Art Carney

Early Life

Arthur William Matthew Carney was born on November 4, 1918, in Mount Vernon, New York. His father, William Carney, was a newspaper man and publicist. His mother, Helen (née Farrell) was a housewife. Carney was the youngest of six sons. He attended A.B. Davis High School.

Career Beginnings

Carney began his acting career in the late 1930s as a mimic of celebrities and as a singer and comedian on radio. His first major acting role was as a second banana on the radio show Pot o' Gold, after which he played Billy Oldham on Joe and Ethel Turp. He also appeared in several Broadway productions, including the original 1941 run of The Man Who Came to Dinner and the 1952 revival of The Time of Your Life.

Art Carney in a scene from a 1950s television show.

Television Career

Carney's television career began in the early 1950s when he was cast in several variety shows. However, his breakthrough role came in 1955 when he was cast as Ed Norton in the sitcom The Honeymooners. His portrayal of the sewer worker and best friend of Jackie Gleason's character Ralph Kramden earned him five Emmy Awards and international recognition.

Film Career

In addition to his television work, Carney also had a successful film career. He starred in several notable films, including Harry and Tonto (1974), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Other notable films include The Late Show (1977), Going in Style (1979), and Last Action Hero (1993).

Personal Life

Carney married his first wife, Jean Myers, in 1940. They had three children together but divorced in 1965. He later married Barbara Isaac in 1966, but they divorced in 1977. Carney remarried his first wife Jean in 1980 and they remained married until his death in 2003.

Death

Carney died on November 9, 2003, in Chester, Connecticut. He was 85 years old. His death was attributed to natural causes.

Legacy

Carney's portrayal of Ed Norton in The Honeymooners remains one of the most iconic characters in television history. His film work, particularly his role in Harry and Tonto, also garnered critical acclaim. In 1994, Carney was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame for his contributions to the medium.