Ernest Borgnine

Birth Name:

Ermes Effron Borgnino

Birth Place:

Hamden, Connecticut, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack, Producer

For 30 years, he walked in Milwaukee's Great Circus Parade as the "Grand Clown․"
For his constant support of the Navy, he was awarded the honorary rank of Chief Petty Officer in 2004
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
Being the child of two Italian immigrants, he spoke fluent Italian
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
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

1955NBR Award - Best Actor:Winner
1955NYFCC Award - Best Actor:Winner
1956Oscar - Best Actor in a Leading Role:Winner
1956BAFTA Film Award - Best Foreign Actor:Winner
1956Golden Globe - Best Actor - Drama:Winner
1959Prize - Best Actor:Winner
1961Golden Laurel - Top Action Performance:Nominated
1963Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Series (Lead):Nominated
1980Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special:Nominated
1982Razzie Award - Worst Supporting Actor:Nominated
1989Independent Spirit Award - Best Supporting Male:Nominated
1999Daytime Emmy - Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program:Nominated
2005TV Land Award - Favorite Airborne Character(s):Nominated
2008Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television:Nominated
2009OFTA Television Award - Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series:Nominated
2009Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series:Nominated
2011Award of Excellence - Leading Actor:Winner
2011Festival Award - Best Actor:Winner
2011Jury Prize - Frank Currier Actor's Award:Winner
2011Festival Award - Best Actor:Winner
2012Achievement Award - Outstanding Achievement in Acting:Winner

Fast Facts