--- name: "Charles Durning" canonical: "https://film.one/person/charles-durning" fi1m_id: "charles-durning" imdb_id: "nm0001164" tmdb_id: 1466 wikidata_id: "Q329784" roles: ["Actor"] born: "28 February 1923" died: "24 December 2012" reviewed_on_fi1m: 10 average_fi1m_score: 78 average_as: "actor" average_over: 10 updated: "2026-09-26T00:31:51.582714+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Charles Durning ## Identity Charles Durning - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/charles-durning - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** charles-durning - **IMDb ID:** nm0001164 - **TMDB ID:** 1466 - **Wikidata ID:** Q329784 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Durning, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q329784, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001164/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1466 Actor. Born 28 February 1923 in Highland Falls, New York, USA. Died 24 December 2012. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 28 February 1923, Highland Falls, New York, USA - **Died:** 24 December 2012 - **Active:** 1971–2004 - **Also known as:** Charles Edward Durning, Charles Durnham, چارلز دارنینگ - **Frequently works with:** [Ethan Coen](https://film.one/person/ethan-coen.md), [Joel Coen](https://film.one/person/joel-coen.md), [Paul Newman](https://film.one/person/paul-newman.md) - **Academy Awards:** 2 Oscar nominations - **Average Fi1m score:** 78, as actor, over 10 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 80 (5), 1980s 70 (2), 1990s 78 (1), 2000s 80 (2) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 80 to 75 across 7 titles - **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 1 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 9 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Comedy 8, Drama 4, Crime 3, Adventure 2, Family 1, Fantasy 1 - **Screen time:** 15 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $629m across 8 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Durning, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q329784, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001164/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1466 ## Streaming the US now - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Tootsie*](https://film.one/film/tootsie.md) (85), [*All in the Family*](https://film.one/tv/all-in-the-family.md) (82) - **Disney+:** [*The Muppet Movie*](https://film.one/film/the-muppet-movie.md) (82) - **The Roku Channel:** [*The Hudsucker Proxy*](https://film.one/film/the-hudsucker-proxy.md) (78) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Charles Durning > Charles Durning gave authority figures the weight to be taken seriously, then let their bluster or uncertainty show. We rate him for making those familiar supporting parts feel human, and for physical comedy lighter than his build suggested. In *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* (2000), Charles Durning's Pappy O'Daniel is thoroughly persuaded of his own importance. We laughed at the governor's bombast because Durning seems so comfortable letting the man be ridiculous. His stocky presence is useful here: the man looks substantial, however foolish he sounds. Durning commits to the bluster without asking us to find it endearing. It is a good use of an actor who could make an authority figure threatening, welcoming or faintly absurd. The crooked Lt. Snyder in *The Sting* (1973) established him in films, and Moretti, the frustrated police negotiator in *Dog Day Afternoon* (1975), showed what he could do with a less comfortable authority figure. Toughness and vulnerability could sit together without either feeling added for effect. In *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas* (1982), the official was singing and dancing, with Durning's light footwork giving the comedy an extra pleasure. These were recognisably related parts, and that familiarity could become a restriction. He was not always given a different sort of man to play. Joel and Ethan Coen found a useful place for that physical confidence in *The Hudsucker Proxy* (1994), casting him as Waring Hudsucker. We like the film for its performances and elaborate sets, though its old Hollywood manners sometimes feel over-rehearsed. Durning fits the scale of the screwball fantasy, where playing a character broadly is hardly a disciplinary offence. The difficulty comes when the film asks us to care about Tim Robbins's innocent. That remains a weakness even with such enjoyable performers around him. The later *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* is the warmer recommendation, with room for Pappy's bluster inside its loose, welcoming comedy. The wandering story leaves some characters short of attention, and George Clooney and the songs remain its chief pleasures. Pappy is the sort of role that might have become routine, but Durning's willingness to be foolish keeps it lively. Follow him with Moretti in *Dog Day Afternoon* for a man in charge who has considerably less reason to feel pleased with himself. ## Biography Charles Durning was an American actor. He appeared in over 200 films, television shows and plays. His notable film roles include Lt. Wm. Snyder in *The Sting* (1973), Moretti in *Dog Day Afternoon* (1975), Les Nichols in *Tootsie* (1982), Chief Brandon in *Dick Tracy* (1990), Pappy O'Daniel in *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* (2000) and Waring Hudsucker in *The Hudsucker Proxy* (1994). He received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas* (1982) and *To Be or Not to Be* (1983). He also earned nine Emmy Award nominations for television work. *Sources: wikiwand.com, imdb.com, nytimes.com.* ## On Fi1m (10) - *Rescue Me* (2004), Fi1m 77, as Michael Gavin — [page](https://film.one/tv/rescue-me.md) - *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* (2000), Fi1m 82, as Pappy O'Daniel — [page](https://film.one/film/o-brother-where-art-thou.md) - *The Hudsucker Proxy* (1994), Fi1m 78, as Waring Hudsucker — [page](https://film.one/film/the-hudsucker-proxy.md) - *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas* (1982), Fi1m 55, as Governor of Texas — [page](https://film.one/film/the-best-little-whorehouse-in-texas.md) - *Tootsie* (1982), Fi1m 85, as Les Nichols — [page](https://film.one/film/tootsie.md) - *The Muppet Movie* (1979), Fi1m 82, as Doc Hopper — [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppet-movie.md) - *Dog Day Afternoon* (1975), Fi1m 90, as Moretti — [page](https://film.one/film/dog-day-afternoon.md) - *The Front Page* (1974), Fi1m 60, as Murphy — [page](https://film.one/film/the-front-page.md) - *The Sting* (1973), Fi1m 85, as Lt. Wm. Snyder — [page](https://film.one/film/the-sting.md) - *All in the Family* (1971), Fi1m 82, as Detective — [page](https://film.one/tv/all-in-the-family.md) ## Complete filmography (200) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Bleeding Hearts* (2015), as Santa Claus - *Scavenger Killers* (2013), as Dylan Frier - *Rogue Assassin* (2012), Actor - *The Life Zone* (2011), as James Wise - *The Great Fight* (2011), as Judge Frier - *Naked Run* (2011), as Congressman Davenport - *An Affirmative Act* (2010), as Man in the White Suit - *The Waiter* (2010), as Frank 'The Handler' Maro - *Three Chris's* (2010), as Kris Kringle - *Break* (2009), as The Wise Man - *Amazing Racer* (2009), as Floyd - *The Golden Boys* (2008), as John Bartlett - *A Bunch of Amateurs* (2008), as Charlie Rosenberg - *Local Color* (2008), as Yammi - *Good Dick* (2008), as Charlie - *iMurders* (2008), as Dr. Seamus St. Martin - *Deal* (2008), as Charlie Adler - *Kinky Killers* (2007), as Alexander Hathaway - *Forget About It* (2006), as Eddie O'Brien - *Desperation* (2006), as Tom Billingsley - *Miracle Dogs Too* (2006), as Captain Pete Weaver - *Descansos* (2006), as Inkeeper #2 - *Jesus, Mary and Joey* (2006), as Teddy - *Unbeatable Harold* (2006), as Harold's Father - *Dirty Deeds* (2005), as Victor Rasdale - *The L.A. Riot Spectacular* (2005), as The Lawyer - *River's End* (2005), as Murray Blythe - *A Very Married Christmas* (2004), as Ozzy Larson - *A Boyfriend for Christmas* (2004), as Santa Claus - *Rescue Me* (2004), series, as Michael Gavin, Tommy's Dad — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/rescue-me.md) - *Death and Texas* (2004), as Marshall Ledger - *The Drum Beats Twice* (2004), as Satan - *NCIS* (2003), series, as Ernie Yost — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/ncis.md) - *Dead Canaries* (2003), Actor - *Mr. St. Nick* (2002), as Nicholas XX - *Everwood* (2002), series, as Eugene Brown - *Mother Ghost* (2002), as George - *Monk* (2002), series, as Hank Johansen - *Turn of Faith* (2002), as Philly Russo - *First Monday* (2002), series, as Henry Hoskins - *Bleacher Bums* (2001), as Scorekeeper - *L.A.P.D.: To Protect And To Serve* (2001), as Stuart Steele - *Citizen Baines* (2001), series, Actor - *The Judge* (2001), as Judge Harlan Radovich - *The Judge* (2001), series, as Judge Harlan Radovich - *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* (2000), as Pappy O'Daniel — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/o-brother-where-art-thou.md) - *State and Main* (2000), as Mayor George Bailey - *The Last Producer* (2000), as Syd Wolf - *Very Mean Men* (2000), as Paddy Mulroney - *Lakeboat* (2000), as Skippy - *Never Look Back* (2000), as Reverend Hale - *Hard Time: Hostage Hotel* (1999), as Det. Charlie Duffy - *Now and Again* (1999), series, as Narrator (voice; uncredited) - *Hard Time: The Premonition* (1999), as Det. Charlie Duffy - *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Francis Griffin (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md) - *Justice* (1999), as Moe Ryan - *Hard Time* (1998), as Det. Charlie Duffy - *A Chance of Snow* (1998), as Earl Pulmer - *Jerry and Tom* (1998), as Vic - *Hi-Life* (1998), as Fatty - *Shelter* (1998), as Capt. Robert Landis - *Amazing Stories: The Movie III* (1998), as Assistant to the Boss - *The Secret Life of Algernon* (1997), as Norbie Hess - *The Practice* (1997), series, as Stephen Donnell - *Orleans* (1997), series, as Frank Vitelli - *Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas* (1996), as Santa Claus - *One Fine Day* (1996), as Lew, Jack's boss - *Mrs. Santa Claus* (1996), as Santa Claus - *The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists* (1996), as Archie (voice) - *The Grass Harp* (1996), as Reverend Buster - *Early Edition* (1996), series, as Judge Steven Romick - *Everybody Loves Raymond* (1996), series, as Father Hubley - *Arli$$* (1996), series, as W.S. Walcott - *Recon* (1996), as Chief - *Spy Hard* (1996), as The Director - *Home for the Holidays* (1995), as Henry Larson - *The Last Supper* (1995), as Reverend Gerald Hutchens - *A Woman of Independent Means* (1995), series, as Andrew Alcott - *Cybill* (1995), series, as A.J. Sheridan - *I.Q.* (1994), as Louis Bamberger - *The American Revolution* (1994), series, as Benjamin Franklin - *The World of Jim Henson* (1994), as Doc Hopper (archive footage) - *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Father Thomas Madden - *Roommates* (1994), as Barney - *The Hudsucker Proxy* (1994), as Waring Hudsucker — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/the-hudsucker-proxy.md) - *The Music of Chance* (1993), as Bill Flower - *When a Stranger Calls Back* (1993), as John Clifford - *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), series, as Thomas Finnegan — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md) - *Tales from Hollywood* (1992), as Charles F. Money - *The Water Engine* (1992), as Tour Guide - *The Story Lady* (1991), as Judge (uncredited) - *The Return of Eliot Ness* (1991), as Roger Finn - *Performance* (1991), series, as Charles F. Money - *V.I. Warshawski* (1991), as Det. Lt. Bobby Mallory - *Project Alien* (1990), as Colonel Clancy - *Evening Shade* (1990), series, as Harlan Elldridge - *Dick Tracy* (1990), as Chief Brandon - *The Kennedys of Massachusetts* (1990), series, as John F. Fitzgerald - *Dinner at Eight* (1989), as Dan Packard - *It Nearly Wasn't Christmas* (1989), as Santa - *The Butter Battle Book* (1989), as Grandfather (voice) - *Prime Target* (1989), as Earl Mulcahaney - *Cat Chaser* (1989), as Jiggs Scully - *Brenda Starr* (1989), as Editor Francis I. Livright - *Etoile* (1989), as Uncle Joshua - *Far North* (1988), as Bertrum - *Unholy Matrimony* (1988), as Reverend Samuel Corey - *Case Closed* (1988), as Les Kabowski - *A Tiger's Tale* (1988), as Charlie Drumm - *Cop* (1988), as Dutch Peltz - *The Gambler: The Legend Continues* (1987), as Senator Henry Colton - *The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains* (1987), as Warden Hardy - *I Would Be Called John: Pope John XXIII* (1987), as Pope John XXIII - *The Rosary Murders* (1987), as Father Ted Nabors - *Happy New Year* (1987), as Charlie - *Solarbabies* (1986), as The Warden - *Tough Guys* (1986), as Deke Yablonski - *Where the River Runs Black* (1986), as Father O'Reilly - *Big Trouble* (1986), as O'Mara - *Amazing Stories* (1985), series, as Assistant to the Boss, Earl - *Tall Tales & Legends* (1985), series, as Uncle Doffue - *The Legend of Sleepy Hollow* (1985), as Uncle Doffue - *Stand Alone* (1985), as Louis Thibadeau - *Death of a Salesman* (1985), as Charley - *The Man with One Red Shoe* (1985), as Ross - *The Comedy Factory* (1985), series, as Harry Deegan - *Stick* (1985), as Chucky - *Eye to Eye* (1985), series, Actor - *Mass Appeal* (1984), as Monsignor Thomas Burke - *P.O.P.* (1984), as P. Oliver Pendergast - *Mister Roberts* (1984), as The Captain - *To Be or Not to Be* (1983), as Col. Erhardt - *Two of a Kind* (1983), as Charlie - *Scarface* (1983), as Immigration Officer (voice) (uncredited) — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/scarface.md) - *Hadley's Rebellion* (1983), as Sam Crawford - *Tootsie* (1982), as Les Nichols — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/tootsie.md) - *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas* (1982), as Governor of Texas — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/the-best-little-whorehouse-in-texas.md) - *The Best Little Special In Texas* (1982), Actor - *The Man Who Married a French Wife and Other Stories* (1982), as McMahon - *Working* (1982), as Retired Man - *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Retired Man, Charles F. Money - *Sharky's Machine* (1981), as Lt. Friscoe - *Dark Night of the Scarecrow* (1981), as Otis P. Hazelrigg - *True Confessions* (1981), as Jack Amsterdam - *The Girls in Their Summer Dresses and Other Stories* (1981), as McMahon - *The Best Little Girl in the World* (1981), as Frank Powell - *Casey Stengel* (1981), as Casey Stengel - *Crisis at Central High* (1981), as Jess Matthews - *A Perfect Match* (1980), as Bill Larson - *Die Laughing* (1980), as Arnold - *Attica* (1980), as Commissioner Russell Oswald - *The Final Countdown* (1980), as Senator Samuel Chapman - *Starting Over* (1979), as Michael "Mickey" Potter - *When a Stranger Calls* (1979), as John Clifford - *North Dallas Forty* (1979), as Coach Johnson - *The Muppet Movie* (1979), as Doc Hopper — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppet-movie.md) - *Tilt* (1979), as Harold 'The Whale' Remmens - *Studs Lonigan* (1979), series, as Paddy Lonigan - *The Greek Tycoon* (1978), as Michael Russell - *An Enemy of the People* (1978), as Peter Stockmann - *The Fury* (1978), as Dr. Jim McKeever - *Special Olympics* (1978), as Carl Gallitzin - *The Choirboys* (1977), as Spermwhale Whalen - *Twilight's Last Gleaming* (1977), as President David T. Stevens - *Captains and the Kings* (1976), series, as Ed Healey - *Harry and Walter Go to New York* (1976), as Rufus T. Crisp - *The Hindenburg* (1975), as Captain Pruss - *The Rivalry* (1975), as Stephen Douglas - *Breakheart Pass* (1975), as Frank O'Brien - *The Cop and the Kid* (1975), series, as Officer Frank Murphy - *Dog Day Afternoon* (1975), as Moretti — Fi1m 90, [page](https://film.one/film/dog-day-afternoon.md) - *Switch* (1975), as Lt. Phil Beckman - *Queen of the Stardust Ballroom* (1975), as Al Green - *The Trial of Chaplain Jensen* (1975), as Budd Rogers - *Baretta* (1975), series, Actor - *The Front Page* (1974), as Murphy — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/the-front-page.md) - *Playhouse* (1974), series, as McMahon - *The Sting* (1973), as Lt. Wm. Snyder — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/the-sting.md) - *Rx for the Defense* (1973), as District Attorney Horn - *Sisters* (1973), as Joseph Larch - *The Connection* (1973), as Frank Devlin - *Deadhead Miles* (1972), as Truck Driver in Cafe - *Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost-Bag Blues* (1972), as Murphy - *Look Homeward, Angel* (1972), as Will Pentland - *Doomsday Voyage* (1972), as Jason's First Mate - *Cannon* (1971), series, Actor - *The Pursuit of Happiness* (1971), as 2nd Guard - *Great Performances* (1971), series, as McMahon - *All in the Family* (1971), series, as Detective — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/all-in-the-family.md) - *I Walk the Line* (1970), as Wylie Hunnicutt - *Hi, Mom!* (1970), as Superintendent - *Sticky My Fingers ... Fleet My Feet* (1970), as Football Player - *Stiletto* (1969), as Cop (uncredited) - *Hawaii Five-O* (1969), series, as Havens - *The High Chaparral* (1967), series, as Hewitt - *Harvey Middleman, Fireman* (1965), as Dooley - *Another World* (1964), series, Actor - *The Password Is Courage* (1962), as American Solider (uncredited) - *The Defenders* (1961), series, as Juror #11 - *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Stephen Douglas, Casey Stengel ## Gallery - ![American actor Charles Durning on May 25, 2008 at the 2008 National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C.](https://film.one/media/person/84330/gallery-5cbd38a0e0e7.jpg) American actor Charles Durning on May 25, 2008 at the 2008 National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. — Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/CharlesDurningMay2008.jpg/1280px-CharlesDurningMay2008.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Charles Durning Actor. 1999 PBS Memorial Day Celebration. (2018)](https://film.one/media/person/84330/gallery-1ef471b80107.jpg) Charles Durning Actor. 1999 PBS Memorial Day Celebration. (2018) — John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Charles_Durning_1999.jpg/1280px-Charles_Durning_1999.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Actor Joe Mantegna introduces World War II hero and Academy Award nominee Charles Durning at the 2008 National Memorial Day Concert on the lawn of the U.S. Capi](https://film.one/media/person/84330/gallery-54bffc65f481.jpg) Actor Joe Mantegna introduces World War II hero and Academy Award nominee Charles Durning at the 2008 National Memorial Day Concert on the lawn of the U.S. Capi — U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Defense.gov_photo_essay_080525-N-0696M-151.jpg/1280px-Defense.gov_photo_essay_080525-N-0696M-151.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Charles Durning](https://film.one/media/person/84330/gallery-ce50f5af2f83.jpg) Charles Durning — Image via TMDB - ![Charles Durning](https://film.one/media/person/84330/gallery-d0d2deae3aac.jpg) Charles Durning — Image via TMDB - ![Charles Durning](https://film.one/media/person/84330/gallery-0eac3a622d89.jpg) Charles Durning — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Academy Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated - 1984: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *To Be or Not to Be* - 1983: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas* ### Other awards — 2 won - Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor 2006: Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor (won) - Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play 1990: Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (won) *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/charles-durning