WWII Vet’s Heart-Wrenching NCIS Performance Earns Emmy Nomination!

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In 2004, Charles Durning made an appearance on NCIS, and he wasn’t new to acting or unfamiliar with the military. As a WWII veteran, Durning had been a familiar face on both big and small screens for quite some time. However, his portrayal of Corporal Earnie Yost on NCIS was unique because it garnered him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, setting it apart from many of his other roles.

Previously, Durning had been recognized in the same category for performances on other shows. He was previously nominated for his roles as Michael Gavin on “Rescue Me” and Thomas Finnegan on “Homicide: Life on the Streets”. Additionally, he received Oscar nominations for his work in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (1982) and “To Be or Not to Be” (1983).

In the thoughts of numerous individuals, Durning is forever etched as a memorable figure for his work on NCIS and the deep emotional resonance he imbued into the character of Yost. Equally personal and impactful, Durning showcased his wide-ranging interests and secured one of the rare Emmy nominations that NCIS has received in more than two decades.

Charles Durning Stormed the Beaches in Normandy and Fought in the Battle of the Bulge

At around 20 or 21 years old, Charles Durning enlisted in the Army and found himself embroiled in World War II shortly thereafter. He was part of the troops who took part in the D-Day invasion on the shores of Normandy on June 6, 1944. In an interview in 2007, Durning shared his account of being among the initial forces storming Omaha Beach.

Constantly, fear gripped us… You weren’t contemplating anything; instead, you were merely praying that the explosion we heard wasn’t going to strike our vessel. Even those who had previously experienced intense battles, they were just as pale as I was. As the second man from my barge, both the first and third man perished… Chaos reigned as people were being targeted all around me. Bodies lay scattered everywhere, but it was uncertain whether they were still alive or not.

During the battle, I witnessed injured soldiers, near death, move forward to create barriers in front of us, sacrificing their own bodies to shield us from enemy fire. Later on, he was wounded by a German mine several days afterwards. Due to a hip injury sustained during this time, he spent six months recuperating before being deployed back into combat.

In the Battle of the Bulge, which took place in 1944, Durning was captured by German troops and managed to survive a selection of prisoners. Prior to this, he was wounded once more during a close-quarters fight with a young German soldier. Interestingly, Durning did not wish to kill the boy, but after the soldier had stabbed him with his bayonet, the future actor retaliated by throwing a rock at him.

While Breaking Into Acting, Charles Durning Tried Singing and Taught Ballroom Dance

During the year 1945, Durning sustained three injuries during the war, leading him to be honored with three Purple Hearts. Additionally, he was recognized with a Silver Star and a Bronze Star, along with the WWII Victory Medal. In the year 2008, France presented him with the National Order of the Legion of Honor as well.

Upon his return to the United States, Durning was released from service and headed back to his hometown, New York. There, he attempted to establish a career as a nightclub singer, but found only limited success. Eventually, he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, but was expelled within a year due to the academy’s assertion that he lacked any discernible talent and couldn’t even purchase a penny’s worth of it, if it were available for sale.

During his high school years, Durning juggled multiple jobs but harbored a secret dream to be an actor. This passion for acting was ignited when he worked as an usher in a burlesque theater. One fateful night, when a comedian failed to show up, Durning stepped in and felt an exhilarating thrill that left him hooked on the art of performing. From there, Durning pursued his acting career, making his debut on stage and appearing in TV roles as early as 1951.

Charles Durning Appeared in More Than 200 TV Shows, Movies, and Plays

Charles Durning initially performed on local stage plays before moving to television, movies, and Broadway performances. In the early 1960s, Durning made his first film appearance as an unnamed soldier in “The Password Is Courage“, a role he reprised many times throughout his extensive career. As Durning’s acting profile expanded, he collaborated with an increasing number of renowned actors such as Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Al Pacino. He featured in both comedic and dramatic productions, eventually becoming one of the most familiar character actors from the 20th century.

By the year 2000, Durning had portrayed numerous characters, and in 2004, he revisited his origins by appearing as a WWII veteran on NCIS. The episode titled “Call of Silence” featured an intense narrative about Corporal Ernie Yost, played by Durning. This episode was particularly cherished by the star of NCIS, Sean Murray (McGee). In “Call of Silence”, the story revolved around a veteran who asserted that he had murdered a comrade during combat six decades prior. During their collaboration, Murray shared his experience of working with Durning.

“Charles was as amazing off-screen as he was on. A complete joy.”

In this captivating role, Durning delved into his character’s battle trauma to uncover the truth about his past, a performance that landed him an Emmy nomination. This was one of his last acting gigs before he passed away in 2012.

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2025-02-09 06:33