Charles Durning, king of character actors, dies in NYC

Associated Press via TBO.com ^ | December 25, 2012 | BOB THOMAS, Associated Press

[Lancey Howard]

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Charles Durning, the two-time Oscar nominee who was dubbed the king of the character actors for his skill in playing everything from a Nazi colonel to the pope, died Monday at his home in New York City. He was 89.

Durning's longtime agent and friend, Judith Moss, told The Associated Press that he died Monday of natural causes in his home in the borough of Manhattan.

Although he portrayed everyone from blustery public officials to comic foils to put-upon everymen, Durning may be best remembered by movie audiences for his Oscar-nominated, over-the-top role as a comically corrupt governor in 1982's "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."

Many critics marveled that such a heavyset man could be so nimble in the film's show-stopping song-and-dance number, not realizing Durning had been a dance instructor early in his career.

[Doogle]

...his purple heart awards does list bayonet at the Bulge

[bgill]

Oh, his “Sidestep” was hilarious. He and Klugman will be sorely missed.

[Chode]

Prayer up... RIP

[TWhiteBear]

‘Do you think people see the difference between Private First Class Durning and our next secretary of state Lieutenant John F. Kerry? Sadly, I'd say not.’
Mr. Durning was a class act. Mr. Kerry is a crass phoney.
I hope some cable channel will do a few days of showing his great movies. And ‘Sidestep’ came to my mind at once.
Rest in Peace.
Well Done, Durning. Welcome Home.
TWB

[fieldmarshaldj]

Great actor and a great man, too. RIP.