Borgnine brought star status to Milwaukee parade

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Oscar-winning actor Ernest Borgnine had plenty of fans in Wisconsin where he brought star status to the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee.

Borgnine died Sunday at age 95. He played many characters in more than 200 film and television parts during his career. Borgnine was also the parade’s favorite clown from 1972 to 2002. In his autobiography, Borgnine devoted a chapter to “clowning around” in Milwaukee and wrote how he treasured the experience.

With his crumpled fedora, big red nose and oversized checkered coat, fans along the parade route cheered his appearances in the event that’s known for its historic, colorful wagons brought from the Circus World Museum in Baraboo.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Borgnine was recently doing voice work for Richfield-based Miracle Studios.