Before he became and actor, charles Durning, the son of army Officer, Continued in his fathers footsteps with valor and distinction, earning a silver star and purple heart. Durning held down several "joe jobs" -- an iron worker, elevator operator, cabbie, waiter and dance instructor -- untill turning to acting in the late 1950s. Fresh from the national tour of +The Andersonville Trial, Durning began his long association with Joseph Papp in 1962, distinguishing himself in Shakespearean roles.
While his television and film career have continued to be prolific, durning has also continued to earn acclaim for his stage work. In 1990, he won a Tony Award for his performance as Big daddy in the Broadway revival of +Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
