Arthur William Matthew Carney served in the United States Army as an infantryman during World War II, sustaining a leg injury in Normandy that left him with a permanent limp. This physical trauma influenced his movement as a performer, defining a career that spanned radio, television, and film throughout the twentieth century.
Early Radio and Military Service
Born in 1918 in Mount Vernon, New York, Carney began his career as a comic singer with the Horace Heidt orchestra during the 1930s. He provided voice work for radio programs including The March of Time and Living 1948, demonstrating talent as a mimic. In 1943, he entered military service. During the Battle of Normandy, shrapnel wounded his right leg, which remained shorter than his left for the remainder of his life. He received a Purple Heart before his discharge in 1945.
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Carney gained national recognition through his association with Jackie Gleason. In the comedy-variety series Cavalcade of Stars, Carney played Clem Finch opposite Gleason. This chemistry transitioned into the situation comedy The Honeymooners (1955–1956), where Carney portrayed the sewer worker Ed Norton. His television career also included performances in The Twilight Zone episode The Night of the Meek, The Batman series as The Archer, and the television film Lanigan's Rabbi.
Film and Later Career
In 1975, Carney won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Harry and Tonto. His filmography reflects a diverse range of projects, including The Late Show, House Calls, Going in Style, and The Muppets Take Manhattan. He appeared in the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special as Trader Saun Dann and later participated in commercials for Coca-Cola. His final years were marked by consistent work before his death in 2003 in Chester, Connecticut.
Fast facts
- Born: 1918, Mount Vernon
- Died: 2003, Chester
- Military Award: Purple Heart
- Academy Award for Best Actor: 1975
- Notable TV Role: Ed Norton
- Education: Mount Vernon High School
- Burial Site: Riverside Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Did Art Carney win an Academy Award?
Yes, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1975.
Was Art Carney in the military?
Yes, he served as an infantryman in the 28th Infantry Division during World War II and received a Purple Heart.
Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Actor — 1975
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series — 1956
- Worked as television actor, film actor and stage actor
