Ernest Borgnine enjoyed a long-standing acting career, leaving a lasting mark on Hollywood over the course of decades. Among his noteworthy portrayals was Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in the ABC sitcom, McHale’s Navy (1962-66). Prior to captivating audiences on both the big and small screens, Borgnine served in the US Navy.
Ernest Borgnine’s early life
Born in Hamden, Connecticut, in January 1917, Ermes Effron Borgnino, more commonly known as Ernest Borgnine, came into the world. Just two years after his birth, his parents underwent a divorce, leading to a relocation to Italy with his mother, Anna, where they resided for four and a half years.
Upon the reconciliation of his parents, Anna and Borgnine returned to the United States. It was during this time that the family opted to change their surname from “Borgino” to “Borgnine.”
Service with the US Navy during World War II
Following his high school graduation in 1935, Ernest Borgnine enlisted in the US Navy. A large portion of his military tenure was spent aboard the USS Lamberton (DD-119).
Although he received an honorable discharge in October 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor prompted him to re-enlist, and he was subsequently deployed to the Atlantic Coast, where he served aboard the USS Sylph (PY-12), a patrol yacht.
Throughout the Second World War, Borgnine distinguished himself, reaching the rank of gunner’s mate first class by the end of the conflict. His service garnered several decorations, including the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal with 3/16 Bronze Star and the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp.
Ernest Borgnine’s decision to pursue an acting career
Following his discharge from the US Navy, Ernest Borgnine returned to his parents’ home, facing uncertainty about his future.
In an interview with the British Film Institute, he shared, “After World War II, we wanted no more part in war. I didn’t even want to be a Boy Scout. I went home and said that I was through with the Navy and so now, what do we do? So I went home to mother, and after a few weeks of patting me on the back and ‘You did good,’ and everything else, one day she said, ‘Well?’ like mothers do. Which meant, ‘All right, you gonna get a job or what?'”
Recognizing Borgnine’s penchant for performance, his mother suggested he pursue acting. After training at the Randall School of Drama in Connecticut, he joined an acting troupe at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. Within a few years, he’d secured a role on Broadway, featuring in Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Harvey.
An Academy Award and the success of McHale’s Navy
Ernest Borgnine made his debut in Hollywood shortly after his success on Broadway. Although he initially took on roles as villains and background characters, his breakthrough came when he was cast as the lead in the 1955 film Marty, which received widespread critical acclaim. His portrayal of the title character earned him the Oscar for Best Actor at the 28th Academy Awards, triumphing over esteemed competitors such as James Dean, Frank Sinatra, Spencer Tracey and James Cagney.
However, Borgnine’s talents were not confined to the silver screen; he also ventured into television. In 1962, he assumed the role of Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale on the popular ABC sitcom, McHale’s Navy, set against the backdrop of World War II. The show followed his character’s adventures as the commanding officer of a US Navy PT Boat. Running for four seasons before its cancellation, it spawned the short-lived spin-off, Broadside (1964-65), and inspired several films.
Ernest Borgnine’s later career and legacy
In 1969, Ernest Borgnine undertook one of his most renowned and contentious roles, Dutch Engstrom in The Wild Bunch. More than a decade later, he appeared in another beloved TV series, Airwolf (1984-87), portraying Dom Santini, a seasoned veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.
Continuing his career in Hollywood well into the early 2010s, Borgnine left a mark with memorable performances in films, such as BASEketball (1998), All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996), and Red (2010). Even younger audiences were treated to his distinctive voice as Mermaid Man in the popular Nickelodeon cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-present).
Are you a fan of all things ships and submarines? If so, subscribe to our Daily Warships newsletter!
Ernest Borgnine passed away on July 8, 2012, from kidney failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, aged 95. The actor was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, where a memorial bench was subsequently dedicated in his honor.
Leave a Comment