Art Carney
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Bibliography
Notes
"Carney is without a doubt the greatest comedic sensitive that I have ever run into or seen." --Jackie Gleason in a televised interview
Biography
Forever known as sewer worker Ed Norton in the 1950s sitcom "The Honeymooners," Art Carney was the youngest of six brothers and was drafted as an infantryman in World War II. During the Battle of Normandy, shrapnel hit Carney's leg and gave him a lifelong limp. He started in radio as a gifted mimic and in 1948 transitioned to television, making his debut as a waiter on "The Morey Amsterdam Show." When he was hired for a supporting role to Jackie Gleason on "Cavalcade of Stars" in 1952, Carney found a comedic foil and lifelong friend until Gleason's 1987 death. The duo's skillful on-stage chemistry eventually yielded the Cramden/Norton tandem, two working-class stiffs forever pursuing get-rich schemes as their long-suffering wives looked on. Carney's Ed Norton truly perfected the idea of the comedic second banana, a role he continued to fill playing alongside Gleason in subsequent years. Carney still found plenty of time to nourish his own career, guesting on television series and appearing in a mid-1960s Broadway run of "The Odd Couple." In 1974, Carney won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in "Harry and Tonto." Roles in "Roadie," "Going in Style." "Firestarter," and finally 1993's "The Last Action Hero" were followed by his retirement from acting.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Misc. Crew (Special)
Cast (Short)
Cast (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1936
Began his career as a mimic and novelty singer with the Horace Heidt Orchestra
1941
Made his screen debut in a bit part in "Pot o' Gold," which was his last feature appearance for over 20 years
1942
Worked in radio with Horace Heidt, on "The March of Time," doing impersonations of politicians in the news and often partnered with character actor Ollie O'Toole, and as second banana to Fred Allen, Edgar Bergen and Bert Lahr
1948
Made his TV series debut as Charlie the doorman and Newton the waiter on "The Morey Amsterdam Show" (CBS, 1948-1949; DuMont, 1949-1950)
1951
Introduced his Ed Norton character on "The Honeymooners" skit on "Cavalcade of Stars"
1951
Was a regular on the NBC variety series "Henry Morgan's Great Talent Hunt"
1964
First major screen role, "The Yellow Rolls-Royce"
1965
Originated the role of Felix Unger on Broadway in "The Odd Couple"
1969
Earned a Tony Award nomination for his role in the stage play "Lovers" by Brian Friel
1974
Won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as a senior citizen in "Harry and Tonto"
1977
Delivered one of his best film performances as an aging detective investigating his partner's murder in Robert Benton's "The Late Show"
1977
Starred in the short-lived NBC series "Lanigan's Rabbi"
1979
Teamed with George Burns and Lee Strasberg for "Going in Style"
1984
Had a featured role in "The Muppets Take Manhattan"
1984
Won his sixth Emmy for a supporting role in "Terrible Joe Moran" (CBS), starring James Cagney
1985
Final onscreen teaming with Jackie Gleason in the title roles of the CBS TV-movie "Izzy and Moe"
1988
Hosted "Jackie Gleason: The Great One," a posthumous CBS tribute to Gleason
1990
Made his last TV movie "Where Pigeons Go to Die" (NBC)
1993
Final feature appearace to date in "The Last Action Hero"
Photo Collections
Videos
Movie Clip
Trailer
Family
Companions
Bibliography
Notes
"Carney is without a doubt the greatest comedic sensitive that I have ever run into or seen." --Jackie Gleason in a televised interview
