Ernest Borgnine
Ernest Borgnine: A Legendary Actor's Enduring Legacy
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Ernest Borgnine was born Ermes Effron Borgnino on January 24, 1911, in Hamden, Connecticut. He is often referred to by his nickname, "Borgie," which he earned during World War II.
#### Birth and Death Dates
January 24, 1911 - July 8, 2012
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American Actor, Sailor, and Author
#### Early Life and Background
Ernest Borgnine was born to Italian immigrant parents, Anna (née Boscarino) and Camillo Borgnino. He was the eldest of three children, but his early life was marked by hardship. His father, a fisherman, left the family when Ernest was just two years old. To make ends meet, Ernest's mother worked as a housekeeper for wealthy families in the Hamden area.
Growing up in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, Borgnine developed a strong work ethic and a love for sports. He attended high school but dropped out to find employment, working at a local factory and later serving on the USS Raleigh in the U.S. Navy during World War II. It was during his time in the Navy that he earned his nickname "Borgie" from his fellow sailors.
#### Major Accomplishments
Borgnine's acting career spanned over six decades, with more than 150 film and television appearances to his credit. He is perhaps best known for his iconic roles in:
Marty (1955): Borgnine won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a lonely butcher who falls in love.
The Wild Bunch (1969): He played Deke Thornton, a tough but compassionate outlaw, opposite William Holden's Pike Bishop.
Other notable films include Bad Day at Black Rock, The Dirty Dozen, and McHale's Navy, which helped establish him as one of Hollywood's most beloved character actors.
#### Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his acting work, Borgnine was an accomplished sailor. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1935 to 1941 and again during World War II. After leaving the Navy, he worked as a fisherman and later became a licensed boat captain.
Borgnine was also a talented writer. He co-authored his memoirs, Ernie, which chronicles his life story from childhood through his Hollywood career.
#### Impact and Legacy
Throughout his long and storied career, Ernest Borgnine left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His iconic performances continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers. As a devoted husband and father, Borgnine was also committed to family and philanthropy, frequently visiting hospitals and nursing homes to share his time and talents with those in need.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ernest Borgnine's enduring legacy can be attributed to his:
Authenticity: He brought a unique blend of grit, humor, and vulnerability to each role.
Versatility: From drama to comedy, Borgnine proved himself capable of adapting to any genre.
* Heartfelt performances: His genuine emotional depth resonated with audiences worldwide.
As an actor, sailor, writer, and devoted family man, Ernest Borgnine's remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and kindness.
Quotes by Ernest Borgnine
The Oscar made me a star, and I’m grateful. But I feel had I not won the Oscar I wouldn’t have gotten into the messes I did in my personal life.
I don’t care whether a role 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 someone else get top billing; then if the picture bombs, he gets the blame, not me.
Writers used to make such wonderful pictures without all that swearing, all that cursing. And now it seems that you can’t say three words without cursing. And I don’t think that’s right.
The trick is not to become somebody else. You become somebody else when you’re in front of a camera or when you’re on stage. There are some people who carry it all the time. That, to me, is not acting.
I wouldn’t trade those 10 years for anything. The Navy taught me a lot of things. It molded me as a man, and I made a lot of wonderful friends.
Fathers and mothers are just people, which means they make mistakes. Don’t hold that against them. Whatever flaws they may have, they created you in a moment of love, and are among the few who knew you when. When they’re gone, there won’t be anyone to take their place.
I got a job immediately after leaving high school; I was lucky – three dollars a week and all I could eat, working on a vegetable truck.
It was my mom who told me, “Ernie, if you make even one person happy with your smile or a funny thing you did every day, you’ll have accomplished a great deal.” And that’s all I’ve ever tried to do.