Charles Durning, who most recently appeared in FX's
Rescue Me, has been chosen by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to receive its annual lifetime achievement award. The 84-year-old actor will be presented with the award at next year's Screen Actors Guild Awards, to be aired on January 27 on TNT and TBS.
"Charles Durning is the perfect choice for the Life Achievement Award as Screen Actors Guild celebrates its 75th anniversary," SAG President Alan Rosenberg said Monday in a statement. "Throughout his career, he has epitomized the art and grace of acting and brought something special to every role. He is, above all things, a great actor with the talent to which we all aspire: the power to create indelible characters."
Durning has had a prolific career in the entertainment industry, having appeared in numerous productions on the small and big screens, as well as on the stage. One of his most notable film roles is that of Lieutenant Snyder in the Academy award-winning film,
The Sting. His other film credits include
Tootsie, One Fine Day and Dog Day Afternoon, O Brother, Where Art Thou? and
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
On the small screen, Charles Durning has graced many popular series, including
Everybody Loves Raymond, Monk and
Everwood. He joined the cast of FX's
Rescue Me in 2004.
On
Rescue Me, Durning starred as Michael Gavin, Tommy's (
Denis Leary) eccentric father. A retired firefighter, Michael was determined to live his life to the fullest, and once took a vacation, on a whim, and returned married to a rich Korean woman. Michael finally met his demise during the show's fourth season finale, which aired on September 12.
For his work, Durning has received many accolades, including Tony and Drama Desk awards for his performance in the Broadway revival of
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He is also a two-time Oscar nominee.
-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: UPI
(Image Courtesy of WireImage)