Ernest Borgnine

Biography for Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine was born Ermes Effron Borgnine on January 24, 1917, in Hamden, Connecticut. His parents were Charles and Anna Borgnine, who had emigrated from Carpi, Italy. As an only child, he enjoyed most sports, especially boxing, but took no real interest in acting. At 18, after graduating from high school in New Haven, Connecticut, and undecided about his future career, he joined the Navy, where he stayed for ten years until leaving in 1945. After a few factory jobs, his mother suggested that his forceful personality could make him suitable for a career in acting, and Borgnine promptly enrolled at the Randall School of Drama in Hartford. After completing the course he joined Robert Porterfield's famous Barter Theatre in Abington, Virginia, staying there for four years, undertaking odd jobs and playing every type of role imaginable. His big break came in 1949, when he made his acting debut on Broadway playing a male nurse in the play "Harvey". In 1951 Borgnine moved to Los Angeles to pursue a movie career, and made his film debut as Bill Street in The Whistle at Eaton Falls (1951). His career took off in 1953 when he was cast in the role of Sgt. "Fatso" Judson in From Here to Eternity (1953). This memorable performance led to numerous supporting roles as "heavies" in a steady string of dramas and westerns. He played against type in 1955 by securing the lead role of Marty Piletti, a shy and sensitive butcher, in Marty (1955). He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance, despite strong competition from Spencer Tracy, Frank Sinatra, James Dean and James Cagney. Throughout the 1950s and early 1060s Borgnine performed memorably in such films as The Catered Affair (1956) and Emperor of the North Pole (1973). Between 1962 and 1966 he played Lt. Quinton McHale in the popular TV series "McHale's Navy" (1962). In early 1984 he returned to television as Dominic Santini in the action series, "Airwolf" (1984) and in 1995 he was cast in the comedy, "The Single Guy" (1995), as doorman Manny Cordoba. He also appeared in several television movies. Ernest Borgnine has often stated that acting is his greatest passion, and he's still working today. His amazing 51-year career includes appearances in over 100 feature films and three television series, as well as voiceovers in animated films such as All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996) and Small Soldiers (1998). He is married to Tova Traesnaes, who heads her own cosmetics company. They live in Beverly Hills, where Borgnine assists his wife between film projects. When not acting, he actively supports numerous charities and speaks tirelessly at benefits throughout the country. He has been awarded several honorary doctorates from colleges across the United States as well as numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards. In 1996 he purchased a bus and travelled across the U.S. to see the country and meet his many fans. On December 17, 1999, he presented the University of Alabama with a collection of scripts from his film and television career.

Born in 1917 in Connecticut, Ernest Borgnine is one of these actors with immense talent and commendable humility. After 10 years in the army, Borgnine embarks on an acting career. Its longevity will allow it to invest in more than 130 projects.

But his greatest success will remain his Oscar won in 1955 for the dramatic comedy of Delbert Mann, Marty. He plays the title role, that of a butcher in his forties, of Italian origin who falls under the spell of a teacher.

On television, Borgnine will make the guest-star in more than thirty series. Since Supercopter, he has been more discreet, occupied by his family.

Borgnine is married to Tova Traesnaes who directs her own company of beauty products. They live in Beverly Hills, California. When he is not an actor, Borgnine actively supports many works of charity across the United States. In 1996, he bought a bus to travel throughout the United States, to visit the country and meet his fans.

Ernest Borgnine was an American player born January 24, 1917 in Hamden in Connecticut, and died on July 8, 2012 in Los Angeles in California. He was known for his roles in the films "Marty" and "The Wild Bunch", for which he won an Oscar for best actor in 1955 and a Golden Globe in 1966.

He started his acting career in the 1940s, playing in series B films. After serving in the Navy during the Second World War, he returned to Hollywood and started to obtain roles in more films important. His role in "Marty" earned him international recognition and he became one of the most popular actors of the time.

He continued to play in films and television series throughout his career, especially in "The Dirty Dozen", "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Mchale's Navy". In 1995, he received an Emmy Award for his role in the television series "ER".

Ernest Borgnine was also known for his deep and distinctive voice, which allowed him to make appearances in animated films such as "All Dogs Go to Heaven" and "Cats doc dance".

Apart from his acting career, Borgnine was also a passionate sailor and a sailing boat pilot. He was also very involved in charity causes and worked with many organizations to help veterans and disadvantaged children.

In summary, Ernest Borgnine was an American actor renowned for his roles in films and television series, as well as for his distinctive voice. His career has been marked by many successes, and he was also involved in charitable causes.

Photos

Filmography

Trivia

• Borgnine spent 10 years in the Navy prior to acting.
• There is an instrumental techno track called "Theme From Ernest Borgnine" by the artist Squarepusher on the album 'Feed Me Weird Things' (1996, Rephlex Records UK)
• Involved in an air crash in 1996.
• Had both knees replaced [1999]
• Was the very first "center square" on "The Hollywood Squares" (1966) (during its premiere week in October 1966).
• He auditioned for the lead role in Marty (1955) while shooting Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) in Lone Pine, Calif.
• Has periodically performed as the "Grand Clown" for The Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since the 1970s.
• Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1996.
• Is an active Freemason and is presently the Honorary Chairman of a program to support the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center in Richmond.
• Is a 32nd degree Master Mason.
• Has the distinction of appearing in three of the 100 Most Enjoyably Awful Movies of All Time as listed in Razzie Award-founder John Wilson's book "The Official Razzie Movie Guide": The Oscar (1966), The Legend of Lylah Clare (1968) and The Poseidon Adventure (1972). He is thus tied with Sylvester Stallone and Joseph Cotten for having the most titles among the 100.
• He was made an honorary U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott on October 15, 2004. He served in the U.S. Navy for ten years from 1935-1945 and left the service as a Gunner's Mate 1st Class.
• While on location in Mexico filming Vera Cruz (1954), he and fellow cast member Charles Bronson found themselves with some extra time on their hands and decided to go to the nearest town to get some cigarettes. Still in full costume - including bandoliers and pistols - they mounted their horses and headed out. Along the way they were spotted by a truckful of Mexican "federales" - federal police - who mistook them for bandits and held them at gunpoint until their identities could be verified.

Family

• Spouse : Tova Traesnaes (1972 - present), Donna Rancourt (1965 - 1972) two children, Ethel Merman (26 June 1964 - 28 July 1964) (divorced), Katy Jurado (31 December 1959 - 3 June 1963) (divorced), Rhoda Kemins (1948 - 1959) one daughter.
• His parents were Charles Borgnine and Anna Boselli (old family countess), who had emigrated from Carpi (near Modena) Italy.

Author of the card

• Creation date: 01/07/2003 by stals
• Last update: 09/07/2012 by abdest