Ernest Borgnine Biography

Fast Facts

• For his constant support of the Navy, he was awarded the honorary rank of Chief Petty Officer in 2004
• For 30 years, he walked in Milwaukee's Great Circus Parade as the "Grand Clown․"
• Encouraged by his mother to obtain a glamorous profession, he auditioned and was accepted into the Barter Theater in Virginia
• Quote: "I don't care whether a part is 10 minutes long, or two hours․ And I don't care whether my name is up there on top, either․ Matter of fact, I'd rather have somebody else get top billing; then if the picture bombs, he gets the blame, not me․"
• Quote: "I think we all have the urge to be a clown, whether we know it or not․"
• Well known for his rough, but gentle speaking voice
• For the producers of "McHale's Navy," he was the show's first choice to play the lead role
• Had a 10-year career in the Navy before deciding to pursue acting
• Being the child of two Italian immigrants, he spoke fluent Italian
• While filming on location in Mexico, he and co-star Charles Bronson were mistaken for bandits by federal police when they tried to buy cigarettes in their full, Western costumes