Slog
News & ArtsSunday, July 8, 2012
Death / Film Ernest Borgnine, Star of The Poseidon Adventure, Dies at 95
Posted by Goldy on Sun, Jul 8, 2012 at 5:51 PM
Yeah, I know he won an Oscar for Marty in 1955, and he was probably best known to audiences for his starring role in the 1962-66 TV sitcom McHale's Navy, but I'll always remember Ernest Borgnine for his portrayal of a crusty cop in the original 1972 version of The Poseidon Adventure, which I'm not ashamed to admit is one of my favorite movies of all time.
Rest in peace, Officer Rogo. May there be a morning after.
1
The Poseidon Adventure instilled in me a mortal fear of big ships. Perhaps not the best movie for a 6-year-old to watch. Never had that babysitter again.
2
He was in every movie I saw as a kid, or so it seemed. He usually died, but I think Poseidon Adventure was one where he beat the odds and was still alive at the end. And of course he was Mermaid Man in Spongebob Squarepants.
5
Nothing is more Airwolf...than Airwolf. Except of course for Mr. Dominic Santini himself. We will miss you Ernest. Thank you for continuing to work and always amazing me you were still alive these last 15 years.
6
@1: we are the same age, and must've had the same babysitter (my older sister, perhaps?).
Oh, the nightmares I've had of the ballroom flip scene...
Oh, the nightmares I've had of the ballroom flip scene...
9
Right there with you on *Poseidon Adventure*. I watch it every Thanksgiving, and he's my favorite.
12
I have to go with McHale's Navy...that was a truly funny show in the brash spirit of mocking the armed services as only those who fought in combat would. Did I mention Tim Conway was in it...which alone would guarantee greatness?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iNOBFk-e…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iNOBFk-e…
13
Between Ernest Borgnine and Shelly Winters, one or the other appeared in every movie made from 1939 to 1989, or so it seemed. Seriously, he must have made at least 200 fillums. Some of them were great. 95 years old, and they were a well-lived 95. What an admirable life.
14
I'll remember him as a laid back, earthy member of the Wild Bunch. And yeah, he made a ton of movies, even very late into his life. Every so often, I'd catch him mentioned in some article and be surprised that he was still alive, but no one lives forever. We can only hope to be a fraction as productive past retirement age as he was.
15
I will always remember Ernest Borgnine on one of the late night talk shows letting it be known that he enjoyed masturbation. He talked about it with such gentle grace and humor.
17
You date yourselves. The younger generation know him from Escape from New York.
I'll always remember him from the Wild Bunch. "I'd like to say a few words for the dear, dead departed. And maybe a few *hymns* would be in order. With a church supper! And a CHOIR!!!"
I'll always remember him from the Wild Bunch. "I'd like to say a few words for the dear, dead departed. And maybe a few *hymns* would be in order. With a church supper! And a CHOIR!!!"
18
@1: Ha! I watched it with a babysitter, too, when I was about 6. Didn't scare me that much, though, and she was my babysitter for years.
As for that Borgnine guy, I almost exclusively remember him for his guest role on the Simpsons.
As for that Borgnine guy, I almost exclusively remember him for his guest role on the Simpsons.
25
now that i think of it.. marty, flight of the phoenix, and poseidon adventure were all remade and none are as good as the originals. not even close.
26
ah fuck..i just shed actual tears. R.I.P Mr. Borgnine. you reminded me very much of my Grandpa, just less Scottish.
27
What a run he had. Or to use my favourite Brit expression, he had a good innings. Not some glitter/glamour boy, just a believable gravelly guy, everything from evil mobster to cartoon buffoon. Impossible to not love him.
30
Such a unique character actor, and a decent fellow from all I hear. All those memorably campy roles.
33
I can't even pick a favorite. He seemed to be in half the movies I've seen all my life. He must have done hundreds of them. RIP.
Advertisement
Most Commented on Slog
-
An I-5 Bridge Over the Skagit River Has Collapsed by Paul Constant
-
Did You Steal Our Unpaid Intern's Camera? by Goldy
-
Usually When I'm Sent a Photoshopped Image of a Gun Pointed At Me... by Dan Savage
-
The Only Thing More Tragic than a Bridge Collapse Would Be a 10 Cent a Gallon Increase in the Gas Tax by Goldy
-
Star Trek Releases Deleted Scene of Benedict Cumberbatch Showering to Counter Claims of Sexism by Cienna Madrid
-
Should I Buy One of These? by Goldy
-
Boy Scouts Lift Ban on Gay Members by Paul Constant
-
SL Letter of the Day: Not A Prude... And Not Just Not That... by Dan Savage
-
Obama Administration Admits the US Has Used Drones to Kill Its Citizens by Brendan Kiley
-
Everything Wrong with Television, in One Handy Chart by Paul Constant
Stranger Personals
The Stranger
RSSSeattle Art & Performance Quarterly
A complete guide to Seattle's current art, film, dance, and theater season.
Facebook
Twitter
Comments (33) RSS