![]() ![]() "They told me, 'You're too short, too fat and have no talent,'" he stated. According to the Los Angeles Times, he didn't exactly wow his instructors there. For a time, Durning studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Screen legend James Cagney was an early inspiration. He eventually pursued his dream of becoming an actor. Career BeginningsĪfter the war, Durning returned to the United States still reeling from his experiences overseas. For his service, he received a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. Captured during the Battle of the Bulge, Durning managed to survive a massacre of American soldiers being held in Belgium. He was part of the first wave of soldiers to reach Omaha Beach in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day in 1944. He even took the stage at times, filling in for comics who were too drunk to perform.ĭuring World War II, Durning served in the U.S. As an usher, Durning got first-hand experience in vaudeville at a Buffalo, New York theater. He had a series of factory jobs before he discovered acting. In his mid-teens, Durning left home to find work. One of ten children, Durning lost five of his sisters to disease. He grew up in a poor Irish family, and his early life was one of hardship. Early Lifeīorn on February 28, 1923, in Highland Falls, New York, actor Charles Durning built a career on playing on engaging and interesting supporting characters. ![]() In 1990, Durning won a Tony Award for the Tennessee Williams' play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He received an Academy Award nomination in 1982 for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and again in 1985 for To Be or Not to Be. Roles in such films as The Sting (1973) soon followed. He had a career breakthrough with the 1972 play That Championship Season on Broadway. Synopsisīorn in 1923, actor Charles Durning served in the U.S. He also had roles on such shows as Rescue Me, Everybody Loves Raymond and Evening Shade. Actor Charles Durning appeared in such films as The Sting, Tootsie and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. ![]()
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