Oscar Winner Ernest Borgnine Dead at 95
Actor Ernest Borgnine, best known for the 1955 film Marty has died at the age of 95.
The actor passed away today at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a spokesman told The Associated Press. The spokesman went on to reveal that Borgnine's family was at his side.
Borgnine was the oldest living winner of the best actor Oscar, a prize awarded to him for his role as the romantic butcher in Marty. The part was particularly notable as it marked a divergence from the villainous characters that Borgnine had become known for.
One of his most memorable bad-guy performances came in the 1953 film From Here to Eternity, where Borgnine played Sgt. "Fatso" Judson, who clobbers Frank Sinatra's character, Pvt. Maggio.
After winning an Academy Award, Borgnine starred in the comedy series McHale's Navy as the titular character, Lt. Commander Quinton McHale. The series ran from 1962-66 in which time a feature film was released based off the show, also starring Borgnine.
The TV role seemed to be a perfect fit for Borgnine. Prior to his 1951 move to Los Angeles, the gruff star fought in World War II, serving in the United States Navy. He reached the rank of Gunner's Mate 1st Class during his 10-year military stint.
In 1997, a cross-country trip Borgnine embarked upon was chronicled in the documentary Ernest Borgnine on the Bus.
After more than a half century of TV and film work, the actor took home the life achievement award at the 17th annual SAG Awards in 2011.
Borgnine, who was married five times, is survived by his four children.