What's After the Movie
Charles Durning
Charles Edward Durning (February 28, 1923 – December 24, 2012) was a distinguished American actor who made appearances in over 200 movies, television shows, and plays. Some of Durning's best-known films include The Sting (1973), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), The Muppet Movie (1979), True Confessions (1981), Tootsie (1982), Dick Tracy (1990), and O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000). His impressive performances led to him being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for both The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) and To Be or Not to Be (1983). Prior to his acting career, Durning served in World War II and was revered for his valour in combat. His military service includes participating in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. He was highly decorated, receiving the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts, amongst many other awards. Durning dedicated himself to various functions to honor American veterans, and was the Chairman of the U.S. National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. He began his acting career in 1951, starting with theatre performances and transitioning into television and movies. He made his film debut in Harvey Middleman, Fireman in 1965. Throughout his career, he earned nine Emmy Award nominations and received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nominations twice. His remarkable career earned him a Life Achievement Award at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award Ceremony.
Born in Highland Falls, New York, Durning was the son of Irish immigrants and was the ninth of ten children. Before his illustrious acting career, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, landing in France as part of an artillery unit. He later participated in various veteran honoring functions, served as a professional ballroom dancer, and even taught at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New York City. His acting career spanned over six decades, where he worked with numerous reputable figures in the industry such as Al Pacino, Gregory Peck, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and many others. During his life, Durning married twice and had three children. He passed away in December 2012 from natural causes and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to his decorated military and acting career, Durning was also inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame on Broadway and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Charles Durning, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Charles Durning rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Charles Edward Durning
Born: Highland Falls, New York, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: February 28, 1923
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1951-2012
Children: 3
Spouses: Carole Doughty, Mary Ann Amelio
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Charles Durning
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Charles Durning has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical
To Be or Not to BeBest Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical (Supporting Actor)
Dog Day AfternoonMovies Featuring Charles Durning
North Dallas Forty
Tough Guys
True Confessions
The Fury
Lakeboat
The Final Countdown
The Man with One Red Shoe
When a Stranger Calls
Spy Hard
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Dirty Deeds
Sisters
Starting Over
One Fine Day
Sharky's Machine
Big Trouble
The Choirboys
Stand Alone
The Life Zone
Scavenger Killers
The Judge
L.A.P.D.: To Protect And To Serve
Bleacher Bums
A Constant Forge
Very Mean Men
The Last Producer
Mother Ghost
Mr. St. Nick
A Very Married Christmas
A Boyfriend for Christmas
River’s End
Jesus, Mary and Joey
Desperation
Forget About It
The Art of ‘The Sting’
Kinky Killers
The Kennedys of Massachusetts
The Making of ‘Dog Day Afternoon’
Miracle Dogs Too
Steve McQueen: Man on the Edge
The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson
V.I. Warshawski
The Return of Eliot Ness
The Story Lady
Project Alien
Attica
Crisis at Central High
The Best Little Girl in the World
Working
Night of 100 Stars II
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Dark Night of the Scarecrow
Scarface
Happy New Year
The Rosary Murders
The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains
The Gambler: The Legend Continues
Cop
Etoile
Brenda Starr
Cat Chaser
Prime Target
The Butter Battle Book
It Nearly Wasn’t Christmas
Mister Roberts
Death of a Salesman
Where the River Runs Black
A Tiger’s Tale
Far North
Stick
Die Laughing
Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age
The Grass Harp
Harry and Walter Go to New York
Queen of the Stardust Ballroom
Captains and the Kings
The Front Page
The World of Jim Henson
The Pursuit of Happiness
The Last Supper
The Greek Tycoon
When a Stranger Calls Back
Jerry and Tom
A Woman of Independent Means
Sticky My Fingers … Fleet My Feet
A Bunch of Amateurs
Roommates
The Music of Chance
The Hindenburg
The Water Engine
A Chance of Snow
Justice
Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues
Twilight’s Last Gleaming
Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas
Deadhead Miles
Hi-Life
Shelter
Stiletto
iMurders
Breakheart Pass
Hard Time: Hostage Hotel
Mrs. Santa Claus
The Password Is Courage
Jack Lemmon: America’s Everyman
The Muppets Go Hollywood
An Enemy of the People
Tilt
Hi, Mom!
Hard Time
Dinner at Eight
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Charles Durning, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2006
Jesus, Mary and Joey
Teddy
Desperation
Tom Billingsley
Forget About It
Eddie O'Brien
The Making of ‘Dog Day Afternoon’
Self
Miracle Dogs Too
Captain Pete Weaver
2001
Lakeboat
The Judge
Judge Harlan Radovich
L.A.P.D.: To Protect And To Serve
Stuart Steele
Bleacher Bums
Scorekeeper
1998
Jerry and Tom
Vic
A Chance of Snow
Earl Pulmer
Hi-Life
Fatty
Shelter
Capt. Robert Landis
Hard Time
Det. Charlie Duffy
1996
Spy Hard
One Fine Day
Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas
Santa Claus
Mrs. Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Jack Lemmon: America’s Everyman
Self
1991
V.I. Warshawski
Det. Lt. Bobby Mallory
The Return of Eliot Ness
Roger Finn
The Story Lady
Judge (uncredited)
1990
Steve McQueen: Man on the Edge
Self (archive footage)
The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson
Self
Project Alien
Colonel Clancy
1989
Etoile
Uncle Joshua
Brenda Starr
Editor Francis I. Livright
Cat Chaser
Jiggs Scully
Prime Target
Earl Mulcahaney
The Butter Battle Book
Grandfather (voice)
It Nearly Wasn’t Christmas
Santa
Dinner at Eight
Dan Packard
1987
Happy New Year
Charlie
The Rosary Murders
Father Ted Nabors
The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains
Warden Hardy
The Gambler: The Legend Continues
Senator Henry Colton
A Tiger’s Tale
Charlie Drumm
1985
The Man with One Red Shoe
Stand Alone
Night of 100 Stars II
Self
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Uncle Doffue
Death of a Salesman
Charley
Stick
Chucky
1981
True Confessions
Sharky's Machine
Crisis at Central High
Jess Matthews
The Best Little Girl in the World
Frank Powell
Dark Night of the Scarecrow
Otis P. Hazelrigg
1979
North Dallas Forty
When a Stranger Calls
Starting Over
The Muppets Go Hollywood
Self
Tilt
Harold 'The Whale' Remmens
1975
Queen of the Stardust Ballroom
Al Green
The Hindenburg
Captain Pruss
Breakheart Pass
Frank O'Brien
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