USC FENCING
Edward Carfagno
Born in Los Angeles, Carfagno attended USC from 1927-1933 when he earned his graduate degree in Architecture. He began his fencing career at USC where he learned the art under the instruction of Coach Harry J. Uyttenhove. Carfagno was a member of the team for three years and, in his senior year, became Captain of the team. He won several intercollegiate fencing titles including individual and team awards in the Pacific Coast meets.
Following graduation from USC, Carfagno was hired at MGM's Art Department and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of their top Art Director's. Nominated for Oscars 13 times, he won Academy Awards in art direction for "The Bad and the Beautiful" in 1952, "Julius Caesar" in 1953 and "Ben Hur" in 1959 for his work in Art Direction. His movie career spanned more than 50 years and 76 films.
Regarding the Olympic experience that was never to happen, Carfagno wrote "My biggest disappointment was the cancellation of the 1940 Olympics. To have an opportunity to compete world wide, have all the nice things you hope to collect, Olympic rings, etc. etc… But we had a much bigger game going on World War II."
Oscar Award Photo courtesy of Ms. Linda Carfagno
Linda Carfagno, fencer
and daughter of Edward Carfagno, meets with Adam Johnson in 2003
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