Charles Durning
Birth Place: Highland Falls, NY, USA
Tony-Nominated Actress Marcia Rodd Passes Away at 87 (Jan 7, 2026)
Video: Kelly Clarkson Sings Cover of Stephen Sondheim's 'Sooner or Later' From DICK TRACY (Oct 31, 2025)
From Broadway to DOWNTON ABBEY: A Look at Paul Giamatti's Stage Career (Aug 29, 2025)
BIO
Charles Durning was an American actor with a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater. Born in Highland Falls, New York in 1923, Durning grew up in poverty and struggled with his weight throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in the D-Day invasion and earning a Silver Star for his bravery.
After the war, Durning studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and began his career in regional theater. He made his Broadway debut in 1964 in the play "The Devils," and went on to appear in a number of other Broadway productions, including "Inherit the Wind," "That Championship Season," and "The Best Man."
Durning was known for his versatility as an actor, and was equally at home in comedic and dramatic roles. He appeared in over 200 films and television shows, including "The Sting," "Tootsie," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" He received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, for his roles in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "To Be or Not to Be."
In addition to his work in film and television, Durning continued to perform on stage throughout his career. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the 1990 revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," and appeared in numerous other Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
Durning was also a talented singer, and released several albums of popular standards throughout his career. He performed with a number of big bands, including Benny Goodman's orchestra, and was a regular guest on "The Merv Griffin Show."
Durning was widely respected in the entertainment industry for his talent and his professionalism. He was known for his generosity and his sense of humor, and was beloved by his colleagues and fans alike.
Durning continued to work in film and television well into his eighties, and his last on-screen appearance was in the 2012 film "Scavenger Killers." He passed away on December 24, 2012, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances and a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1965 ] Dooley
[ 1970 ] Hunnicutt
[ 1971 ] 2nd Guard
[ 1972 ] Joseph Larch
[ 1972 ] Murphy
[ 1972 ] Truck Driver in Cafe
[ 1973 ] Lt. Wm. Snyder
[ 1974 ] Murphy
[ 1975 ] Captain Max Pruss
[ 1975 ] Moretti
[ 1975 ] O Brien
[ 1976 ] Rufus T. Crisp
[ 1977 ] President David T. Stevens
[ 1977 ] Spermwhale Whalen
[ 1978 ] Dr. Jim McKeever
[ 1978 ] Michael Russell
[ 1978 ] Peter Stockmann
[ 1979 ] Coach Johnson
[ 1979 ] Doc Hopper
[ 1979 ] HaroldThe WhaleRemmens
[ 1979 ] John Clifford
[ 1979 ] Michael Mickey Potter
[ 1980 ] Arnold
[ 1980 ] Sen. Samuel Chapman
[ 1981 ] Friscoe
[ 1981 ] Jack Amsterdam
[ 1982 ] Governor
[ 1982 ] Les Nichols
[ 1983 ] Charlie
[ 1983 ] Col. Erhardt
[ 1983 ] Sam Crawford
[ 1984 ] Monsignor Thom Burke
[ 1985 ] Chucky
[ 1985 ] Louis Thibadeau
[ 1985 ] Ross
[ 1986 ] Deke Yablonski
[ 1986 ] Father O Reilly
[ 1986 ] O Mara
[ 1986 ] The Warden
[ 1987 ] Charlie
[ 1987 ] Charlie
[ 1987 ] Father Ted Nabors
[ 1988 ] Bertrum
[ 1988 ] Dutch Peltz
[ 1989 ] Editor Francis I. Livright
[ 1989 ] Jiggs Scully
[ 1989 ] Zio Joshua
[ 1990 ] Chief Brandon
[ 1990 ] Colonel Clancy
[ 1991 ] Lt. Mallory
[ 1993 ] Bill Flower
[ 1994 ] Louis Bamberger
[ 1994 ] Waring Hudsucker
[ 1995 ] Henry Larson
[ 1995 ] Rev. Buster
[ 1995 ] Rev. Gerald Hutchens
[ 1996 ] Lew
[ 1996 ] The Director
[ 1998 ] Captain Robert Landis
[ 1998 ] Fatty
[ 1998 ] Norbie Hess
[ 1998 ] Vic
[ 2000 ] Mayor George Bailey
[ 2000 ] Paddy Mulroney
[ 2000 ] Pappy O Daniel
[ 2000 ] Rev. Hale
[ 2000 ] Skippy
[ 2000 ] Syd Wolf
[ 2001 ] Stuart Steele
[ 2002 ] Dylan Frier
[ 2002 ] George
[ 2002 ] Philly Russo
[ 2003 ] Jimmy Kerrigan
[ 2004 ] Marshall Ledger
[ 2004 ] Mr. Orlick
[ 2005 ] Frank McNally
[ 2005 ] Murray Blythe
[ 2005 ] Teddy the Bartender
[ 2005 ] The Lawyer
[ 2005 ] Victor Rdale
[ 2006 ] Eddie O Brien
[ 2006 ] Harold's Father
[ 2006 ] Inkeeper #2
[ 2006 ] Yammi
[ 2007 ] Alexander Hathaway
[ 2008 ] Charlie
[ 2008 ] Charlie Adler
[ 2008 ] Charlie Rosenberg
[ 2008 ] Dr. Seamus St. Martin
[ 2008 ] John Bartlett
[ 2008 ] Satan
[ 2008 ] The Wise Man
[ 2009 ] Floyd
[ 2010 ] FrankThe HandlerMaro
[ 2010 ] Kris Kringle
[ 2010 ] Man in the White Suit
[ 2011 ] Congressman Davenport
[ 2011 ] James Wise
[ 2011 ] Judge Frier
[ 2012 ] Frank Maro
[ 2014 ] Dylan Frier
[ 2015 ] Santa Claus
TV Shows
Earl, Assistant to the Boss
Judge Steven Romick, Psychiatrist
Dr. Harlan Elldridge
Father Hubley
Francis Griffin
Narrator
Michael Gavin, Tommy's Dad
Officer Frank Murphy
Stephen Donnell
Awards and Nominations
winner
Charles Durning, Third
Charles Durning , The Best Man
winner
Charles Durning, The Gin Game
winner
Charles Durning, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Charles Durning , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Charles DurningCat on a Hot Tin Roof
Charles During, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
winner
Charles Durning , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
winner
Charles Durning, That Championship Season
Videos
Video: Kelly Clarkson Sings Cover of Stephen Sondheim's 'Sooner or Later' From DICK TRACY
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-31 17:54:57
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsal for David Rabe's IN THE BOOM BOOM ROOM Off-Broadway
by BWW News Desk - 2017-04-13 13:40:58
STAGE TUBE: Rick McKay Releases Unseen Footage from Acclaimed Documentary GREENWICH VILLAGE: A WORLD APART
by A.A. Cristi - 2016-11-04 20:21:08
TV: Matt Rodrigues Inside The Actor's Fund's West Coast Tony Party Honoring Hal Holbrook!
by Jessica Lewis - 2011-06-14 14:08:04
TV: Matt Rodrigues Goes Inside the Tony Awards West Coast Party!
by Robert Diamond - 2010-06-15 11:14:51
News
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 7, 2026
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony Award-nominee Marcia Rodd, who originated the role of Bobbi in Neil Simon's Last of the Red Hot Lovers, passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 87.
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 31, 2025
For a special edition of Halloween Kellyoke on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the performer took the stage for a rendition of Stephen Sondheim's 'Sooner or Later.'
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 29, 2025
A graduate of Yale College and Yale School of Drama, Paul Giamatti is no stranger to the stage. Ahead of his role in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, we are taking a look back at the Oscar nominee's Broadway and theater roles over the years.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 6, 2025
Westport Country Playhouse’s classic film series will present the Oscar-winning movie, “The Sting,” starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Josh Sharpe - May 21, 2025
A retrospective of the short but extraordinary movie career of actor John Cazale, whose five films–THE GODFATHER, THE GODFATHER PART II, THE CONVERSATION, THE DEER HUNTER, DOG DAY AFTERNOON–were all Oscar Best Picture winners or nominees, will run at Film Forum from Friday, June 13 to Thursday, June 19.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 8, 2025
Dominic Chianese from 'The Sopranos' will appear for one night only at the Town Hall. The evening will be directed by Will Nunziata. Learn more about the event here!
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 20, 2024
With Christmas right around the corner, get into the holiday spirit with Mrs. Santa Claus, the forgotten Jerry Herman musical starring Angela Lansbury.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 22, 2024
Brooklyn’s Brave New World Repertory Theatre will host a special program, An Evening with Austin Pendleton, featuring an intimate Q & A with Pendleton, the legendary actor, director, playwright, and esteemed acting teacher (50 years at HB Studio).
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2023
Join in for a concert staging of the new comedy with music 'A Milonga for Gabriel Issacs' on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. Written by John McCaffrey and Mark Singer, directed by Paul Lincoln, and featuring music by The Oscar Feldman Trio and live tango by Sandra Antognazzi. Tickets available online.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 5, 2023
White Heron Theatre Company of Nantucket will open it's first production of the 2023 summer season, Blithe Spirit, by Noël Coward (Present Laughter, Private Lives) and directed by Skip Greer. Greer returns to Nantucket after directing 2017's Outside Mullingar for White Heron.
by Pati Buehler - Jun 7, 2023
Who is this diversely interesting, talented actor? You may/may not be as familiar with his name, but I guarantee you've seen him on TV so often that you'd know him anywhere.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 5, 2023
Producer Laura Elrick is thrilled to announce that acclaimed Meisner Teacher and Director Steven Ditmyer will be directing Al Tapper's Bettinger's Luggage, scheduled to open September 19th, 2023 at AMT Theater.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 13, 2023
'Who Murdered Love?' by Lissa Moira and Richard West is a Dadaist musical comedy set in 1924 New York City and in a Paris dreamscape. Its story follows WWI veteran and private eye 'Sleepy' Sam Speed, his girl, Gail Friday and his junior detective, Everett Greene, as they attempt to unravel the disappearance and possible murder of DaDa Love at the behest of their client, a stunning heiress named Honey Potts.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 5, 2023
Who Murdered Love? will be presented by Theater for the New City February 2 to 19, 2023. See how to purchase tickets, who is starring in the cast and more!
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 23, 2022
AMT Theater, New York's newest Off Broadway house, announces the first in a series of New Play Readings.
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Dec 6, 2022
While it is not a regular occurrence to add a show mid-season, new producing artistic director Helen Murray wanted to do something fresh for the holidays. She and Jason Lott co-adapted the familiar story. Helen is directing what has been described as 'a stripped-down, raw, and emotional look at George Bailey's life.'
by Rakaputra Paputungan - Dec 4, 2022
New York-based Passport to Broadway returns with another program for Indonesian performers aspiring to be the next Broadway star. Passport to Broadway has previously worked with Indonesian students by providing various training programs, workshops, and information sessions in performing arts.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2022
Rhode Island Stage Ensemble has announced THE GIN GAME, a one-weekend engagement co-starring Maureen Noel and Steve Taschereau.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 14, 2022
The Actors Studio will host a 75th Anniversary benefit screening of the Academy Award-winning film Dog Day Afternoon, followed by a live interview with the film’s star and The Actors Studio co-president Al Pacino. The Gala event will take place Thursday, October 27 at 7PM, the United Palace.
by Harker Jones - May 2, 2022
Read our critic's review. TOOTSIE is a contemporary take on an old trope: a man unconvincingly passes himself off as a woman, everyone in his world buys it, and hilarity tries to ensue. It's been done countless times, going back past Shakespeare to the ancient Greeks. That doesn't mean it always works, however, and TOOTSIE is a mixed bag.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Charles Durning has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.
Charles Durning has not appeared in the West End
Charles Durning has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actor in The Lortels for the play "Third". He also received a nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his performance in "The Best Man". Durning was recognized with the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for his role in "The Gin Game". Additionally, he received a nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor - Play from the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Durning was nominated for Best Actor - Play by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his role in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" as well. He also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for his performance in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Lastly, Durning was recognized with the Outstanding Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for his role in "That Championship Season".
Charles Durning has won several awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Featured Actor award at The Lortels for his performance in "Third." He also received the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for his role in "The Gin Game." In addition, Durning won the Outstanding Featured Actor - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." He was also honored with the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for his role in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Lastly, Durning received the Outstanding Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in "That Championship Season."
Videos