Actor Ernest Borgnine dies at 95

 

Film and television actor Ernest Borgnine, who won the 1955 Academy Award for “Best Actor” for his portrayal of Marty Piletti in the 1955 movie, Marty,  died  at age 95of renal failure on July 8, 2012 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, California. His wife and children were at his side. Borgnine was 95 years old.

The thick-set, gap-toothed Borgnine built a reputation for playing heavies in early films like "From Here to Eternity" and "Bad Day at Black Rock." But he turned that reputation on its head as the shy, homely title character in "Marty," taking home the Oscar for best actor -- one of four awards the film claimed.

1955 Oscars: A year of firsts

His manager, Lynda Bensky, said Borgnine died of kidney failure Sunday afternoon. His wife, Tova, and children were at his side at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, she said.

"It's a very sad day," Bensky said. "The industry has lost someone great, the caliber of which we will never see again. A true icon. But more importantly, the world has lost a sage and loving man who taught us all how to 'grow young.' His infectious smile and chuckle made the world a happier place."

 

2010: Ernest Borgnine on 'Red' carpet

 

Born in Connecticut to Italian immigrants, Borgnine -- originally Ermes Effron Borgnino -- began taking theater classes after serving in the Navy during World War II.

He had joined the service after graduating from high school during the Great Depression and had been discharged in 1941, but re-enlisted after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor launched the United States into World War II.

He made the move to films and then television in 1951, racking up more than 200 credits in projects ranging from the era of live television drama to the children's cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants."

He starred in the 1962-66 sitcom "McHale's Navy," was one of the original celebrities on the game show "The Hollywood Squares" and played William Holden's right-hand-man in Sam Peckinpah's revisionist Western "The Wild Bunch." He also was a regular on the 1980s television drama "Airwolf" and a frequent guest star on a variety of shows.

In addition to his Oscar for "Marty," Borgnine was nominated for three Emmys -- the most recent in 2009, for a guest spot on the hospital drama "ER" -- and won a life achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2010.

Tova Borgnine, whom the actor married in 1973, was his fifth wife. His previous marriages included a brief 1964 union with Broadway legend Ethel Merman that lasted barely a month before the couple separated.

I really am going to miss this guy, I was lucky enough to meet him, He was at a horror convention in L.A, and I couldn't help but to grab a photo, autograph and to sit with him for most of the day. He guy has left his mark in my childhood from The Poseidon Adventure (1972) to McHale's Navy and Escape from New York (1981)  The comical guy still has a sense of humor and was always up for a big bear hug. To me, Ernest was a grandfather  I never had, I am happy to have spent a lot of time with him, but there never really is enough. He was an on-screen legend and thanks to the magic of Hollywood will always be remembered, but not for the fun-loving guy he was and for who I will always remember him by. 

Some things you may not have known about Ernest Borgnine

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.

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."