According to his autobiography, "Ernie", he only has three children: Nancee Borgnine, from his first wife, Rhoda Kemins, and Sharon Borgnine and Cris Borgnine from his wife, Donna Rancourt.
Before he was a successful actor, he worked in a variety of factory jobs in a warehouse.
Best known by the public for his starring role as the title character in "McHale's Navy" (1962).
Father of Sharon Borgnine (born August 5th 1965), Cris Borgnine (born August 9th 1969) and Diana Rancourt-Borgnine (born December 29th 1970) with Donna Rancourt. Daughter Nancee Borgnine (aka Gina Kemins-Borgnine) (born August 18th 1952) with Rhoda Kemins.
Father-in-law of Kim Borgnine.
For 30 years, between 1972 and 2002, he marched in Milwaukee's annual Great Circus Parade as the "Grand Clown.".
Former member of the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC).
Had both knees replaced. [1999]
Has periodically performed as the "Grand Clown" for The Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since the 1970s.
Has the distinction of appearing in more of the 100 Most Enjoyably Awful Movies of All Time as listed in Razzie Award-founder John Wilson's book "The Official Razzie Movie Guide" than any other actor -- A total of four: The Adventurers (1969), The Legend of Lylah Clare (1968)The Oscar (1966), and The Poseidon Adventure (1972).
He auditioned for the lead role in Marty (1955) while shooting Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) in Lone Pine, Calif.
He spent 10 years in the Navy prior to acting.
He was made an honorary U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott on October 15, 2004. He served in the U.S. Navy for ten years from 1935-1945 and left the service as a Gunner's Mate 1st Class.
His car licence plate is BORG9.
His fifth wife, Tova Borgnine, is almost 25 years his junior.
His former "McHale's Navy" (1962) co-star, Tim Conway, was reunited with him in having a recurring role on "SpongeBob SquarePants" (1999), on separate episodes of each show.
His mother, Anna Borgnine, died in 1949, after a long battle against tuberculosis, just days before his first wedding.
His parents were Charles Borgnine and Anna Boselli (old family countess), who had emigrated from Carpi (near Modena) Italy.
His second ex-wife Katy Jurado, died in 2002. He referred to her as "beautiful, but a tiger.".
His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is at 6324 Hollywood Blvd.