Actor Ernest Borgnine: America 'an Amazing Country'(Good Morning America audience: loud applause)

NewsBusters ^ | August 12, 2008 | Justin McCarthy

[Stoat]

Actor Ernest Borgnine: America 'an Amazing Country'

By Justin McCarthy (Bio | Archive)
August 12, 2008 - 15:37 ET

 

 

Veteran actor Ernest Borgnine, still acting at age 91, does not represent the mainstream ideology of the Hollywood elite, or even a potential first lady named Michelle. Borgnine, unlike most of his fellow Hollywood elitists, believes America is "an amazing country" and that one has to "prove" one is "a good American by being an American."

Appearing on the August 12 edition of "Good Morning America," Borgnine promoted his new autobiography. When given the opportunity, Borgnine, the son of Italian immigrants, offered praise to America.

"It hit me when I was given the Medal of Honor over at the Ellis Island thing, you know, because my parents came over from Italy although I was born here in New Haven, Connecticut. But, you know, I took it upon myself to speak that day about the people that were around me, generals, admirals, police chiefs, everything that you could possibly imagine, all from different parts of the world who have come to this country to make this great country.

And people forget that, you know, people forget that they came from people from the other side, you know. It’s an amazing country. People just don’t realize how wonderful this place is. And they just take it as a lock and ‘oh yes, I deserve this.’ You don’t deserve anything. You’ve got to prove that you’re a good American by being an American. That’s what I feel anyway."

 

The audience followed with loud applause.

—Justin McCarthy is a news analyst at Media Research Center.

[sheik yerbouty]

He was great in “Pay or Die!”

[good old days]

Ernie is class all the way. “Marty” is one of my very favorite movies of all time. God bless you, Ernie!

[beelzepug]

“Bingo! His best role - ever!”

Yes, a real classic. I don’t own many movies but that one is in my collection.

[cyclotic]

There is a retro TV network (sub channel from the new digital antenna box) that plays McHale’s Navy every night at 11pm. I’ve been enjoying it.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

He is also a 33rd degree Master Mason, with membership in Lodge No. 48, Abingdon, Virginia (home of the venerable Barter Theater, where he got his start after distinguished service in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Gunner's Mate).

Ernest Borgnine, 33°, G.C., Receives 50-Year Pin

[MarkL]

I can’t believe that nobody’s mentioned his part in “Baseketball,” the movie by Zucker, Parker, and Stone (from Southpark and Orgasmo). Some really bad taste, but imagine a the minds behind Airplane and Southpark making a movie.

Until you’ve seen Ernest Borgnine sing and dance to Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” you haven’t seen Academy Award level comedy!

Mark

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I look at the cast of that show and lament the fact that all of the talented people there wouldn’t even get a second look by today’s TV/Hollywood casting directors if they were new actors even for bit parts.

[Nowhere Man]

BTW, if you get the Retro Television Network (RTN), they do show “Airwolf” from time to time. I have my converter boxes for HDTV on my sets and our NBC station here in Pittsburgh piggybacks RTN on it’s signal. At 7 PM Saturdays and Sundays, they play Airwolf. So far we saw one old episode and a few of the newer ones. I think different areas might get different shows so if you can get RTN, Airwolf might not be on in your area.

[BlueLancer]

And he was also pretty good in ICE STATION ZEBRA.

[Maverick68]

My parents were stupid hippies. When I was around 7 years old they took me to see “The Devil’s Rain”. Needless to say, I love Mr. Borgnine (after years of therapy)

[NucSubs]

“It hit me when I was given the Medal of Honor over at the Ellis Island thing...”

He was awarded the CMH???

[uvular]

Anyone see him on Fox and Friends this morning? Doocy asked him what his secret was to look so darn good at 91. Ernest said he was afraid to say, then whispered in Doocy's ear, however it could be heard. He said he-m@s%u#b!t$s alot! I thought everyone in the studio was gonna pass out!

Silly me, I figured his wife Tova plopped him in a vat of her lotions at night...

[AppyPappy]

Does he live there?

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

No, but he occasionally shows up for lodge meetings.

[Guenevere]

I like Borgnine, always have, but he embarrassed himself & others with his stage whispered 'pithy' comment about what keeps him young :^

Children watch this.

[Lijahsbubbe]

I like Borgnine, always have, but he embarrassed himself & others with his stage whispered 'pithy' comment about what keeps him young :^

I didn't hear that part. I see there's a thread about it, I'll check it out!

[Lijahsbubbe]

I just watched the video. Ish. Is there anyone left who maintains some class these days?

[MikeD]

I’ll see your “Baseketball” and raise you one “Super Fuzz,” where he was the sidekick to Terrence “They Call Me Trinity” Hill...

[4yearlurker]

Silver rings my ass! Thems washers!!