Ernest Borgnine (born January 24, 1917)"Ernest Borgnine." International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers, Volume 3: Actors and Actresses, 4th ed. St. James Press, 2000. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale. 2006: "Born: Ermes Effron Borgnino in Hamden, Connecticut, January 24, 1917 (some sources say 1915 or 1918).", p. 114 is an Academy Award-winning actor of television and the big screen, whose career has spanned for over five decades. He was an unconventional lead in many films of the 1950s, including his Oscar-winning turn in the 1955 film Marty. On television, he is known for playing the title character in the 1960s comedy series McHale's Navy. He earned an Emmy nomination at age 92 for his work on the series ER. August 2009 at age 92 he earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Early life

Borgnine was born Ermes Effron Borgnino in Hamden, Connecticut, the son of Anna (née Boselli), an Italian countess who immigrated to the US from Carpi (Modena, Italy), and Camillo Borgnino, who immigrated to the US from Ottiglio (Province of Alessandria, Italy).Ernest Borgnine Biography (1929-)

His parents separated when he was two years old, and he and his mother went to live in Italy. By 1923, his parents had reconciled, and the family name was changed from Borgnino to Borgnine. The family had settled in North Haven, Connecticut, where he attended public schools. His mother also had the passion to develop her own dance. Anna gave her son a lot of moral support and he stood closely by her at all times. Second only to his father, Ernest had a hot temper, but his wit and charm helped him win over his staunchest detractors.