Ermes Effron Borgnino the actor, otherwise known as Ernest Borgnine was interviewed on Good Morning America today. The 91 year old has been making the rounds promoting his new book Ernie: The Autobiography. I must say, he looked wonderful and carried on a funny and very charming interview with the host. I’ll leave it up to the publishing world to critique his writing. But, there is no doubt that the movie world has recognized his talents throughout his long career. Borgnine was born on January 24, 1917 in Hamden, CT to Italian immigrant parents. His childhood includes time living in both the US and Italy. I was surprised to learn he spent 10 years in the Navy prior to considering an acting career, and attended drama school in Hartford at his mother’s suggestion after ending his service in the armed forces. So, obviously, McHale’s Navy was familiar territory to him.
Borgnine’s first memorable role movie role was as Sargent “Fatso” Judson in From Here to Eternity in 1953. Two years later he won the Oscar for his performance in Marty, a role he earned just $5000 for performing. Like so many other actors, he’s been quoted as saying he would have done the part for nothing.
The gruff sounding actor can be seen in among many other films Ice Station Zebra, The Dirty Dozen, The Wild Bunch, The Vikings and the Poseidon Adventure. He’s even taken a turn as an animated character, lending his voice to the Mermaid Man in the Spongebob Square Pants series.
If you like reading about your favorite star, don't forget to check out the library's many biographies and memoirs about motion picture stars. We have many titles of interest. Recent titles include American Prince: A Memior by Tony Curtis and Doris Day:The Untold Story of the Girl Next Door.