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As any actor will tell you, the hardest part of being in the business is keeping up with times. There are maybe a small handful of performers in the entire history of moviemaking who managed to make a living in this fickle biz until their last breath. One of those remarkable people was Mr. Ernest Borgnine.

 

My grandparents knew Borgey as Marty, the titular lead character in the 1956 low-budget drama that earned him his one and only (and well-deserved) Oscar. My parents know Ernie as Lt. Commander Quinton McHale of the hit TV show from the ‘60s, “McHale’s Navy”. My generation may best remember Borgnine as the gruff fellow with whom Gene Hackman yelled all their dialogue in the so-cheesy-it’s-awesome disaster flick The Poseidon Adventure. Your kids will recognize Ernest’s voice as Mermaid Man from “SpongeBob SquarePants”. And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is how you stay relevant in Hollywood.

 

With over 200 official credits to his name, Ernest Borgnine proved that the “average guy” had a place in this business. Not everyone needs to be a Rock Hudson or Harrison Ford in order to keep their names on marquees. Just be unforgettable, and there will be a role for you for 60-plus years.

 

We lost a true legend over the weekend. But he left behind quite a legacy and a life well-lived (anyone who was married to Ethel Merman, even if it was only for a month, definitely has mettle!). We’ll miss you, Grandpa Borgnine! R.I.P.

 

 

- Katie Marzullo, YH Staff Editor

katie@younghollywood.com