Actor Art Carney
Dies
Television legend and Oscar winner Art Carney, who had Irish roots on both sides of his family, died on November 9 at a convalescent home near his residence in Westbrook, Connecticut. He was 85.
While Carney is best remembered for his portrayal of the lovable working-class hero, sewer worker Ed Norton in The Honeymooners – a role which won him five Emmys – Carney also appeared in numerous Broadway shows and movies. The youngest of six brothers, Carney was given his first showbiz break by the eldest, Jack, who found Art a job with the Horace Heidt Orchestra. Art toured for over three years with the Orchestra, doing impersonations and novelty songs. He then turned to radio, where he landed bit parts based on his proficiency at dialects. His show, “Man Behind the Gun,” won a Peabody Award in 1942.
With the outbreak of World War II, Carney took leave of his career to fight in France, where a shrapnel wound caused him to limp for the remainder of his life. Following that, he embarked on a career in television, where he eventually teamed up with Jackie Gleason in his show, “Cavalcade of Stars.” It was on this show that Carney first developed the character of Ed Norton that was eventually picked up for the 1950s sitcom that still runs in syndication.
During his Broadway run of “The Odd Couple,” Carney and his first wife Jean divorced after 25 years of marriage, causing Carney to spiral into an alcohol and drug addiction that he was able to kick in time for the film Harry and Tonto, a role which won Carney an Academy Award. In the film, a 55-year-old Carney portrays a 72-year-old man travelling cross-country with his cat, Tonto.
After a second marriage that also ended in divorce, Carney and his first wife reunited, and remained married until his death. He is also survived by his three children: Eileen, Brian and Paul.
Daisy Carrington
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