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Charles Durning Biography

Birth Place:

Highland Falls, New York, United States

Profession

Actor

Fast Facts

Left home at 16
Enlisted in the Army and landed on Normandy on D-Day; also fought in the Battle of the Bulge
Was awarded the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts for his combat duty
Before embarking on an acting career, worked as an usher in a burlesque house and taught ballroom dancing
Trained alongside Jason Robards, Colleen Dewhurst and Grace Kelly at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Is a former boxer
Married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Anne Amelio
Played Santa Claus at least five times in films
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008

2008Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2005Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
1991Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
1991Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
1986Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special: nominated
1984Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: nominated
1983Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
1982Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
1980Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special: nominated
1977Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1977Emmy-Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama Series: nominated
1975Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Special Program: nominated
1975National Board of Review-Best Supporting Actor: winner