Ernest Borgnine Quotes

Powerful Ernest Borgnine for Daily Growth

About Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine (January 24, 1917 – July 8, 2012), an American actor of stage, screen, and television, is best known for his powerful performances and versatile roles that often showcased his talent as a character actor. Born Ermes Effron Borgnino in Hamden, Connecticut, he grew up in a working-class Italian American family. Borgnine served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where his experiences fueled his desire to become an actor. After the war, he studied at the Randall School of Drama and made his professional debut on Broadway in 1949. His big break came with a leading role in the film "From Here to Eternity" (1953), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout his six-decade career, Borgnine became synonymous with gritty, complex characters. He portrayed Marty Pilgrim in the film "Marty" (1955), winning a second Oscar for Best Actor, and played Quinton McHale in the TV series "McHale's Navy" (1962-1966). His other notable works include roles in "The Dirty Dozen" (1967), "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972), and "Airwolf" (1984-1986). Borgnine's influence as an actor transcends his prolific body of work. He demonstrated the range and depth of character acting, paving the way for future generations of actors. Away from the screen, Borgnine was a passionate advocate for Alzheimer's awareness following the disease-related death of his first wife, Regina, in 1964. Ernest Borgnine passed away in 2012 at the age of 95, leaving behind a rich legacy in film and television.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The older you get, the more you should realize you're not living forever."

This quote emphasizes that as one ages, it becomes increasingly important to recognize and appreciate the transient nature of life. It serves as a reminder that our time on Earth is finite, and thus encourages us to make the most of each moment, cherishing relationships, experiences, and personal growth. It also suggests a call to action – to live intentionally, passionately, and with purpose, acknowledging the ephemeral nature of existence.


"I always say, 'If I can't make it better, at least don't make it worse.'"

This quote emphasizes the importance of taking action to improve situations rather than allowing them to deteriorate further. It suggests a proactive approach in life and work, aiming for progress even if perfection isn't attainable. The key message is that it is better to do something constructive, however small, to enhance circumstances, rather than contributing to their decline by doing nothing or making poor decisions.


"Age is just a number and all the numbers add up to the same thing - one life."

This quote by Ernest Borgnine emphasizes that age, while a numerical measure, should not define or limit our individual experiences and perspectives of life. Instead, it underscores the universal truth that regardless of our chronological age, we all share the same fundamental reality: one life to live. In essence, he encourages us to make the most of every moment, regardless of how many years we have lived, as each day contributes to the whole of our existence.


"You learn something every day if you pay attention."

This quote by Ernest Borgnine emphasizes that constant learning is a part of life, and attentiveness is key to this process. Every experience, good or bad, has the potential to teach us something. Therefore, it's important to remain open-minded, observe our surroundings thoughtfully, and be receptive to new ideas, people, and situations in order to continuously grow and develop as individuals.


"Success isn't measured by money or power or social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace."

Ernest Borgnine suggests that true success, as opposed to material wealth or status, is attained through self-discipline and inner peace. The emphasis here lies on personal growth rather than external achievements, indicating that a life of balance, harmony, and tranquility is the ultimate measure of success.


To this day I clean better than most maids.

- Ernest Borgnine

Better, Most, Than, Maids

The Navy has changed a great deal. Not that the officers of my day were bad, because I served under a lot of good officers, believe me. But there were a few bad ones, too.

- Ernest Borgnine

Navy, Bad, Deal, Bad Ones

I don't chart out the life histories of the people I play. If I did, I'd be in trouble. I work with my heart and my head, and naturally emotions follow.

- Ernest Borgnine

Work, Play, Emotions, Histories

My mother made me do all the housework as a boy. I still do it, even in hotels.

- Ernest Borgnine

Mother, Still, Even, Hotels

I got a job immediately after leaving high school; I was lucky - three dollars a week and all I could eat, working on a vegetable truck.

- Ernest Borgnine

Week, Lucky, Could, Vegetable

I've been to a number of places and seen for myself the caliber of people who are in the Navy today - in all the services for that matter. This is an altogether different bunch. These people of today are really bright, young, good people.

- Ernest Borgnine

Navy, Young, Been, Caliber

The Oscar made me a star, and I'm grateful. But I feel had I not won the Oscar I wouldn't have gotten into the messes I did in my personal life.

- Ernest Borgnine

Grateful, Star, Oscar, Messes

I think we all have the urge to be a clown, whether we know it or not.

- Ernest Borgnine

Think, I Think, Whether, Clown

I'm what you call a Depression sailor.

- Ernest Borgnine

You, Sailor, Call, Depression

Writers used to make such wonderful pictures without all that swearing, all that cursing. And now it seems that you can't say three words without cursing. And I don't think that's right.

- Ernest Borgnine

Words, Think, Cursing, Swearing

I don't care whether a role is 10 minutes long or two hours. And I don't care whether my name is up there on top, either. Matter of fact, I'd rather have someone else get top billing; then if the picture bombs, he gets the blame, not me.

- Ernest Borgnine

Fact, Role, Rather, Blame

The trick is not to become somebody else. You become somebody else when you're in front of a camera or when you're on stage. There are some people who carry it all the time. That, to me, is not acting.

- Ernest Borgnine

People, Some, Somebody, Trick

I wouldn't trade those 10 years for anything. The Navy taught me a lot of things. It molded me as a man, and I made a lot of wonderful friends.

- Ernest Borgnine

Navy, Wonderful, Made, Molded

I just want to do more work. Every time I step in front of a camera I feel young again. I really do. It keeps your mind active and it keeps you going.

- Ernest Borgnine

Mind, Young, Going, Active

Everything I do has a moral to it.

- Ernest Borgnine

Everything, Moral

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