Born: February 28, 1923 – Died: December 24, 2012
Charles Durning, a remarkable figure in the acting world, was known for his versatility and presence both on stage and screen. Born in Highland Falls, New York, to Louise Marie Leonard, a laundress, and James Gerald Durning, an Irish immigrant, he carved a niche for himself in Hollywood, becoming one of its most dependable supporting actors. His journey from a World War II veteran and dance instructor to a lauded actor is a tale of resilience and dedication.
Early Life and Career
Durning's early life was shaped by humble beginnings. The son of an Irish immigrant father and a mother of Irish descent, he faced the challenges of his environment with determination. He first stepped into the world of acting in the early 1960s, making guest appearances on various TV shows. This was a significant shift from his initial career path, indicating his adaptability and passion for the arts.
His breakthrough role came in the form of the sneering, corrupt cop "Lt. Snyder" in the movie "The Sting," opposite Robert Redford. This role not only brought him into the limelight but also showcased his ability to embody complex characters. Durning's career took off from there, as he became a familiar face in both comedic and dramatic roles. His portrayal of "Doc Hopper" in "The Muppet Movie" and the dancing Governor in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" are testaments to his dynamic range as an actor.
Durning was nominated for two Oscars, highlighting his skill and dedication to his craft. In addition to his film work, he was a regular on television, guest starring in shows like "Rescue Me" and "Everybody Loves Raymond." His role as "Dr. Harlan Elldridge" in the popular TV series "Evening Shade" further cemented his status as a versatile actor.
Off-screen, Durning was married to Mary Ann Amelio from 1974 until his death in 2012, and he had a daughter named Jeanine. Known for his burly yet genial characters, he was also a dance instructor, which added another layer to his multifaceted life. Durning passed away in 2012 in Manhattan, New York City, and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Charles Durning's career is a testament to his ability to transform life's challenges into artistic expression. His journey from a World War II veteran to one of Hollywood's most reliable actors is a story of perseverance and talent. His contributions to the entertainment industry, marked by his versatility and depth as an actor, have made him an iconic figure in the world of acting.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Bleeding Hearts | Santa Claus |
| 2014 | Scavenger Killers | Dylan Frier |
| 2012 | Rogue Assassin | Frank Maro |
| 2004–2011 | Rescue Me (TV Series) | Michael Gavin | Tommy's Dad |
| 2011 | The Life Zone | James Wise |
| 2011 | The Great Fight | Judge Frier |
| 2011 | Naked Run | Congressman Davenport |
| 2010 | No Clean Break (TV Series) | The Wise Man |
| 2010 | Three Chris's | Kris Kringle |
| 2010 | An Affirmative Act | Man in the White Suit |
| 2010 | The Waiter | Frank 'The Handler' Maro |
| 1999–2009 | Family Guy (TV Series) | Francis Griffin (voice) |
| 2009 | Shannon's Rainbow | Floyd |
| 2008 | A Bunch of Amateurs | Charlie Rosenberg |
| 2008 | The Golden Boys | John Bartlett |
| 2008 | iMurders | Dr. Seamus St. Martin |
| 2008 | Break | The Wise Man |
| 2008 | The Drum Beats Twice | Satan |
| 2008 | Deal | Charlie Adler |
| 2008 | Good Dick | Charlie |
| 2007 | Polycarp | Alexander Hathaway |
| 2007 | Monk (TV Series) | Hank Johansen |
| 2006 | Family Guy (Video Game) | Francis Griffin (voice) |
| 2006 | Everwood (TV Series) | Eugene Brown |
| 2006 | Desperation (TV Movie) | Tom Billingsley |
| 2006 | Forget About It | Eddie O'Brien |
| 2006 | Local Color | Yammi |
| 2006 | Unbeatable Harold | Harold's Father |
| 2006 | Miracle Dogs Too (Video) | Capt. Pete Weaver |
| 2006 | Descansos | Inkeeper #2 |
| 2005 | River's End | Murray Blythe |
| 2005 | Jesus, Mary and Joey | Teddy the Bartender |
| 2005 | Dirty Deeds | Victor Rasdale |
| 2005 | Resurrection: The J.R. Richard Story | Frank McNally |
| 2005 | The L.A. Riot Spectacular | The Lawyer |
| 2005 | Detective (TV Movie) | Councilman Max Ernst |
| 2004 | A Very Married Christmas (TV Movie) | Ozzy Larson |
| 2004 | A Boyfriend for Christmas (TV Movie) | Santa Claus |
| 2004 | NCIS (TV Series) | Ernie Yost |
| 2004 | One Last Ride | Mr. Orlick |
| 2004 | Death and Texas | Marshall Ledger |
| 2003 | Dead Canaries | Jimmy Kerrigan |
| 2003 | Touched by an Angel (TV Series) | Father Thomas Madden |
| 2002 | Pride & Loyalty | Dylan Frier |
| 2002 | The Naked Run (Short) | Congressman Davenport |
| 2002 | The Last Man Club (Short) | John 'Eagle Eye' Pennell |
| 2002 | Mr. St. Nick (TV Movie) | Nicholas XX |
| 2002 | Mother Ghost | George |
| 2002 | Turn of Faith | Philly Russo |
| 1998–2002 | Everybody Loves Raymond (TV Series) | Father Hubley |
| 2002 | First Monday (TV Series) | Justice Henry Hoskins |
| 2001 | Citizen Baines (TV Series) | Clifford Connelly |
| 2001 | Bleacher Bums (TV Movie) | Scorekeeper Victor |
| 2001 | L.A.P.D.: To Protect and to Serve | Stuart Steele |
| 2001 | Arli$ (TV Series) | Charles Durning |
| 2001 | The Judge (TV Mini Series) | Judge Harlan Radovich |
| 2000 | Never Look Back | Rev. Hale |
| 2000 | State and Main | Mayor George Bailey |
| 2000 | The Last Producer | Syd Wolf |
| 2000 | Very Mean Men | Paddy Mulroney |
| 1997–2000 | Early Edition (TV Series) | Judge Steven Romick | Psychiatrist |
| 2000 | O Brother, Where Art Thou? | Pappy O'Daniel |
| 1999–2000 | Now and Again (TV Series) | Narrator |
| 2000 | Lakeboat | Skippy |
| 1998–2000 | The Practice (TV Series) | Stephen Donnell |
| 2000 | The Hoop Life (TV Series) | Wes Connelly |
| 1999 | Hard Time: Hostage Hotel (TV Movie) | Det. Charlie Duffy |
| 1999 | Chicken Soup for the Soul (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1999 | Justice (TV Movie) | Moe Ryan |
| 1999 | Hard Time: The Premonition (TV Movie) | Det. Charlie Duffy |
| 1998 | Hard Time (TV Movie) | Det. Charlie Duffy |
| 1998 | A Chance of Snow (TV Movie) | Earl Pulmer |
| 1998 | Hi-Life | Fatty |
| 1998 | Cybill (TV Series) | A.J. Sheridan |
| 1998 | The Secret Life of Algernon | Norbie Hess |
| 1998 | Homicide: Life on the Street (TV Series) | Thomas Finnegan |
| 1998 | Jerry and Tom | Vic |
| 1998 | Shelter | Capt. Robert Landis |
| 1997 | Orleans (TV Series) | Frank Vitelli |
| 1996 | Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas (Video) | Santa Claus |
| 1996 | One Fine Day | Lew |
| 1996 | Mrs. Santa Claus (TV Movie) | Santa Claus |
| 1996 | The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists (Video) | Archie (voice) |
| 1996 | Recon (Short) | Chief |
| 1996 | Spy Hard | The Director |
| 1995 | Home for the Holidays | Henry Larson |
| 1995 | The Grass Harp | Rev. Buster |
| 1995 | The Last Supper | Rev. Gerald Hutchens |
| 1995 | A Woman of Independent Means (TV Mini Series) | Andrew Alcott |
| 1994 | I.Q. | Louis Bamberger |
| 1994 | The American Revolution (TV Series) | Benjamin Franklin (voice) |
| 1994 | In Search of Dr. Seuss (TV Movie) | Grandfather Yook (voice, uncredited) |
| 1994 | Leslie's Folly (TV Movie) | Doctor |
| 1994 | Texan (TV Movie) | Vaughn |
| 1994 | Roommates (TV Movie) | Barney |
| 1990–1994 | Evening Shade (TV Series) | Dr. Harlan Elldridge |
| 1994 | The Hudsucker Proxy | Waring Hudsucker |
| 1993 | Harlan & Merleen (TV Movie) | Dr. Harlan Elldridge |
| 1993 | Shania Twain: Dance with the One That Brought You (Music Video) | Husband |
| 1993 | When a Stranger Calls Back (TV Movie) | John Clifford |
| 1993 | The Music of Chance | Bill Flower |
| 1992 | Performance (TV Series) | Charles F. Money |
| 1992 | The Water Engine (TV Movie) | Tour Guide |
| 1991 | The Story Lady (TV Movie) | Judge (uncredited) |
| 1991 | The Return of Eliot Ness (TV Movie) | Roger Finn |
| 1991 | V.I. Warshawski | Lt. Mallory |
| 1990 | Fatal Sky | Colonel Clancy |
| 1990 | Dick Tracy | Chief Brandon |
| 1990 | The Kennedys of Massachusetts (TV Mini Series) | John 'Honey Fitz' Fitzgerald |
| 1989 | It Nearly Wasn't Christmas (TV Movie) | Santa |
| 1989 | Dinner at Eight (TV Movie) | Dan Packard |
| 1989 | The Butter Battle Book (TV Movie) | Grandfather (voice) |
| 1989 | Cat Chaser | Jiggs Scully |
| 1989 | Prime Target (TV Movie) | Earl Mulcahaney |
| 1989 | Brenda Starr | Editor Francis I. Livright |
| 1989 | Ballet | Zio Joshua |
| 1988 | Unholy Matrimony (TV Movie) | Reverend Samuel Corey |
| 1988 | Far North | Bertrum |
| 1988 | Case Closed (TV Movie) | Les Kabowski |
| 1988 | Cop | Dutch Peltz |
| 1987 | Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part III: The Legend Continues (TV Movie) | Sen. Henry Colton |
| 1987 | The Man Who Broke 1, 000 Chains (TV Movie) | Warden Hardy |
| 1987 | I Would Be Called John: Pope John XXIII (TV Movie) | Pope John XXIII |
| 1987 | The Rosary Murders | Father Ted Nabors |
| 1987 | A Tiger's Tale | Charlie |
| 1987 | Happy New Year | Charlie |
| 1986 | Solarbabies | The Warden |
| 1986 | Meatballs III: Summer Job | Pete, Heaven Doorman (uncredited) |
| 1985–1986 | Amazing Stories (TV Series) | Earl | Assistant to the Boss |
| 1986 | Where the River Runs Black | Father O'Reilly |
| 1986 | Tough Guys | Deke Yablonski |
| 1986 | Big Trouble | O'Mara |
| 1985 | Eye to Eye (TV Series) | Oscar Poole |
| 1985 | Stand Alone | Louis Thibadeau |
| 1985 | Tall Tales & Legends (TV Series) | Uncle Doffue |
| 1985 | Death of a Salesman (TV Movie) | Charley |
| 1985 | The Man with One Red Shoe | Ross |
| 1985 | Comedy Factory (TV Series) | Harry Deegan |
| 1985 | Stick | Chucky |
| 1984 | Mass Appeal | Monsignor Thomas Burke |
| 1984 | P.O.P. (TV Movie) | P Oliver Pendergast |
| 1984 | Good Evening, He Lied (TV Movie) | Nick |
| 1984 | Mister Roberts (TV Movie) | The Captain |
| 1983 | To Be or Not to Be | Col. Erhardt |
| 1983 | Two of a Kind | Charlie |
| 1983 | Scarface | Immigration Officer (voice, uncredited) |
| 1983 | Hadley's Rebellion | Sam Crawford |
| 1982 | *Tootsie* | Les Nichols |
| 1982 | The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas | Governor |
| 1982 | BBC2 Playhouse (TV Series) | McMahon |
| 1982 | American Playhouse (TV Series) | Retired Man |
| 1981 | Sharky's Machine | Friscoe |
| 1981 | Dark Night of the Scarecrow (TV Movie) | Otis |
| 1981 | True Confessions | Jack Amsterdam |
| 1981 | Great Performances (TV Series) | McMahon (story 'The Monument') |
| 1981 | The Best Little Girl in the World (TV Movie) | Frank Powell |
| 1981 | Crisis at Central High (TV Movie) | Jess Matthews |
| 1980 | A Perfect Match (TV Movie) | Bill Larson |
| 1980 | The Final Countdown | Sen. Samuel Chapman |
| 1980 | Die Laughing | Arnold |
| 1980 | Attica (TV Movie) | Commissioner Russell Oswald |
| 1979 | Starting Over | Michael (Mickey) Potter |
| 1979 | When a Stranger Calls | John Clifford |
| 1979 | North Dallas Forty | Coach Johnson |
| 1979 | The Muppet Movie | Doc Hopper |
| 1979 | Tilt | Harold 'The Whale' Remmens |
| 1979 | Studs Lonigan (TV Mini Series) | Paddy Lonigan |
| 1978 | The Greek Tycoon | Michael Russell |
| 1978 | An Enemy of the People | Peter Stockmann |
| 1978 | The Fury | Dr. Jim McKeever |
| 1978 | Special Olympics (TV Movie) | Carl Gallitzin |
| 1977 | The Choirboys | Spermwhale Whalen |
| 1977 | Visions (TV Series) | Cubby Doucette |
| 1977 | Twilight's Last Gleaming | President David T. Stevens |
| 1975–1976 | The Cop and the Kid (TV Series) | Officer Frank Murphy |
| 1976 | Sherlock Holmes in New York (TV Movie) | Inspector (uncredited) |
| 1976 | Captains and the Kings (TV Mini Series) | Ed Healey |
| 1976 | Harry and Walter Go to New York | Rufus T. Crisp |
| 1976 | The Ashes of Mrs. Reasoner (TV Movie) | Arthur Fenton |
| 1975 | The Hindenburg | Captain Max Pruss |
| 1975 | Breakheart Pass | O'Brien |
| 1975 | The Rivalry (TV Movie) | Sen. Stephen Douglas |
| 1975 | Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) | Havens |
| 1975 | Baretta (TV Series) | Jake Hatch |
| 1975 | Barnaby Jones (TV Series) | Don Corcoran |
| 1975 | Dog Day Afternoon | Moretti |
| 1975 | Cannon (TV Series) | Don Corcoran |
| 1975 | Switch (TV Series) | Lt. Phil Beckman |
| 1975 | Queen of the Stardust Ballroom (TV Movie) | Al Green |
| 1975 | The Trial of Chaplain Jensen (TV Movie) | Budd Rogers |
| 1974 | The Front Page | Murphy |
| 1973 | The Sting | Lt. Wm. Snyder |
| 1973 | Rx for the Defense (TV Movie) | District Attorney Horn |
| 1973 | All in the Family (TV Series) | Detective |
| 1973 | The Connection (TV Movie) | Frank Devlin |
| 1972 | Sisters | Joseph Larch |
| 1972 | Another World (TV Series) | Gil McGowan |
| 1972 | Madigan (TV Series) | Sid Balinger |
| 1972 | Doomsday Voyage | Jason's First Mate |
| 1972 | Look Homeward, Angel (TV Movie) | Will Pentland |
| 1972 | Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues | Murphy |
| 1972 | Deadhead Miles | Truck Driver in Cafe |
| 1971 | The Pursuit of Happiness | 2nd Guard |
| 1970 | Sticky My Fingers... Fleet My Feet (Short) | Football Player |
| 1970 | I Walk the Line | Hunnicutt |
| 1970 | There Was a Crooked Man... | Narrator (uncredited) |
| 1970 | Hi, Mom! | Superintendent (as Charles Durnham) |
| 1970 | The High Chaparral (TV Series) | Hewitt |
| 1969 | Stiletto | Cop (uncredited) |
| 1967–1968 | N.Y.P.D. (TV Series) | Lawrence |
| 1966 | Hawk (TV Series) | Police Announcer |
| 1965 | Harvey Middleman, Fireman | Dooley |
| 1965 | The Doctors and the Nurses (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1963 | East Side/West Side (TV Series) | Dr. Markham |
| 1963 | The Defenders (TV Series) | Juror #11 |
| 1963 | Armstrong Circle Theatre (TV Series) | Clarence Hollis |
| 1962 | The Password Is Courage | American Soldier (uncredited) |
| 1953 | You Are There (TV Series) | Col. John Jameson |