Durning appeared in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions throughout his career. He started off as a stage actor and eventually made his way to Hollywood. Charles Durning’s Acting CareerĪfter the war, Charles Durning pursued a career in acting. Durning also participated in the liberation of the Malmedy massacre site, where over 80 American prisoners of war were killed by German troops. He was wounded in action three times and was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in combat. Charles Durning’s War Recordĭurning fought in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the war. In 1944, at the age of 21, Durning enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Europe to fight in World War II. He grew up in poverty and worked odd jobs to support his family. Charles Durning’s Early Life and Military ServiceĬharles Durning was born on February 28, 1923, in Highland Falls, New York. In this blog post, we will explore the heroic war record and film legacy of Charles Durning, from his Silver Star citation to his portrayal of iconic characters on the big screen. However, before he became a renowned actor, he was a decorated World War II veteran who fought in some of the most significant battles of the war. Charles Durning’s Most Memorable Movie RolesĬharles Durning was an American actor who appeared in over 200 films, television shows, and theater productions.Charles Durning’s Early Life and Military Service.For personalizing the heroism of those who risked their lives on the beaches of Normandy and in the liberation of Europe, a Peabody to CBS Reports: D-Day. Through interviews with veterans, viewers experience the invasion and follow the troops from D-Day through the liberation of Paris to V-E Day, 50 years ago today. Norman Schwarzkopf to help viewers discern the thoughts of Eisenhower, Montgomery, and Rommel, and the feelings of troops on both sides of the line. Reporter Dan Rather returns to the scenes of battle with General H. American, French, British, and German eyewitnesses humanize this drama: from crossing the English Channel in a storm at night, to the landing on the beaches of northern France and moving inland against superior forces. The show was well reviewed and received a Peabody award with the following remarks: "In the grand tradition of landmark documentaries for this venerable news institution, CBS Reports: D-Day recounts the story of the greatest military maneuver in modern warfare. General Schwarzkopf told reporters that "he had never set foot on the beaches at Normandy before this assignment, and he was deeply moved." American Ambassador to France Pamela Harriman, daughter-in-law of Winston Churchill, shares her memories of wartime England, for example.” Producer Christopher Martin recalls the extensive research the production team did under Maurice Murad and how Dan Rather was particularly involved in the writing about a topic he was well read about and very interested in. In addition, actors such as Charles Durning, Anthony Hopkins, and Peter Ustinov read the letters and provide the voices of military leaders and soldiers.Īs the Christian Science Monitor reported, “CBS talked to hundreds of people involved in the monumental effort, from soldiers who fought their way to Berlin to journalists who share their experiences of being in the middle of battle. Produced by Maurice Murad and Linda Mason, and written in part by Dan Rather, the show featured extensive archival footage as well as interviews with veterans and sons of military leaders such as John Eisenhower, son of General Dwight Eisenhower Viscount David Montgomery, son of British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery and Manfred Rommel, son of German General Irwin Rommel. In this 50th-anniversary commemoration of D-Day, both men visited the battle sites in Normandy, France. On May 26, 1994, Dan Rather and General Schwarzkopf were reunited for a two-hour special on D-Day, the Allied invasion that helped turned the tide of World War II.
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