Character actor Charles Durning dies

Character actor Charles Durning, who was twice nominated for an Oscar, has died.

He was 89.

Durning died Monday in New York of natural causes, his agent told The Associated Press.

He was perhaps best known for his role as Dustin Hoffman’s suitor in Tootsie, but played a wide variety of parts over his 50-year career.

Durning played a Nazi colonel and a pope, and appeared in The Sting, O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

His work in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, including a song and dance number, earning him an Academy Award nomination as best supporting actor. He was also nominated for To Be Or Not To Be.

Durning won a Tony award for his portrayal of Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 1990.

In 2008, the Screen Actors Guild presented Durning with its life-achievement award.

“There’s nothing more gratifying than having an achievement award from one’s peers,” Durning said at the time.

“Over 50 years ago, I had the honour of working with some of the best actors, directors and writers in our industry. It’s been a dream come true.”

He is survived by his three children, Michele, Douglas and Jeannine.

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