Made a special Academy Awards appearance in 1998, at the The 70th Annual Academy Awards (1998) (TV), and in 2005 at the The 75th Annual Academy Awards (2003) (TV) and participated in the Oscar Winners Tribute sequence along with other Academy Award winners.

Speaks fluent Italian.

His car licence plate is BORG9.

Is a 33rd degree Master Mason.

Father of Cris Borgnine.

Twice-wed Borgnine married thrice-wed Broadway diva Ethel Merman in 1964. Their marriage was dissolved after 32 days. They had announced their impending nuptials at the legendary New York night spot P.J. Clarke's, but Borgnine, who was riding high as the star of "McHale's Navy" (1962) at the time, said the marriage began unraveling on their honeymoon, when he received more fan attention than she did. The competitive Merman was left seething. "By the time we got home, it was hell on earth," Borgnine recalled in a 2001 interview. "And after 32 days I said to her, 'Madam, bye.'" Borgnine went on to marry a third time, but Merman remained single after her divorce. In her 1978 biography, she devoted a chapter of her autobiography to the marriage: It consisted of one blank page.

Is the only actor to star in all four 'Dirty Dozen' films.

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 parents were Charles Borgnine and Anna Boselli (old family countess), who had emigrated from Carpi (near Modena) Italy.

On February 5 2007, he received California's highest civilian honor, the California Commendation Medal. It was presented to him on the set of A Grandpa for Christmas (2007) (TV) by Major General William H. Wade II, Adjutant General and Commander of the California National Guard for a lifetime of exceptionally meritorious service as well as recognizing Borgnine's "heartfelt advocacy on behalf of military personnel and veterans on many fronts, including the California National Guard".

Former member of the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC).

He auditioned for the lead role in Marty (1955) while shooting Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) in Lone Pine, Calif.

There is an instrumental techno track called "Theme From 'Ernest Borgnine'" by the artist Squarepusher on the album 'Feed Me Weird Things' (1996, Rephlex Records UK).

He spent 10 years in the Navy prior to acting.

In 2007, Borgnine became the first Oscar winner for Best Actor to be still alive on his 90th birthday.

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 (1970), The Legend of Lylah Clare (1968)The Oscar (1966), and The Poseidon Adventure (1972).

Referenced in 'Weird Al' Yankovic's song "Your Horoscope for Today."

Involved in an air crash in 1996.

Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1996.

Is an active Freemason and is presently the Honorary Chairman of a program to support the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center in Richmond.

Was the very first "center square" on "The Hollywood Squares" (1965) (during its premiere week in October 1966).

Has periodically performed as the "Grand Clown" for The Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since the 1970s.

Had both knees replaced. [1999]

While on location in Mexico filming Vera Cruz (1954), he and fellow cast member Charles Bronson found themselves with some extra time on their hands and decided to go to the nearest town to get some cigarettes. Still in full costume -- including bandoliers and pistols -- they mounted their horses and headed out. Along the way they were spotted by a truckful of Mexican "federales" -- federal police -- who mistook them for bandits and held them at gunpoint until their identities could be verified.

On March 3, 2006, he was given a standing ovation when introduced at the National Italian American Foundation's salute to the Academy Awards, which was celebrating 78 years of Italian-American Oscar winners and nominees. Former Motion Picture Producers Association of America chief Jack Valenti co-chaired the dinner, and Italian-Americans in attendance included Connie Stevens, Dom DeLuise, Robert Loggia and Al Martino as well as Italian actor Franco Nero.

he served in the U.S. Navy for twelve years, joining before WWII