Ernest Borgnine, the beloved Hollywood icon known for his candid personality, once opened up about the actors he simply couldn’t stand. With a career spanning over six decades, Borgnine’s honesty about his colleagues revealed a side of the entertainment industry that many prefer to keep hidden.
Born Ermes Effron Borgnino on January 24, 1917, in Hamden, Connecticut, Borgnine rose from humble beginnings as the son of Italian immigrants. His early life was marked by resilience and hard work, values instilled in him by his family. After serving in the U.
S. Navy during World War II, he found his passion for acting, eventually making his way from the stage to Hollywood.
Borgnine’s breakthrough role came in 1955 with the film “Marty,” where his portrayal of a lonely butcher earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. This pivotal moment transformed him from a character actor to a leading man, showcasing his ability to connect deeply with audiences.
Throughout his extensive career, Borgnine was known for his versatility, appearing in a variety of genres, from gritty war films like “From Here to Eternity” to the comedic series “McHale’s Navy.” He even lent his distinctive voice to the beloved character Mermaid Man on “SpongeBob SquarePants,” introducing him to a new generation of fans.
Despite his success, Borgnine remained grounded and approachable, often taking the time to connect with fans and share stories from his life. However, his personal life was equally colorful, marked by five marriages that reflected different stages of his journey. His first marriage in 1949 to Rhoda, a supportive partner during his early career, ended in divorce after nearly a decade.
His second marriage to Mexican actress Katy Jurado was passionate yet tumultuous, lasting just four years. The most infamous of his unions was with actress Ethel Merman, which lasted a mere 42 days. Their explosive personalities clashed, leading to a marriage that became a legendary tale of Hollywood’s shortest unions.
Borgnine’s later marriages brought him stability, especially his fifth marriage to Tova Traesnaes in 1973, which lasted nearly four decades. Tova became his anchor, providing the support he needed in both his personal and professional life.
While Borgnine formed lasting friendships with many actors, he was not shy about expressing his disdain for certain colleagues. His feelings towards Frank Sinatra were particularly notable; he described Sinatra as arrogant and dismissive, a sentiment that lingered throughout their careers. Borgnine also had a complicated relationship with John Wayne, admiring his on-screen presence but finding his off-screen demeanor off-putting.
Borgnine’s honesty about his dislikes extended beyond the big screen. He reportedly had little patience for younger actors who he felt had not paid their dues, particularly those who treated crew members poorly. His straightforwardness about his feelings made him a unique figure in Hollywood, contrasting with many who preferred to keep their grievances private.
In his later years, Borgnine reflected on his career with a sense of humor and candor, often sharing anecdotes that showcased his genuine nature. He passed away on July 8, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of authenticity and a career filled with memorable performances.
As fans remember his contributions to film and television, one question remains: What other untold stories might lie behind the curtain of Hollywood’s glitzy facade?
