Before He Was on TV, Ernest Borgnine Was Getting Down and Dirty in the U.S. Navy!

Ernest Borgnine left an unforgettable mark on Hollywood, building a career that spanned decades across film and television. His most iconic role came in McHale’s Navy (1962–1966), where he played the lovable but mischievous Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale. But long before he became a household name, Borgnine proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

A Childhood That Spanned Two Continents

Born Ermes Effron Borgnino in Hamden, Connecticut, in January 1917, his early years were anything but stable. His parents separated when he was just two years old, and his mother, Anna, took him to Italy. They lived there for nearly five years before returning to the U.S. after his parents reconciled. Upon their return, the family decided to change their surname from “Borgnino” to “Borgnine.”

Serving in World War II

Fresh out of high school in 1935, Borgnine enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Lamberton (DD-119). His time in uniform seemed over when he was honorably discharged in October 1941, but fate had other plans. The attack on Pearl Harbor in December of that year compelled him to re-enlist, this time serving on the USS Sylph (PY-12) along the Atlantic Coast.

Dedicated and disciplined, Borgnine rose to the rank of gunner’s mate first class. His service did not go unnoticed—he earned multiple honors, including the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star, and the American Defense Service Medal with a Fleet Clasp.

From the Military to the Stage

After the war, Borgnine found himself at a crossroads. He returned home to his parents, unsure of what to do next.

“After World War II, we wanted no more part in war. I didn’t even want to be a Boy Scout. I went home and said that I was through with the Navy and so now, what do we do? So I went home to mother, and after a few weeks of patting me on the back and ‘You did good,’ and everything else, one day she said, ‘Well?’ like mothers do. Which meant, ‘All right, you gonna get a job or what?'” he recalled in an interview with the British Film Institute.

Encouraged by his mother, he pursued acting. He trained at the Randall School of Drama in Connecticut and performed at the Barter Theatre in Virginia. His big break came on Broadway with a role in Harvey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

Hollywood Breakthrough and Oscar Glory

Making the leap to Hollywood, Borgnine started out in supporting and villainous roles. That changed in 1955 when he starred in Marty, a film that won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. His performance as a lonely, kind-hearted butcher resonated deeply with audiences, beating out Hollywood heavyweights like James Dean, Frank Sinatra, Spencer Tracy, and James Cagney.

The TV Star Era: McHale’s Navy

While he thrived in movies, Borgnine made a lasting impression on television with McHale’s Navy. The lighthearted World War II sitcom, featuring the antics of a misfit naval crew, was a major success from 1962 to 1966. It even inspired spin-offs and films, solidifying Borgnine’s place in pop culture.

A Career That Never Slowed Down

Borgnine’s talents extended far beyond comedy. In 1969, he delivered a gritty performance as Dutch Engstrom in The Wild Bunch, one of cinema’s most controversial and influential Westerns. He later reached a new generation with his role in the hit series Airwolf (1984–1987), playing Dominic Santini, a seasoned pilot and war veteran.

Even in his later years, he kept working. His roles in BASEketball (1998), All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996), and Red (2010) showcased his versatility. Younger audiences knew him as the voice of Mermaid Man in SpongeBob SquarePants, a role he embraced with humor and enthusiasm.

A Lasting Legacy

On July 8, 2012, Ernest Borgnine passed away at the age of 95 due to kidney failure. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. His legacy, however, remains alive in the countless films, television shows, and characters that continue to entertain audiences today. His journey—from a Navy sailor to an Academy Award-winning actor—stands as a testament to perseverance, talent, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.