Ernest Borgnine’s Death: Hollywood Remembers the Oscar-Winning Actor

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Ernest Borgnine, who died Sunday in Los Angeles at age 95.

The actor won an Oscar for playing a love-starved butcher in 1955’s Marty and went on to star in films like 1953’s From Here to Eternity and the 1962-66 TV series McHale’s Navy, which earned him an Emmy nomination.

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Borgnine also was one of the original celebrities on game show Hollywood Squares and voiced the role of Mermaid Man in Nickelodeon’s animated series SpongeBob SquarePants.

He became the oldest performer to be nominated for a Golden Globe when he was acknowledged for the 2007 Hallmark Channel movie A Grandpa for Christmas, and in 2009, at age 92, he was nominated for an Emmy for his guest performance in the final season of ER. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from SAG last year.

STORY: Oscar Winner Ernest Borgnine Dies at 95

Borgnine died of renal failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family. After news of his death broke, many in the industry hit Twitter to share their condolences and memories of the legendary actor. Many praised his acting and his kind nature, and others recalled his quip in a 2008 interview where he said that his secret to longevity was: “I masturbate a lot.”

Among the tweets:

Raising Hope creator Greg Garcia
Remember, Ernest says the secret to a long life is in your hands. RIP Mr. Borgnine.          

Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope)
Rest in Peace, Ernest Borgnine. #Marty

Holly Robinson Peete
95…Rest In Peace

Joshua Malina (Scandal)
R.I.P. Ernest Borgnine. Marty!

Greg Grunberg ‏@greggrunberg
R.I.P Ernest Borgnine. #Sad

Dylan McDermott
Ernest Borgnine passed away, played cards with him a few times. Won an oscar 4 “Marty”. Rest in Peace

Robin Leach
Heartfelt condolences to wife Tova on news that Ernest Borgnine Oscar-Winning Actor Dies At Age 95

Chris Cuomo, anchor and chief of ABC News’ legal unit
Ernest Borgnine passed. 95. Intv’d him and was moved by his passion for life and genuine goodness. Rest In Peace.

Writer-producer Ken Levine ‏@KenLevine (Cheers, Frasier)

RIP Ernest Borgnine at 95, who said the secret to long life is masturbating every day. That sure beats eating healthy and taking vitamins.

Kirstie Alley
Ernest Borgnine… You will be missed… I’m blessed to have worked with you…RIP sweet, talented friend

Craig Bierko (The Three Stooges)
Ernest Borgnine RIP

Gary Sinise
God bless Ernest Borgnine. An amazingly strong spirit. R.I.P. Ernie

Casper Van Dien ‏ (Starship Troopers)
One of the greatest Actors I’ve worked with Ernest Borgnine. Thank you for RIP

Joe Mantegna
I cannot express my sorrow at the loss of Ernest Borgnine. He was a true Hollywood icon and a dear friend. My prayers go out to the family.

Frank Conniff (Frank on Mystery Science Theater 3000)
The gentle butcher in “Marty” could also butcher you with bullet holes in “The Wild Bunch.” Rest In Peace, Ernest Borgnine.

LeVar Burton
Rest in Peace… Ernest Borgnine! You were both gracious and full of grace.

Lisa Rinna
Our sweet friend and neighbor Ernest Borgnine may you Rest in Peace!

Dana Delany
Ernest Borgnine. Acting until the age of 95. “Whatta ya want to do tonight Marty?” RIP

Director Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Shaun of the Dead)
“I always found it funny that somewhere there’s a kid playin’ with a little figure of Ernest Borgnine.” … That was from the True Romance screenplay and I was that little kid. I had that Ernest action figure. R.I.P. Mr Borgnine. … “Give ’em hell Pike!”. Farewell Dutch, RIP Mister Borgnine.

Marilu Henner
So sad about Ernest Borgnine. What a great, sweet guy and father. His daughter Nancee is the best. Thnx for so many great yrs&performances!

Cole Stratton, co-founder of the San Francisco Comedy Festival
I saw Ernest Borgnine eating a nacho-cheese covered hot dog at a convention last year. It’s one of my fondest memories. RIP, Marty!

Dave Tango (Syfy’s Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters Academy)
Rest in peace Ernest Borgnine. A very unique, talented, and kind man. You will be missed.