Ernest Borgnine, born Ermes Effron Borgnino on January 24, 1917, in Hamden, Connecticut, was an American film and television actor whose career spanned over six decades. The son of Italian immigrants, Borgnine served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, after which he pursued his interest in acting, embarking on a journey that would lead him to become one of Hollywood's most respected character actors. Borgnine's breakthrough came in 1955 when he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his unforgettable portrayal of a lovelorn butcher in Marty. This role catapulted him into stardom, and he went on to star in more than 200 films, including From Here to Eternity, The Wild Bunch, and The Poseidon Adventure. Despite his tough guy image, Borgnine was capable of great versatility, conveying vulnerability and depth in many of his performances. In addition to his successful film career, Borgnine also made a significant impact on television. He starred as the title character in the popular 1960s series McHale's Navy and later provided the voice of Mermaid Man in the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. His work earned him numerous nominations and awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2011. Ernest Borgnine passed away in July 2012, leaving behind a rich legacy of memorable performances that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.