In the wake of the Marty Piletti depicter's passing, Flea, Kirstie Alley, Dylan McDermott and Marlee Matlin take to Twitter to remember the late actor.
- Jul 9, 2012
AceShowbiz - Ernest Borgnine, who was best known for his role as a hard-working, yet socially awkward butcher named Marty in an award-winning movie of the same name, has passed away on Sunday afternoon, July 8 due to kidney failure. He was 95.
"It's a very sad day," his manager Lynda Bensky said. "The industry has lost someone great, the caliber of which we will never see again. A true icon. But more importantly, the world has lost a sage and loving man who taught us all how to 'grow young.' His infectious smile and chuckle made the world a happier place."
Borgnine died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles surrounded by his family. The former member of U.S. Navy is survived by his fifth wife Tova Traesnaes, and his children Christofer, Nancee and Sharon Borgnine, a stepson David Johnson, six grandchildren, and his sister Evelyn Verlardi.
Fellow celebrities were quick to send condolence upon hearing about the sad news. "Wow he was so great in the wild bunch," Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers tweeted. Actress Kirstie Alley wrote, "Ernest Borgnine... You will be missed... I'm blessed to have worked with you...RIP sweet, talented friend."
Dylan McDermott mourned the late actor, "Ernest Borgnine passed away, played cards with him a few times. Won an oscar 4 'Marty'. Rest in Peace." Another friend Marlee Matlin posted, "So sad to read about passing of Ernest Borgnine. We spoke recently at Paramount's 100th anniversary photo. A true legend & a gentleman. RIP."
Borgnine is the son of Italian immigrants and the grandson of Count Paolo Boselli, who shared his abundant financial wisdom with King Victor Emmanuel of Italy. He served in the Navy until 1945 before pursuing an acting career.
He starred in a number of big- and small-screen projects including 1960's series "McHale's Navy" as Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale and famous children series "SpongeBob SquarePants" as the Mermaid Man. He made it big through his movie "Marty".
He won Best Actor at 1955 Academy Award for his portrayal as Marty. The movie itself was hailed Best Picture by the Academys and grabbed the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It's the second film, after 1945's "The Lost Weekend", to win grand prizes at both of the prestigious events.
