Veteran character actor Charles Durning died on Christmas Eve at the age of 89. He passed away at his home in New York City of natural causes.
Durning was drafted at age 21 and served in the Army in World War II. He participated in the Normandy Invasion of France on D-Day and was awarded the Silver Star and three Purple Heart medals.
He had a long and varied acting career, playing a myriad characters on stage, in movies, and in television series and specials. For the latter, he earned nine Emmy nominations.
As a TV series regular, he played town doctor Harlan Eldridge on CBS’ Evening Shade, from 1990 until 1994.
He had a recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond as long-suffering parish priest, Father Hubley. Durning also provided the voice for Francis Griffin on FOX’s Family Guy and played the retired firefighter father of Denis Leary, Michael Gavin, on FX’s Rescue Me.
The actor was also a familiar face to viewers of shows like The Cop and the Kid, Orleans, Cybill, The Practice, Now and Again, First Monday, and Everwood.
Durning and his first wife had three children before they divorced in 1972. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Amelio.
He’s survived by his children, Michele, Douglas and Jeannine. The family is planning a private family service. He’ll be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
What do you think? Please share your favorite memories of Durning’s work.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I saw Mr. Durning in many things, but my favorite performance of his was as the PTSD-affected Ernie Yost in the second-season NCIS episode “Call of Silence” (which is also my favorite NCIS episode, largely due to his performance). Rest in peace, Mr. Durning, and thank you for your service to our country.
God Bless you and condolences to the family. I enjoyed everything you were in because you were one of the greatest character actors I ever saw.
Pete