Charles Durning American actor Date of Birth: 28.02.1923 Country: USA

Biography of Charles Durning

Charles Durning, an American actor, was born on February 28, 1923, in Highland Falls, New York. He was the fourth child out of five, born to Irish immigrant James Durning and Louise, who worked as a laundress at the United States Military Academy at West Point. His father obtained American citizenship through his service in the army. Following in his father's footsteps, Charles served in the military during World War II, where he experienced various roles such as infantryman and anti-aircraft gunner. He participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy and the defense against the German offensive in the Ardennes. He received several injuries and earned the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. In 2008, he was also awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor.

After being discharged from the military in 1946, Charles Durning dedicated himself to public service and made significant contributions to American war veterans. However, he is best known in the entertainment industry as an actor. His breakthrough came with the film "The Sting," in which he portrayed a corrupt police lieutenant. Following this role, he appeared in over 100 films and television movies, including "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975) alongside Al Pacino, the classic science fiction film "The Final Countdown" (1980), and the well-known film "Tootsie" (1982), where he played a fan of the disguised Dustin Hoffman. Durning and Hoffman also worked together in the television movie "Death of a Salesman" (1985). Interestingly, Charles Durning also portrayed Santa Claus in the television film "Elmo Saves Christmas" and voiced Griffin in the animated series "Family Guy."

Charles Durning received two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, one in 1982 for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and another in 1983 for "To Be or Not to Be." He also won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a television miniseries for "The Kennedys of Massachusetts" in 1990. Additionally, he received nine Emmy nominations for his numerous roles in television series. On July 31, 2001, Charles Durning was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His only daughter, Jeanine Durning, also found success in the arts as a renowned New York choreographer and contemporary dancer.