Ernest Borgnine served in the US Navy during WWII before starring in ‘McHale’s Navy’

Photo Credits: 1. US Navy / US Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain. 2. semyers / MovieStillsDB.
Photo Credits: 1. US Navy / US Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain. 2. semyers / MovieStillsDB.
Ernest Borgnine enjoyed a lengthy and impactful acting career, leaving a big mark on Hollywood throughout his many years in the industry. One of his standout roles was as Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in the ABC sitcom McHale’s Navy (1962-66). Prior to captivating audiences with his acting abilities, Borgnine served honorably in the US Navy.

Ernest Borgnine’s early life

Ernest Borgnine as Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in 'McHale's Navy'
McHale’s Navy, 1962-66. (Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images)

Ernest Borgnine, originally named Ermes Effron Borgnino, was born in Hamden, Connecticut in January 1917. Just two years later, his parents divorced, prompting him to move to Italy with his mother, Anna, where they lived for four and a half years.

After his parents reconciled, Anna and Borgnine went back to the United States. It was then that the family decided to change their last name from “Borgino” to “Borgnine.”

Service with the US Navy during World War II

Ernest Borgnine wearing his US Navy cap
Ernest Borgnine enlisted in the US Navy straight out of high school. (Photo Credit: JO1 MARK D. FARAM, USN / US Department of Defense / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

After finishing high school in 1935, Ernest Borgnine enlisted in the US Navy, where he spent much of his service on the USS Lamberton (DD-119).

Although he was honorably discharged in October 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor prompted him to re-enlist. He was subsequently stationed on the Atlantic Coast, serving aboard the USS Sylph (PY-12), a patrol yacht.

During the Second World War, Borgnine made a name for himself, eventually reaching the rank of gunner’s mate first class by the end of the war. His service earned him several awards, including the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal with a 3/16 Bronze Star, and the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp.

Ernest Borgnine’s decision to pursue an acting career

Ernest Borgnine leaning against a lightpost
Born to immigrant parents, Ernest Borgnine spent a portion of his childhood living in Italy. (Photo Credit: United Artists / Getty Images)

After leaving the US Navy, Ernest Borgnine went back to his parents’ home, unsure about his next steps.

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?'”

Seeing Borgnine’s interest in performing, his mother encouraged him to try acting. He then trained at the Randall School of Drama in Connecticut and joined an acting group at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. A few years later, he earned a role on Broadway in Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Harvey.

An Academy Award and the success of McHale’s Navy

Ernest Borgnine as Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in 'McHale's Navy'
McHale’s Navy, 1962-66. (Photo Credit: Bettmann / Getty Images)
After earning acclaim on Broadway, Ernest Borgnine moved to Hollywood. He initially took on supporting and villainous roles, but his career soared when he landed the lead in the 1955 film Marty, which received widespread critical acclaim. His portrayal in the title role won him the Best Actor Oscar at the 28th Academy Awards, outshining notable contenders like James Dean, Frank Sinatra, Spencer Tracey and James Cagney.

Beyond his film success, Borgnine left a big mark on television. In 1962, he starred as Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale in the popular ABC sitcom McHale’s Navy, set during World War II. The series featured his character’s adventures as the commander of a US Navy PT Boat and enjoyed a successful four-season run before ending. It also led to the brief spin-off Broadside (1964-65) and inspired several films.

Ernest Borgnine’s later career and legacy

Ernest Borgnine as Dominic Santini in 'Airwolf'
Airwolf, 1984-87. (Photo Credit: murraymomo / MovieStillsDB)

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).

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Ernest Borgnine died on July 8, 2012, from kidney failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at the age of 95. He was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, and a memorial bench was later dedicated in his memory.

Todd Neikirk

Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history.

When he is not sitting in front of a laptop, Todd enjoys soaking up everything the Jersey Shore has to offer with his wife, two sons and American Foxhound, Wally.