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Charles Durning

Date of Death: December 24, 2012 (89)

Birth Place: Highland Falls, NY, USA

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BIO

Charles Durning was an American actor with a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater. Born in Highland Falls, New York in 1923, Durning grew up in poverty and struggled with his weight throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in the D-Day invasion and earning a Silver Star for his bravery.


After the war, Durning studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and began his career in regional theater. He made his Broadway debut in 1964 in the play "The Devils," and went on to appear in a number of other Broadway productions, including "Inherit the Wind," "That Championship Season," and "The Best Man."
Durning was known for his versatility as an actor, and was equally at home in comedic and dramatic roles. He appeared in over 200 films and television shows, including "The Sting," "Tootsie," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" He received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, for his roles in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "To Be or Not to Be."
In addition to his work in film and television, Durning continued to perform on stage throughout his career. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the 1990 revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," and appeared in numerous other Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
Durning was also a talented singer, and released several albums of popular standards throughout his career. He performed with a number of big bands, including Benny Goodman's orchestra, and was a regular guest on "The Merv Griffin Show."
Durning was widely respected in the entertainment industry for his talent and his professionalism. He was known for his generosity and his sense of humor, and was beloved by his colleagues and fans alike.
Durning continued to work in film and television well into his eighties, and his last on-screen appearance was in the 2012 film "Scavenger Killers." He passed away on December 24, 2012, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances and a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Gore Vidal's The Best Man
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2000
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader
The Gin Game
[Broadway]
1997
Weller Martin
Inherit the Wind
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matthew Harrison Brady
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1990
Big Daddy
Knock Knock
[Broadway]
1976
Cohn [Replacement]
The au Pair Man
[Broadway]
1973
Eugene Hartigan
Boom Boom Room
[Broadway]
1973
Harold
That Championship Season
[Broadway]
1972
George Sikowski
Indians
[Broadway]
1969
Ned Buntline
The Happy Time
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
Louis Bonnard
Pousse-Café
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Dean Stewart
Performer
Maurice
Artie (Understudy)
Drat! The Cat!
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Pincer
Poor Bitos
[Broadway]
1964
Charles (Understudy)
Brassac (Tallien) (Understudy)
Julien (Danton) (Understudy)
Phillippe (Jesuit Father) (Understudy)
Vulturne (Mirabeau) (Understudy)

Movies

Harvey Middleman, Fireman
[ 1965 ] Dooley
I Walk the Line
[ 1970 ] Hunnicutt
The Pursuit of Happiness
[ 1971 ] 2nd Guard
Sisters
[ 1972 ] Joseph Larch
Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues
[ 1972 ] Murphy
Deadhead Miles
[ 1972 ] Truck Driver in Cafe
The Sting
[ 1973 ] Lt. Wm. Snyder
The Front Page
[ 1974 ] Murphy
The Hindenburg
[ 1975 ] Captain Max Pruss
Dog Day Afternoon
[ 1975 ] Moretti
Breakheart Pass
[ 1975 ] O Brien
Harry and Walter Go to New York
[ 1976 ] Rufus T. Crisp
Twilight's Last Gleaming
[ 1977 ] President David T. Stevens
The Choirboys
[ 1977 ] Spermwhale Whalen
The Fury
[ 1978 ] Dr. Jim McKeever
The Greek Tycoon
[ 1978 ] Michael Russell
An Enemy of the People
[ 1978 ] Peter Stockmann
North Dallas Forty
[ 1979 ] Coach Johnson
The Muppet Movie
[ 1979 ] Doc Hopper
Tilt
[ 1979 ] HaroldThe WhaleRemmens
When a Stranger Calls
[ 1979 ] John Clifford
Starting Over
[ 1979 ] Michael Mickey Potter
Die Laughing
[ 1980 ] Arnold
The Final Countdown
[ 1980 ] Sen. Samuel Chapman
Sharky's Machine
[ 1981 ] Friscoe
True Confessions
[ 1981 ] Jack Amsterdam
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
[ 1982 ] Governor
Tootsie
[ 1982 ] Les Nichols
Two of a Kind
[ 1983 ] Charlie
To Be or Not to Be
[ 1983 ] Col. Erhardt
Hadley's Rebellion
[ 1983 ] Sam Crawford
Mass Appeal
[ 1984 ] Monsignor Thom Burke
Stick
[ 1985 ] Chucky
Stand Alone
[ 1985 ] Louis Thibadeau
The Man with One Red Shoe
[ 1985 ] Ross
Tough Guys
[ 1986 ] Deke Yablonski
Where the River Runs Black
[ 1986 ] Father O Reilly
Big Trouble
[ 1986 ] O Mara
Solarbabies
[ 1986 ] The Warden
Happy New Year
[ 1987 ] Charlie
A Tiger's Tale
[ 1987 ] Charlie
The Rosary Murders
[ 1987 ] Father Ted Nabors
Far North
[ 1988 ] Bertrum
Cop
[ 1988 ] Dutch Peltz
Brenda Starr
[ 1989 ] Editor Francis I. Livright
Cat Chaser
[ 1989 ] Jiggs Scully
Ballet
[ 1989 ] Zio Joshua
Dick Tracy
[ 1990 ] Chief Brandon
Fatal Sky
[ 1990 ] Colonel Clancy
V.I. Warshawski
[ 1991 ] Lt. Mallory
The Music of Chance
[ 1993 ] Bill Flower
I.Q.
[ 1994 ] Louis Bamberger
The Hudsucker Proxy
[ 1994 ] Waring Hudsucker
Home for the Holidays
[ 1995 ] Henry Larson
The Grass Harp
[ 1995 ] Rev. Buster
The Last Supper
[ 1995 ] Rev. Gerald Hutchens
One Fine Day
[ 1996 ] Lew
Spy Hard
[ 1996 ] The Director
Shelter
[ 1998 ] Captain Robert Landis
Hi-Life
[ 1998 ] Fatty
The Secret Life of Algernon
[ 1998 ] Norbie Hess
Jerry and Tom
[ 1998 ] Vic
State and Main
[ 2000 ] Mayor George Bailey
Very Mean Men
[ 2000 ] Paddy Mulroney
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
[ 2000 ] Pappy O Daniel
Never Look Back
[ 2000 ] Rev. Hale
Lakeboat
[ 2000 ] Skippy
The Last Producer
[ 2000 ] Syd Wolf
L.A.P.D.: To Protect and to Serve
[ 2001 ] Stuart Steele
Pride & Loyalty
[ 2002 ] Dylan Frier
Mother Ghost
[ 2002 ] George
Turn of Faith
[ 2002 ] Philly Russo
Dead Canaries
[ 2003 ] Jimmy Kerrigan
Death and Texas
[ 2004 ] Marshall Ledger
One Last Ride
[ 2004 ] Mr. Orlick
Resurrection: The J.R. Richard Story
[ 2005 ] Frank McNally
River's End
[ 2005 ] Murray Blythe
Jesus, Mary and Joey
[ 2005 ] Teddy the Bartender
The L.A. Riot Spectacular
[ 2005 ] The Lawyer
Dirty Deeds
[ 2005 ] Victor Rdale
Forget About It
[ 2006 ] Eddie O Brien
Unbeatable Harold
[ 2006 ] Harold's Father
Descansos
[ 2006 ] Inkeeper #2
Local Color
[ 2006 ] Yammi
Polycarp
[ 2007 ] Alexander Hathaway
Good Dick
[ 2008 ] Charlie
Deal
[ 2008 ] Charlie Adler
A Bunch of Amateurs
[ 2008 ] Charlie Rosenberg
iMurders
[ 2008 ] Dr. Seamus St. Martin
The Golden Boys
[ 2008 ] John Bartlett
The Drum Beats Twice
[ 2008 ] Satan
Break
[ 2008 ] The Wise Man
Shannon's Rainbow
[ 2009 ] Floyd
The Waiter
[ 2010 ] FrankThe HandlerMaro
Three Chris's
[ 2010 ] Kris Kringle
An Affirmative Act
[ 2010 ] Man in the White Suit
Naked Run
[ 2011 ] Congressman Davenport
The Life Zone
[ 2011 ] James Wise
The Great Fight
[ 2011 ] Judge Frier
Rogue Assassin
[ 2012 ] Frank Maro
Scavenger Killers
[ 2014 ] Dylan Frier
Bleeding Hearts
[ 2015 ] Santa Claus

TV Shows

Amazing Stories
Earl, Assistant to the Boss
Early Edition
Judge Steven Romick, Psychiatrist
Evening Shade
Dr. Harlan Elldridge
Everybody Loves Raymond
Father Hubley
Family Guy
Francis Griffin
Now and Again
Narrator
Rescue Me
Michael Gavin, Tommy's Dad
The Cop and the Kid
Officer Frank Murphy
The Practice
Stephen Donnell

Awards and Nominations


winner
The Lortels - 2006 - Outstanding Featured Actor

Charles Durning, Third

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Charles Durning , The Best Man


winner
Drama League Awards - 1997 - Distinguished Performance Award

Charles Durning, The Gin Game


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

Charles Durning, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Play

Charles Durning , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Play

Charles DurningCat on a Hot Tin Roof

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Play

Charles During, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof


winner
Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Charles Durning , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1972 - Outstanding Performance

Charles Durning, That Championship Season

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Charles Durning been in?

Charles Durning has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has Charles Durning been in?

Charles Durning has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Charles Durning been nominated for?

Charles Durning has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actor in The Lortels for the play "Third". He also received a nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his performance in "The Best Man". Durning was recognized with the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for his role in "The Gin Game". Additionally, he received a nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor - Play from the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Durning was nominated for Best Actor - Play by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his role in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" as well. He also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for his performance in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Lastly, Durning was recognized with the Outstanding Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for his role in "That Championship Season".

What awards has Charles Durning won?

Charles Durning has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Featured Actor award at The Lortels for his performance in "Third." He also received the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for his role in "The Gin Game." In addition, Durning won the Outstanding Featured Actor - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." He was also honored with the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for his role in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Lastly, Durning received the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in "That Championship Season."

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