After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, landing at Normandy, and receiving a Purple Heart and Silver Star for valor, Charles Durning worked as half of a ballroom dance act for 11 years. He then became a stage actor, notably as part of the New York Shakespeare Festival where he appeared in 35 plays. Durning’s career breakthrough came when he was cast as the corrupt police lieutenant in “The Sting.” He earned Oscar® nominations for his work in “To Be or Not to Be” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
A prolific TV actor, Durning’s most recent role is co-starring as Denis Leary’s alcoholic father in the hit FX series, “Rescue Me.” He was nominated for Emmy® Awards for his roles in “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom,” “Captains and The Kings,” “Attica,” “Death of a Salesman,” “Evening Shade” and “Homicide: Life on the Street.”
Durning continues to work on stage, winning a Tony Award for his portrayal of Big Daddy in the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
