'Tootsie' Star Charles Durning Dies At 89
Actor Charles Durning, who starred in the 1982 film Tootsie died on Christmas Eve in New York. His long time agent Judith Moss confirmed his death at 89, BBC reports.
In Tootsie he played the would-be suitor of Dustin Hoffman's starring character.
Durning received Best Supporting Actor nominations in 1982 and 1984 for roles in To Be or Not to Be and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He also won a Golden Globe in 1991 for Best Supporting Actor in the mini-series The Kennedys of Massachusetts along with a number of other critical accolades throughout the decades.
In 1982's The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds, he played the corrupt governor.
A veteran of World War II, he began his acting career in the '60s at the New York Shakespeare Festival, first gaining notoriety in 1973 playing a bad cop in The Sting alongside Robert Redford.
"I never turned down anything and never argued with any producer or director," he said in 2008.
"Not only was Charlie a World War II hero but he was also a hero to his family," his stepdaughter, Anita Gregory said in a statement. "Charlie loved Christmas and if he could have chosen a time to pass, he would have chosen this day."
Durning will be buried in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
[Source: BBC]
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Other notable Durning movies..."Sisters"; "Dog Day Afternoon"; "The Hudsucker Proxy"; he'll be missed.
I didn't know Mr. C. Durning personaly, but from his movies and watching what was put on T.V. the newspapers ect..He was as follows to me..A great actor. A great actor who knew how to do his job and do it well. I guess it's like a love of doing your job, knowing other people will enjoy sitting and watching a while, esp... when they or he(Mr. Durning) in this case, is one HECK OF AN ACTOR. You will be dearly missed by loved ones, your producer, your close friends, your fellow actors and actress, your fans(Me) and others who may know you by other names (nicknames) ways or just passing by. So, you enjoy your HEAVEN what ever it may be cause we sure think you deserve it for all the years you gave to us to enjoy. It was an honer to get to know you even if it was just a great big fan of yours thru T.V. and your movies. May God help and put his loving arms around his family at this time of their life and thru there sorrow. I'll keep you in my prayers and hang in there, ok.
With My
Deepest Sympathy, Barbara Kell phyco_mom_101@yahoo.com