Charles Durning facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Durning
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Durning in 2008
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| Born |
Charles Edward Durning
February 28, 1923 Highland Falls, New York, U.S.
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| Died | December 24, 2012 (aged 89) New York City, U.S.
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| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1951–2012 |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | Michele Durning, Douglas E. Durning, Jeanine Durning |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1946 |
| Rank |  Private First Class |
| Unit | U.S. First Infantry Division, U.S. 100th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
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Charles Edward Durning (February 28, 1923 – December 24, 2012) was a famous American actor. He appeared in over 200 movies, TV shows, and plays. Some of his most well-known films include The Sting (1973), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), The Muppet Movie (1979), and Tootsie (1982). He was even nominated for an Academy Award for his acting. Before becoming an actor, Durning was a brave soldier in World War II. He received several awards for his courage in battle.
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Early Life and Family
Charles Durning was born in Highland Falls, New York. His mother, Louise, worked as a laundress. His father was James E. Durning. Charles was one of ten children in his family. Sadly, five of his sisters passed away when they were young. Charles was raised in the Catholic Church.
Military Service in World War II
Durning joined the U.S. Army during World War II when he was 20 years old. He was part of the first group of American troops to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. This was a very important day in the invasion of Normandy.
He was injured during the war and spent six months recovering. Later, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. He left the army in 1946 with the rank of private first class.
For his bravery and injuries, Durning received many awards. These included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. He also received the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. In 2008, France honored him with the National Order of the Legion of Honor.
Honoring Veterans
Charles Durning was a strong supporter of American veterans. He often spoke at events to honor them. For 17 years, he was a special guest speaker at the National Memorial Day Concert. This concert is shown on TV every year. After he passed away, a special tribute was given to him at the concert in 2013.
Acting Career Highlights
Before becoming a full-time actor, Charles Durning was a professional ballroom dancer. He even taught dance lessons in New York City.
His acting career began in 1951. He got his first big break when he had to replace an actor who couldn't perform. He then acted in many plays, both on and off-Broadway. He worked with Joseph Papp, a famous theater producer, in many plays. Durning said this time was the "best time" of his life, even though he didn't earn much money.
Durning started appearing in movies and TV shows in the mid-1960s. His first film was Harvey Middleman, Fireman in 1965.
Famous Film Roles
In 1973, he played a dishonest police officer, Lt. Wm. Snyder, in the Oscar-winning film The Sting. He also appeared with Al Pacino in Dog Day Afternoon.
Kids might remember him as Doc Hopper, the villain in The Muppet Movie (1979). Doc Hopper wanted to catch Kermit the Frog! Durning also acted alongside Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie (1982). He played a man who falls in love with Hoffman's character, who is pretending to be a woman.
He worked with the Coen Brothers in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000). In this movie, he played a tricky governor named "Pappy" O'Daniel.
Television and Awards
Durning had many roles on television. He was a regular on the show Evening Shade from 1990 to 1994. He also played Father Hubley on Everybody Loves Raymond. Fans of Family Guy might recognize his voice as Francis Griffin, Peter Griffin's religious father. He also appeared in the TV series Rescue Me.
In 2005, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in an episode of NCIS. He played a Marine veteran who thought he had committed a crime during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Throughout his career, Durning received many honors. He was nominated for nine Emmy Awards. He won a Golden Globe Award in 1990 for The Kennedys of Massachusetts. He also won a Tony Award in 1990 for his role as Big Daddy in the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
In 1999, he was added to the Theater Hall of Fame. In 2008, he received a Life Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild. He also got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Later Life and Passing
Charles Durning passed away peacefully at his home in New York City on December 24, 2012. He was 89 years old. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place for American heroes.
After his death, Broadway theaters turned down their lights to honor him. Many people remembered him as an amazing actor who brought many characters to life.
Personal Life
Charles Durning was married twice. He had three children with his first wife, Carole Doughty. Later, he married Mary Ann Amelio.
Images for kids
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Combat Infantryman Badge
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Expert Badge
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Rifle Bar
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Honorable Service Lapel Button
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Good Conduct Medal
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
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Legion of Honour – Chevalier
See also
In Spanish: Charles Durning para niños
