The Life of Ernest Borgnine McHale's Navy Marty

[@janlovesmany6058]

My dad loved everyone of his shows.. Not until later in my own life "60's" did I realize what is sweet and loving spirit this man had, rest in peace Ernest Borgnine.

[@johnjyoungjr7400]

It is amazing who he was up against when he won his Oscar. Later in his life he and his son drove across the U.S. in a RV going around meeting and greeting everyday people and his son posted it on KZbin. A very humble man.l also seen a KZbin video with him and a few remaining McCales Navy cast members talking about the shenanigans and what a blast they had while filming. Don't forget he did Air Wolfe with Jan Michael Vincent too. (what a fall from grace he had). On a side note as a youngster I sold newspapers in downtown Pittsburgh, l would go on a airport transportation bus prior to it leaving. I sold a newspaper to Carl Ballentine (Gruber from McCales Navy and Vaudeville magician) this was 1976-77, papers were 20 cents and gave me a buck and let me keep the change! I knew who he was even back then and he still looked the same. Everyone have a great day

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well, I give Jan Michael a pass, sometimes people get in trouble with alcohol or drugs, that auto accident didn't help matters much. I still watch the movies he was in and well since I am a helicopter pilot (retired) Air Wolf was a bit over the top but fun to watch.

[@johnjyoungjr7400]

@@GeorgeSemel I agree he was one of my favorite actors. Being a former Marine I loved him in Tribes. And being a guy l loved him in The Mechanic with Bronsen. I just meant you can have all the money in the world if you don't have your health

[@Johnnycdrums]

I love that the Navy gave him the Lone Sailor Award. Obviously a tribute to his portrayal of LCDR Quintin McKale. As an ex-Navy man I can tell you they had the nomenclature absolutely correct on McKale’s Navy, and I’m quite sure he insisted upon it.

[@oldhick9047]

Met him in Eugene Oregon at the Lane County Fare. This was during the filming of "Emperor of the North" in 1973. He invited me and my best friend to come to the location where they were shooting. This was a railroad movie and my buddy and I were model railroaders. He was so very nice to a couple of teenage boys when he didn't have to be. We also met Lee Marvin, Mr. Borgnine's co-star, but that's a different story

[@coryburns9161]

Ernest Borgnine a great guy.

[@coryburns9161]

@@blorac9869 he was talking about Ernest Borgnine he also met Lee Marvin and that's a different story. Lee Marvin is the different story.

[@coryburns9161]

@@blorac9869 what's up no reply after you read my reply you see your comment had nothing to do with mine

[@toniaansaldo8140]

@@coryburns9161 I think you were right. I kinda remember hearing something about Lee Marvin being kinda cranky. Don't know if he really was,or just people's perception based on characters.

[@susanolson3611]

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm from Springfield, I hope they bring back the fair this year!

[@phillipallen3259]

I met Ernie about ten years before he passed. He was the most down to earth guy. He treated me as if we were friends. I was an active duty Marine and we spent more time talking about the military than we did talking about his fame. Great guy!

[@CoolClassics]

😁👍

[@freedomforever6718]

Ernest Borgnine was a real down to earth soul who wore his heart on his sleeve. He was made with honor, integrity and honesty. Truly one in a million.

[@46bovine]

What you have written here is so true. Borgnine was a great person, thanks.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

COOOOL Claaaaasics....I must applaud you on your delivery. You know how to hold a viewer's interest, both verbally and by content. I have ALWAYS been a Ernest Borgnine fan. Such a prolific actor. Most importantly, for me, I thank you for all that great background info. A lot of that I didn't know. Esp. who his competition was for the Academy Award. Very ironic. He was among the heavyweights. At that ceremony he became an acting heavyweight, too.

[@wurlabyscott]

I recognized him once at a truck stop on I-5 in northern California, no one else did, i told everyone who he was and the truck stop went crazy, felt sorry for him, best day of my life.

[@ThumperKJFK]

CC. that was wonderful. I never knew any of this back story. Wow. And yes, he was a great ambassador, He drove that big Eagle Coach Bus all over the United States. That was right up my alley, being a former Bus driver back in the days of Greyhound and Trailways. Thanks again for a peak in the past of great actors.

[@CoolClassics]

Yes! He drove that big thing all over taking tours of places. Bet you have some stories from those bus trips!

[@kechumgreen8893]

check out Ernest Borgnine Bus on youtube to watch those videos of Ernest, his son and others on the bus as he travels and stops in several places and talks with fans.

[@allan9603]

I met Ernie and his son at a truck stop outside of Barstow, California in the summer of 1992. The two were traveling in his RV that his son said they had rebuilt. What a wonderful guy Ernie was, just as polite and friendly as he could be! One thing that surprised me though was that Borgnine is quite a bit shorter than he appeared on TV I thought he was a big burly guy as he appeared in his old movies, but then again I'm 6' 10" so I guess everyone is short to me🤣😂🤪 RIP Ernie.

[@crystalheart9]

Thanks for sharing your story about meeting Ernest Borgnine.

[@fliegeroh]

Nobody ever talks sbout Ernie's role as Ragnar in "The Vikings". That was a classic and I loved it.

[@taratupa73]

He's one of my all-time favorites. He was a great actor, and a nice guy. I so wish I could have met him. Rest In Peace, Mr. Borgnine.

[@DKQ1971]

Loved him as the cab driver in Escape from New York.

[@blackbird5634]

That story about the 'ditch diggers' is telling of the man's true understanding. I feel like I learn something when I watch your videos. Well done.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well, he never lost who he was, a Decade in the Navy as an enlisted man, World War II, a Factory worker. He may not have been all that successful in the marriage department, hell I am 66 now and never even tried to go down that road. He was also like me a Freemason.

[@NewtonWashinton]

Ernest Borgnine One of the Greats, As a young boy I loved McHale's Navy.

[@bradwilliams7683]

Marty is & always will be my favourite Ernest Borgnine movie. Brilliant.

[@randy4768]

I loved him in ICE STATION ZEBRA. One of the best line comes from fight with Jim Brown: Do you want to die like a bull in the ring or a steer in the slaughterhouse, at least the bull has a chance.

[@CoolClassics]

Nice!!

[@alexandercove1194]

Ernest is one of the best actors ...I love his movie, Marty....he is so believable, so real and shows love and respect in all his acting parts...I am sure he was a fine man in real life too!

[@toniaansaldo8140]

@@alexandercove1194 Watch "Convoy". A different kind of part for him,but a great performance. It may help you appreciate how good he really was. Also the only thing I know of where he wears a mustache. It effectively turns him into Lyle Wallace.

[@alexandercove1194]

Quote from the movie Marty... His mom speaking....(it's not verbatim but close) "Marty, you go down there (to the dance hall)..I hear they got some real nice tomatoes!' She had heard that slang term and was trying to convince her wall flower son to go to a dance hall to find a date

[@toniaansaldo8140]

I gotta see that,never heard of it. Much respect for E.B.,but the magic of movies...Ernest Borgnine against Jim Brown? C'mon. Although if he lost the fight in the movie it would be believable...If he won,it wouldn't be.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Borgnine one of my all-time favorites. As for Spencer Tracy, proves he was not only professional but a good guy! No doubt he passed on a lot of subtle skills to "the kid"! Oh, I was born in 1955!

[@hifrommike2120]

My fave performance by him was in The Catered Affair, his follow-up "kitchen sink" drama to Marty. He plays opposite Bette Davis in an uncharacteristic role for her, & the whole thing is wonderful.

[@alexandercove1194]

I'll seek that one out. Thanks

[@Robster543210]

Excellent! He was a man's man.

[@toupac3195]

Convoy and Airwolf were my introduction to Ernie. Then I learned more with age. You still covered things i never knew. I love this channel!!

[@Stax-ht9md]

The movie Marty (directors cut) is absolutely the best movie I have ever watched, and Ernest Borgnine is one of the best himself. Thanks for telling us a little more about Mr. Borgnine!

[@escotthollingsworth6074]

Any movie or tv show, Ernie Borgnine would make it worth more to watch. It was great growing up watching him in the 60s to him as Dominic Santini in the tv show Air Wolf...loved him and Jan Micheal Vincent. Man! If they didn't make that show worth watching. Loved Ernie in everything he did.

[@ronleddy5131]

That's pretty cool, seeing the footage of Ernest Borgnine winning his Academy Award. He looked so humble thanking his parents. Awesome! Thoroughly enjoyed this although it did feel short. Thanks for sharing!

[@lthom5158]

Love these snippets of cinematic history!

[@enchiladasTX]

I have always found him so elegant. Just lovely. Thank you 😊

[@retlasm]

Ernest was always my favorite!

[@loveswayright]

I have loved Ernest Borgnine my whole life. And you did a fantastic job explaining his career and his personality thank you so much.

[@CoolClassics]

😁

[@timmack2415]

I met Ernest Borgnine in 2000 in NYC. He was just such a nice, genuinely friendly guy. We spoke for about 10 minutes and it was speaking to an old friend. He was so down-to-earth, pleasant and just like the guy you'd love to go out and have a beer with.

[@CoolClassics]

Man, so many people have said the same thing. I wish that I could have met him!

[@tonyshort1623]

One of your best stories!!!! So far!!!

[@pilotdawn1661]

Wonderful. After all these years, had never heard this. Thank you so much.

[@CoolClassics]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@pepejuan2924]

Ernest Borgnine has always been one of my very favorites, he was great in Emperor of the north and Jubal with Glen Ford , I was never able to meet him but my nephew did at his house and he sat with him for a picture, a great guy. Thanks for posting 👍

[@josephpecoul6532]

This is a good storytime and I enjoyed it very much. And thanks for caring and sharing.

[@johnbockelie3899]

A bad day at black rock his character was bad ass!!!.

[@josephpecoul6532]

@@johnbockelie3899 i kinda liked his. Character on Escape From New York

[@CoolClassics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CoolClassics]

Yes, Cabbie was cool! Escape from New York also had Lee Van Cleef in it. What a cast!

[@josephpecoul6532]

@@CoolClassics very cool movie indeed

[@aussietaipan8700]

I still love watching Mchales Navy, even my kids love it too. RIP Ernest.

[@oveidasinclair982]

Ernest was one of the greatest actors ever and a truly wonderful human being, my dad was a chief and he remembers the day that the Navy made him an honorary chief, dad loved it.

[@virginiaorganbuilder]

I knew a woman who was at the Barter Theater when he was hired. She said they hired him because, as a big strong man, they knew he could carry scenery! About 10 years ago she wrote him a letter just to say hi, and he called her! She said he was always kind to her. And thanks again for your channel. It is by far the best of its type, and my favorite vehicle for traveling back to my childhood. Keep up the good work!

[@infotime9151]

I really enjoyed this presentation. Ernest was excellent in so many different rolls. He brought tears to my eyes in Marty, I guess many of us related to his roll.

[@annemarieheller8771]

I really love how you are so genuinely fascinated by your subject matter! Your tone of voice is always on the joyful side and you are not mean-spirited at all in your assessments. What a positive breath of fresh air your videos are! Thank you!

[@CoolClassics]

Thank you so much 😊

[@icecol22]

Marty and From Here To Eternity are two of my favorite movies from Hollywood's Golden era.Ernest Borgnine made both of those movies and everything else he did memorable. He's one of my favorite actors.I remember loving Airwolf, the television series in 1984 because of him when I was 14. I watched it every week(CBS).

[@CoolClassics]

👍

[@kl0wnkiller912]

I used to watch McHale's Navy when I was a kid. One of my favorites.

[@toniaansaldo8140]

I was born,and live,in New Haven. I already knew that Ernest Borgnine was a local... But watching this video got me a little choked up,and Goddamned Proud.

[@paddyneill1964]

Bravo Zulu sir. I don’t know if it was my suggestion or more likely a lot of us suggested the topic about the crew of PT73, but you’re the first content creator that put out something that I, and once again others have asked for. I’m only on a 10 min break at work (overtime 😕) and can’t watch it. But I wanted to get this out ASAP. Thank you sir. Peace Love & Groovies 😎 to everyone.

[@CoolClassics]

I am pretty sure that it was you that suggested McHale's Navy Cast, and then when the others posted under your comment, it confirmed the mission 😁

[@paddyneill1964]

Woohoo 🙌 teamwork !!!

[@chisquared100]

What a grand gentleman Mr Borgnine. Thank you for showcasing his service and valiant career. Had no idea. You really reveal depth and breadth of Earnest’s work ethic. He valued everything in life. His mom had a humorous outlook in life. What a great video. Your work is terrific. Thank you.

[@MsDoIIy]

I loved him as mermaid man, his EEEVILLLLLL was iconic. The show won't be the same without him. 💔

[@lawrencelaird2919]

One of the truly Great actors and a good human. Much respect for his service. I grew up watching Mccales Navy. There are few of this generation that will ever come close to his versatility and humanity

[@Rood67]

This was wonderfully done, thank you. The only thing I wish you had mentioned, Dom on Air Wolf. This was the show that was on when I was the age of the boy selling candy bars, and he has stick with me since.

[@CoolClassics]

I wanted to tell his Airwolf story, but this was already my longest video ever. I had to stop lol

[@tomfrazier1103]

Me too, I've seen a few of the classics, but his characters didn't stick with me, like Airwolf. I'm 1/4 Italian, so he reminded me a little of family.

[@carmenmonoxide7459]

You mentioned Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy which made my 21 year old turn around and ask, "Whatcha watching?" "Oh, yeah. You told me about those guys before." I'm impressed our little talk was remembered after so many years!

[@mnhoss2100]

He was on airwolf too. Great actor

[@pamelamays4186]

I thought it was cool that Borgnine and Conway were reunited on Spongebob Squarepants as Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy.

[@l.a.gothro3999]

My favorite episodes were the ones with MM and BB.

[@crystalheart9]

Awwwww, this was just a great collection of stories about Ernest Borgnine and what a great actor and man he was. I remember seeing the movie Marty on tv when I was jus a kid and it was so sad it had me crying. I can't remember the ending but I think even the ending was sad.

[@osopolar2022]

You do such a fantastic job with these videos! They bring back so many memories when I was a child. Thank you.

[@sharonbullard3452]

I love this guy, and I loved McHale‘s Navy. He was a great actor and I enjoyed a lot of the movies he was in. What a great role model. 👏👏👏👏👏❤️👍😁

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@ApacheTim]

He expressed both the "tough guy" and his gentle side when he portrayed the centurion in "Jesus of Nazareth."

[@texan-american200]

I remembered hearing that he badly wanted to play the Pope in the movie, "The Shoes of the Fisherman" that was taken by Anthony Quinn.

[@ApacheTim]

@@toupac3195 No, he played the Roman Centurion whose servant Jesus healed.

[@rozferrell1838]

I am so glad I found your channel I am an old tv show old movie fan. Your voice is so relaxing and you are so informative and I can feel the love

[@nancys2212]

I loved him in the movie "Red" with an all star cast. Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Brian Cox, etc. He played the "Caretaker" part beautifully, as he did all his acting parts in all the different mediums. His loss made an impact on Hollywood. Such a GREAT father and humanitarian, FOR SURE! Rest in peace Ernie.

[@JPriz416]

I found your channel today and your video about Ernest Borgnine was great. I was a big fan of his and I think Marty was one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. Thanks for the great video.

[@CoolClassics]

Cool, thank you! :)

[@bevoburn]

Wow thanks for the video. Ernest Borgnine is a legend. He really loved his craft and appreciated his fans.

[@joetrimble7953]

You are as amazing as the Stars you cover in your videos. Thanks for the quality videos.

[@CoolClassics]

Wow, thank you!

[@dogratco]

My mother was with Ernie, as she always called Borgnine, during his stint with the Barter Theatre. Barter is a traveling troupe of actors, and Ernie drove the bus. Borgnine enjoyed it so much, he owned buses for his own use throughout his life. Another member of the Barter troupe at that time was John Vivyan, who attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with Mom. Ten years later, Vivyan starred in the Blake Edwards TV series, "Mr. Lucky." Grace Kelly arrived at the Academy when Mom and John were finishing there.

[@kregchapman6981]

This was an amazing video! thank you very much for putting it together. I never knew Ernest was in the Navy before acting. Its really nice to know that he was not arrogant and appreciated his fans and success.

[@TexasArmyVet]

Thankyou fot doing this! He was one of those guys that you just hated cause he played a bad guy alot but its good to know how awesome he was as a real person

[@ronbooiman7906]

What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing.

[@jmax3245]

Marty is a brilliant RARE sensitive film about a man's feelings and hurt , Borgnine was heart breaking , a real genius every man , but very special as well ..always loved him in everything ...

[@1927su]

Nice video! It’s always neat to hear about someone who is humble & appreciative of what they have .

[@trudigoodman4825]

I love him in Marty. He was just so good in whatever he did. Makes me proud to be an actor when I hear about actors who have courage and humility. I watched McHale's Navy with my Dad as a kid. He love it. He knew who most of the actors were. He had a brother who was in Vaudeville. Carl Ballantine who was so good in that was in Vaudeville.

[@sherrytruitt1028]

A great actor. I am proud to know he served this country! Loved that sweet sweet smile! His wife, when on TV, would tell fun stories.

[@savageman7047]

Love your videos, informative & right 2 the point. Never have to fast forward🤓

[@susanolson3611]

I enjoyed every minute of this video! Thanks 🙂

[@sourpatchkid394]

Ernest Borgnine has a good story. I’ve heard it before but I love it. He was a character. I love that he was in sponge bob

[@boathousejoed9005]

Really enjoyed this one!

[@ana419]

You're so cool! ♡ Thank you for all this! ☆☆☆☆☆

[@InfamousGUNN]

Always loved this man Great job!

[@miketackabery7521]

I met Ernest Borgnine once in an airport restaurant. He was happy to meet me, and he was bigger than life. Just a loud friendly personality. He was perfect in Marty. The big guns split the vote that year and he squeaked by for the Academy Award. That was when it really meant something.

[@arlettebeauchamps]

I met him while singing at the governor's mansion in Montgomery, Alabama. SO friendly and warm. He said to me, "You're good kid...just stick to it and don't get out." I'm a big fan.

[@CoolClassics]

That is awesome!

[@mrsbluesky8415]

He was a lovable guy and I always liked McCale’s Navy. Really, I liked everything he was in because he had that quality. Rest In Peace Ernest Borgnine.

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@Dave-ru3tt]

Thanks so much for producing these very entertaining and informative videos- I’ve been watching dozens of them over the past weeks- you do a really great job- don’t stop!😉

[@CoolClassics]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JosephGauthier]

Another great video, of a great actor. Thanks for the good content

[@whatthehellol1610]

I seen him at the Walmart in Devils Lake N.D. in 1992.

[@patrickkobolt3069]

I really enjoyed this. I didn't know much about Ernest Borgnine before I watched it. My opinion of E.B. and Michael Landon really went up.

[@tomjones2348]

I just stumbled upon your presentation, and I'm stunned. Wonderful writing and narration. This actually gave be goose pimples. Yes, I grew up in the 60s, and am very familiar with everything EB.

[@CoolClassics]

Wow, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! I knew when I made it, that most of the subscribers would skip watching it, but I also knew some would really enjoy it. I had been wanting to make one on Ernest for a while. It was an undertaking because of all of his accomplishments. :)

[@theknifedude1881]

That was bitchin! I used to watch McHale’s Navy when I was a kid. Thanks for the video. I was also in the Navy, was a SCUBA diver and got to be on a PT boat for some of our dive trips. None of the skippers of the PT’s I was on were quite as much fun as McHale though.

[@jeffreytinacanine5026]

He was awesome in The Wild Bunch as well, ran into him in Houghton Lake during the filming Frozen Stupid while there for a fishing tourney. I was HAMMERED and he was the nicest guy ever, even with drunk guys asking him questions.

[@boostergold9160]

When I saw Ernest Borgnine was cast in Gattaca, I knew I was in for a treat.

[@warrenbosch3581]

Great prestntation! Thank you for putting this together.

[@CoolClassics]

My pleasure!

[@BdyUndrRecnstrctn]

I really enjoy your KZbin Channel! Thus far I've viewed about 10 videos. THIS by far is my favorite! Golden nuggets from this video are... 1) The story about the kid who sold Mr. Borgnine candy and influenced him to re-consider the medium of television. 2) The grateful attitude he had comparing his livelihood to those who were digging a ditch. And most of all 3) Mr. Borgnine's staring role as "Jonathan" on the "Little House on the Prairie" Episode, "Man in the Mountain". I've only seen the episode ONCE as a child, yet I remember it to this day. I even remember the name of the character Mr. Borgnine played. Your hard work in creating these videos is very much appreciated!

[@stevecoleman2250]

No mention of him coming to Australia in 1959 to play in the film version of “Summer of the 17th Doll”. Tried very hard to do an Aussie accent. Loved him in “The Wild Bunch”, one of the best westerns ever made.

[@rubygirl214]

I’m really close friends with his son Cris. 😊 we grew up together and are still friends 40 years later! Loved this!

[@rcre7052]

I was lucky enough to know him and actually call him a friend... Everybody knew who he was it didn't matter how old you were.. I remember one time he was driving and he went by a VA hospital at that point he decided to stop when he got to the gate they knew exactly who he was... He went around the hospital talking with everybody bringing his usual joy and cheer to everybody...

[@fredderf3152]

I think it is wonderful that for EB playing really bad guys... he was a good human being.

[@susiebeauchaine9393]

This was excellent 👍. I learned alot 🙂

[@julietrudgeon3433]

I sat next to him on a plane when I was 7. He was shocked that I knew who he was. What a lovely man!

[@CoolClassics]

💜

[@raywood8187]

I met him when I was 13 at the Portland International airport around 1973. He was standing about 30 feet away looked like he was waiting for someone and I thought I recognized him. I was nervous about talking to him but he looked at me and grinned like he was expecting me to come over and say hi. I did go over and ask him if he was really Ernest Borgnine and he laughed and said yes I am son, do you want an autograph? I told him yes and that I loved him in McHale's Navy! He impressed me as just a warm person who loved people.

[@pamelamays4186]

In McHale's Navy when the setting switched from the Pacific theater to Italy, in one episode Borgnine did double duty as "Skip" and his lookalike Italian cousin.

[@jeffwalther3935]

Our hero and McHale's Navy are one of my most cherished childhood memories. Before and since I'd never laughed so hard and so long with our hometown crew of PT 73. But understand, the navy experience E.B. had ALLOWED him to play as realistically as he did which made an unbelievable comedic plotline FIT like no other show like it, e.g., the 2 officers, McHale and Parker were the quintessential pairing of a seadog commander with THE most naive butterball ensign ever assigned to a battle-tested, crack PT crew. To see Borgnine, silently suffer, (because of his frustration and inward despair he COULD not reveal, like all such officers suffer but don't talk about) the trainwrex these guys ALWAYS managed to get into in a world gone WW2 crazy. TV never appealed to me as much after McHale's Navy was over, but I think I got it at it's pure best with my beloved crew and it's special "Skipper" of PT 73.

[@rhondawebb3469]

Yes one of the greats. Fantastic info about winning the Oscar over Spencer Tracey and all. Wonderful detail that you share. It’s clear you put in plenty of effort. Much appreciated !

[@MRBUCKY12345]

I appreciate your hard work

[@sagbrady8414]

I follow you..this & James Garner were my favorite..

[@29madmangaud29]

Yeah, I remember him most from McHale's Navy also,,,,,, but I also remember some of those "BIG MOVIES" he had been in over the many many years!

[@CoolClassics]

What is funny is, that I could have only named McHale's Navy and Escape From New York off the top of my head. But once I looked him up I was like OMG I remember Poseidon Adventure! I ended up watching The Mob and A Bad Day at Blackrock while researching him. Marty and From Here to Eternity are on my ever growing list of future watches :)

[@29madmangaud29]

@@CoolClassics I as so many others, really enjoy your work, please don't stop!

[@susanlindsay7970]

I saw him in a practical joke his wife had played on him. Wow, I was impressed, very kind, giving up his prized golf clubs thinking it had something to do with homeland security. Very sweet and kind to his wife when he found out it was a joke. Very genuine.

[@paulvassallo3317]

Love your work mate, that was great. Keep it up please! P