The much admired character actor Charles Durning has died at the age of 89. Star of films like The Sting, Dog Day Afternoon and Tootsie, he made over 100 films in a 70 year career and was still acting right up to the time of his death, from natural causes.
Durning's was a remarkable story of survival. He was one of just four survivors from a family of nine born in the disease-ravaged New York City slums. He fought in the Second World War, participated in the D-Day landings and received numerous commendations for bravery. At one point he almost died from a bayonet wound. Inspired to act by his love of James Cagney films, he got his big break when he was able to stand in for a drunk comedian, and immedately won audience hearts. An award-winning theatre career followed, and after a string of film bit-parts he went on to wow audiences in The Sting. He never looked back.
A trained dancer and remarkably fast on his feet despite his bulky frame, Durning was also admired for his adaptability and boasted that he had never turned down any role. He was known for his ability to get along with everyone and dedicate himself to producing high quality work. Particularly fond of Christmas, he played Santa Claus four times.
Durning is survived by his choreographer daughter, Jeanine.
