Actors Jack Klugman and Charles Durning Die on Christmas Eve
On Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, the world lost two amazing actors, Jack Klugman and Charles Durning.
What The Two Men Had In Common
Fans lost Klugman at 90 in Los Angeles and Durning at 89 in NYC.
Both men lived many years, they both were talented men with much in common, one of them being that they died on the same day, close to the same age.
As far as we know, neither worked with each other.
Both actors were in multiple films and television shows, and neither were considered handsome men, but rather, they were cast as character actors who protrayed such roles handsomely!
According to Little Rock Headlines Examiner Greg Geary, Jack Klugman died in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve 2012.
 Jack Klugman in 2005 Photo: Phil Konstantin, Public Domain, Wikipedia |
Their Awards
Klugman was an Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner who had the starring role of Dr. Quincy in "Quincy, M.E.," and he played Oscar Madison, opposite Tony Randall, in "The Odd Couple."
Klugman's last on-screen role, according to Wikipedia, was in the 2010 horror film "Camera Obscura."
Holistic Health Examiner Diana Duel wrote that Charles Durning was one of the most successful actors in film, stage and television. This 40 year veteran played a variety of roles.
Military Service
Not only was Durning an amazing actor, Wikipedia tells us that he also served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Durning was drafted at 21 and first assigned as a rifleman with the 398th Infantry Regiment. He later served overseas with the 3rd Army Support troops and the 386th Anti-aircraft Artillery (AAA) Battalion.
For his valor and the wounds he received during the war, Durning was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Heart medals. Additional awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
 Charles Durning in 2008 Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Military |
For his valor and the wounds he received during the war, Durning was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Heart medals. Additional awards include the World War II Victory Medal.
In other words, Charles Durning was a war hero!
Their Honors
In April 2008, Durning received the National Order of the Legion of Honor from the French consul in Los Angeles, awarded to those who served with distinction in France. During the ceremony, Durning spoke about his wartime experiences.
Charles Durning, as an actor, was honored, again in 2008, with the Life Achievement Award at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award Ceremony. That same year he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next to that of one of his idols, James Cagney.
Our Condolences
The world enjoyed the many talents of these two men and will miss them. However, thanks to video technology, fans can enjoy them in films and TV shows forever!
Condolences go to the family, friends and fans of Jack Klugman and Charles Durning.
Deborah Smith Ford is a TV and film actress, celebrity lookalike, writer and author. Read more stories by Deborah Smith Ford.
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