa, a wonderful protective teddy bear. Loved him in Dirty Dozen and Hannie Caulder, but of course Marty if my favorite for all the obvious reasons. What a performer, irreplaceable.
My favorite role of his was "Jonathan" the angel on Little House on the Prairie. He was so good with Melissa Gilbert.
So many memories of this great man. RIP and know that you did your job well. I salute you and thank you for being a GREAT American.
A class act. RIP. McHales navy, every night, black and white, with family.
A great character actor. Many a movies with unforgettable roles. Any one remember his villain in From here To Eternity?
That sticks out too in my memory. may he rest in peace.
And not one mention of mermaid man. wth?
I loved him Peckenpaghs Wild Bunch.
Loved his role on The Poseidon Adventure.
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