The Shocking Co-Star Feud That Haunted Ernest Borgnine for Years

For over six decades, Ernest Borgnine kept a secret about one of his co-stars who made his life a living hell.

The story of this tumultuous relationship has remained largely untold until now, revealing shocking details of violent outbursts, sabotaged scenes, and an infamous coffee-throwing incident that left a crew member with second-degree burns.

The explosive revelations surrounding this Hollywood feud not only expose a professional rivalry but also delve into deeply personal conflicts that shaped Borgnine’s career.

Born Ermes Effron Borgnino in 1917 in Hamden, Connecticut, Borgnine’s journey to stardom was anything but straightforward.

He was the son of Italian immigrants and spent his early childhood in Italy before returning to the United States.

Growing up in New Haven, he had no aspirations of becoming an actor; instead, he was focused on sports, showing little interest in the performing arts.

However, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, his mother encouraged him to pursue acting, a suggestion that would change the course of his life.

Borgnine began his acting career at the Randall School of Drama and worked at the Barter Theater, where he took on any role he could find.

His breakthrough came in 1953 with his role in “From Here to Eternity,” where he played the sadistic Sergeant Fatso Judson.

His portrayal was so convincing that it earned him death threats from disturbed audience members who couldn’t separate him from the character.

Despite the toll it took on him, this role solidified his place in Hollywood.

In 1955, Borgnine won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in “Marty,” a film that showcased his ability to portray ordinary characters with depth.

This success led to a series of diverse roles, including a tough detective in “The Poseidon Adventure.”

However, it was on this set that he encountered one of the most challenging co-stars of his career: Shelley Winters.

Winters, known for her intense dedication to her craft, often clashed with Borgnine on set.

Their working relationship was fraught with tension, as Winters frequently pushed for changes to the script and insisted on doing her own stunts, which frustrated Borgnine.

He later described working with her as exhausting but acknowledged her talent, stating that her instincts were often right.

Their tumultuous interactions added layers of intensity to their performances but left Borgnine feeling drained.

Another significant moment in Borgnine’s career was his experience working with Joan Crawford on “Johnny Guitar.”

The tension between Crawford and co-star Mercedes McCambridge was palpable, and Borgnine found himself caught in the middle of their explosive feud.

Crawford’s temper was legendary, and Borgnine witnessed firsthand her volatile nature.

One day, after a particularly bad take, she threw a cup of scalding coffee at a young production assistant, leaving him with severe burns.

Borgnine never forgot that incident, describing Crawford as a ticking time bomb whose unpredictable behavior made the set feel like a war zone.

Despite these challenges, Borgnine maintained a professional demeanor.

He got along with Crawford but was always conscious of her temper.

He once walked in on her berating a costume designer, and without a word, he backed out of the room, eager to avoid her wrath.

The set was filled with tension, and while Crawford occasionally showed kindness—like gifting personalized bottles of Pepsi to the crew—her fiery temperament overshadowed any goodwill.

Borgnine’s ability to navigate these high-stress environments was a testament to his resilience.

He often found himself in the midst of chaos but remained focused on his work.

His dedication to his craft was evident, especially when he took on physically demanding roles, such as in “The Dirty Dozen,” where he performed his own stunts at the age of 50.

Despite his successes, Borgnine faced numerous challenges in his personal life.

He was married five times, with each relationship bringing its own set of complications.

His first marriage to Rhoda Kem ended as his career took off, while his second marriage to actress Katie Gerard was marked by public arguments and scandals.

The most infamous of his unions was with Broadway star Ethel Merman, which lasted just over a month and ended in chaos.

In his later years, Borgnine found lasting love with Tova Traes, a Norwegian businesswoman who became his partner and supporter.

Their relationship provided the stability he had long sought, and he often credited her with giving him the strength to continue his career well into his nineties.

As Borgnine reflected on his tumultuous career, he acknowledged the complexities of working with strong personalities in Hollywood.

The feuds and challenges he faced with co-stars like Winters and Crawford shaped his experiences on set and influenced his performances.

He learned valuable lessons about resilience, professionalism, and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor amid chaos.

In the end, Borgnine’s legacy as an actor is not only defined by his remarkable performances but also by the stories of the people he worked with along the way.

The tensions, rivalries, and friendships he encountered throughout his career paint a vivid picture of the unpredictable world of Hollywood.

As he once said, “It’s not about the size of the screen; it’s about the size of the audience’s heart.”

His journey reminds us that behind every great performance lies a story filled with struggles, triumphs, and unforgettable moments that continue to resonate with audiences today.

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