The Unexpected Cause: How Ernest Borgnine Died At 95 After A Lifetime Of 'Excellent Health'

The legendary actor Ernest Borgnine, known for his robust health, gap-toothed grin, and unforgettable roles in classics like Marty and The Wild Bunch, passed away on July 8, 2012, at the age of 95. The news shocked many fans who had watched him remain active in film and television well into his nineties. As of today, December 10, 2025, the official and confirmed cause of death remains a point of interest for those reflecting on his remarkable, six-decade-long career, contrasting his vigorous final years with the sudden nature of his passing.

The official cause of death for the Academy Award-winning star was confirmed by his longtime spokesman, Harry Flynn, as renal failure. This condition, commonly known as kidney failure, was the result of a brief, undisclosed illness that led to his death at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Borgnine’s resilience and dedication to his craft meant he worked almost continuously right up until the final weeks of his life, making his final decline quite rapid.

A Complete Biography and Profile of Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine’s life was a testament to the power of a late start in Hollywood, transitioning from a 10-year career in the U.S. Navy to becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved character actors in film history. His unique look and ability to play both gentle souls and ruthless villains cemented his legacy.

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• Full Name: Ermes Effron Borgnino
• Date of Birth: January 24, 1917
• Birthplace: Hamden, Connecticut, U.S.
• Date of Death: July 8, 2012 (Age 95)
• Place of Death: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
• Official Cause of Death: Renal Failure (Kidney Failure)
• Military Service: United States Navy (1935–1945, re-enlisted 1945–1952)
• Key Award: Academy Award for Best Actor (1955, for Marty)
• Other Major Honors: BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2011)
• Spouses: Rhoda B. (1949–1958), Katy Jurado (1959–1963), Ethel Merman (1964, married for 32 days), Donna Rancourt (1965–1972), Tova Traesnaes (1973–2012, until his death)
• Children: 4 (One daughter with Rhoda B., one daughter and one son with Donna Rancourt, one stepdaughter with Tova Traesnaes)
• Final Film Role: Rex Page in The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez (Released 2012)

The Medical Reality: Understanding Renal Failure as a Cause of Death

The official statement confirmed that Ernest Borgnine passed away from renal failure, which is the medical term for the kidneys losing their ability to function adequately. For a man of 95, this is often the culmination of various age-related health issues, although Borgnine’s case was described as a “recent illness” rather than a long, drawn-out decline.

Renal failure, or end-stage kidney disease, means the kidneys can no longer filter waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, or maintain a balance of electrolytes. This leads to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can eventually affect other vital organs, including the heart and brain. While the specific underlying cause of the failure was not detailed, it is common in older patients and can be triggered by acute events like severe infection, dehydration, or complications from other chronic conditions.

Borgnine’s spokesman emphasized that the actor was "in excellent health" until the final, brief illness. This suggests that the renal failure was likely an acute or rapidly progressing condition in his final days, rather than a long-standing chronic ailment that had been managed for years. His passing at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center indicates he was under professional care at the time, surrounded by his wife, Tova Borgnine, and his children.

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Active Until the End: Ernest Borgnine's Final Years and Projects

What makes Ernest Borgnine's death cause so intriguing is the stark contrast between his official diagnosis and his incredibly active life right up until the age of 95. He was not an actor who retired; he was a working professional who embraced roles across all mediums, showcasing his enduring passion for acting.

The Final Film Performance

Borgnine’s final feature film was the independent Western comedy-drama, The Man Who Shook the Hand of Vicente Fernandez. He completed filming in late 2011, less than a year before his death. In this role, he played Rex Page, an aging nursing home patient who finds a final, unexpected adventure. The film served as a poignant and triumphant farewell for the Oscar-winning actor, with critics praising his powerful final performance.

Notable Late-Career Roles and Appearances

His commitment to his craft allowed him to connect with new generations of fans through diverse projects. These final years were marked by several notable appearances, including:

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• Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2011): At the age of 94, he received the prestigious SAG Life Achievement Award, a moment that celebrated his entire body of work from the stage to the screen.
• RED (2010): He appeared in the major motion picture, sharing the screen with stars like Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman, demonstrating his continued relevance in blockbuster cinema.
• Voice Acting: He gained a massive new following as the voice of the beloved character Mermaid Man on the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, a role he continued to voice until his death.
• Final Public Appearance: Just two months before his death, in May 2012, Borgnine made a public appearance at the Texas Frightmare Weekend, where he was interviewed about his life and career, showing no outward signs of a debilitating illness.

A Legacy Defined by Versatility and Resilience

Ernest Borgnine’s career spanned an astonishing 61 years, during which he amassed over 200 film and television credits. His ability to embody both the gentle, lonely butcher Marty Piletti (for which he won the Academy Award) and the brutal sergeant Fatso Judson in From Here to Eternity is a testament to his unmatched versatility.

His work on television as Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale in the sitcom McHale's Navy made him a household name in the 1960s, while later roles in films like The Poseidon Adventure and the TV series Airwolf solidified his status as a perennial Hollywood favorite. His death from renal failure brought a sudden end to an era defined by a larger-than-life personality and a tireless work ethic that inspired many in the entertainment industry.

The final chapter of his life, marked by his last film and public engagements, illustrates a man who truly loved his job. The rapid onset of the renal failure was the only thing that could stop the momentum of a career that began after World War II and lasted until the digital age. Ernest Borgnine remains a symbol of longevity and dedication in Hollywood, a legacy that far overshadows the quiet medical details of his passing.