Born Arthur William Matthew Carney in Mount Vernon, New York, he gained lifelong fame for his portrayal of upstairs neighbor and sewer worker Ed Norton opposite Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden in the popular television comedy show The Honeymooners. Art Carney also had many screen and stage roles, including the broadway portrayal of Felix Unger in The Odd Couple (opposite Walter Matthau as Oscar). He was nominated for seven Emmy Awards.
In 1974 he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as an elderly man going on the road with his pet cat in Harry and Tonto. He also appeared in such films as W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings, The Late Show, House Calls, Movie Movie and Going in Style. Later movies included The Muppets Take Manhattan, Firestarter, and The Last Action Hero.
Carney has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6627 Hollywood Blvd.