Member-only story

Art Carney Biography: A Hollywood Legend's Life and Career

Ian McEwan

·13.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Art Carney: A Biography (Applause Books)

4 min read · 2 weeks before

421 View Claps

55 Respond

Save

Listen

Art Carney: A Biography (Applause Books)

by Arthur Miller

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3142 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

Art Carney In His Iconic Role As Ed Norton In 'The Honeymooners.' Art Carney: A Biography (Applause Books)

Art Carney (November 4, 1918 – November 9, 2003) was an American actor who won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Harry Coombes in the 1974 film Harry and Tonto. He is also known for his role as Ed Norton in the classic television sitcom The Honeymooners.

Early Life and Career

Arthur William Matthew Carney was born in Mount Vernon, New York, the son of Helen (née Farrell) and Edward Michael Carney. He attended A.B. Davis High School in Mount Vernon and began his career as a stand-up comedian in the mid-1940s.

Carney's big break came in 1951 when he was cast as Ed Norton in The Honeymooners, a spin-off of the popular sketch comedy show The Jackie Gleason Show. Norton was a lovable but hapless bus driver who was constantly getting into trouble with his wife, Trixie (played by Joyce Randolph). The Honeymooners was a huge success, and Carney became one of the most popular comedians in America.

Later Career

After The Honeymooners ended in 1957, Carney continued to work in television and film. He appeared in a number of successful films, including The Apartment (1960),The Odd Couple (1968),and Going in Style (1979).

In 1974, Carney won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Harry Coombes in Harry and Tonto. Coombes was an elderly man who travels across the country with his cat, Tonto, after losing his home and job. Carney's performance was praised for its warmth, humor, and pathos.

Personal Life

Carney was married twice, first to Jean Myers from 1940 to 1965, and then to Barbara Isaac from 1966 until his death in 2003.

Carney was a lifelong Democrat and supported many liberal causes. He was also a close friend of Jackie Gleason, and the two men remained close until Gleason's death in 1987.

Legacy

Art Carney was one of the most beloved actors in American history. He brought warmth, humor, and pathos to every role he played. His performance in Harry and Tonto is considered one of the greatest performances in the history of film.

Carney's legacy continues to live on through his work. He is an inspiration to actors and comedians around the world, and his work continues to bring joy to audiences of all ages.