was born on January 24, 1917, in Hamden, Connecticut. His parents were Charles and Anna , who had emigrated from Carpi, Italy.
Now lives in Beverly Hills.
As an only child, he enjoyed most sports, especially boxing, but took no real interest in acting.
At 18, after graduating from high school in New Haven, Connecticut, and undecided about his future career, he joined the Navy, where he stayed for ten years until leaving in 1945.
His amazing 51-year career includes appearances in over 100 feature films and three television series....
His big break came in 1949, when he made his acting debut on Broadway
This memorable performance led to numerous supporting roles as "heavies" in a steady string of dramas and westerns.
Is a 32nd degree Master Mason
Posted by Saint_in_London (Member # 2575) on :
Appeared on "The Hollywood Squares" (during its premiere week in October 1966).
He won an Academy for Best Actor for his performance, despite strong competition from Spencer Tracy Frank Sinatra , James Dean and James Cagney
Between 1962 and 1966 he played in a popular TV series
In early 1984 he returned to television in an action series
Voice-overs in animated films such as All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996) and Small Soldiers (1998).
Had both knees replaced [1999]
Has the distinction of appearing in more of the 100 Most Enjoyably Awful Movies of All Time as listed in Razzie Award-founder John Wilson's book
Burly, gap-toothed, frog-voiced (with a face to match)
Posted by StevenHW (Member # 509) on :
Ernest Borgnine.
The 80's generation will know him in "Airwolf".
But to me, he will always be Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale in "McHale's Navy".
Posted by Jessie the Sunflower Goddess (Member # 1877) on :
yeah I was going to say Ernest Borgnine as well. The tooth gave it away Geoff!!
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
He was great as Cabbie in Escape From New York.
You can't meet the Duke! Are you crazy? Nobody gets to meet the Duke. You meet him once and then you're dead
Posted by Saint_in_London (Member # 2575) on :
I also know him best as 'Cabbie' from escape to New York, I thought this may be another one where people know the face but not the name..
Jessie, the description was from IMDB but I thought it was spot on!! ;o)
Burly, gap-toothed, frog-voiced (with a face to match)
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