Who is Jackie Gleason?
Jackie Gleason is an American actor admired as one of the greatest stars of Television’s golden era, with a robust multi-talented onscreen persona. He gained prominence for the role of New York bus driver Ralph Kramden, forming The Honeymooners, considered one of the most outstanding programs in Television history.
Likewise, he is also the host of the famous American show, The Jackie Gleason Show, which ran for almost 18 years.
| About | Info |
| Full Name | Jackie Gleason |
| Profession | American Actor |
| Popular For | He is best known for his portrayal of Ralph Kramden in the television series The Honeymooners |
Birthday and Zodiac
| Age | 71 year old ( June 24, 1987 ) |
| Date of Birth | February 26, 1916 |
| Died | June 24, 1987 (Lauderhill, Florida, United States) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Birth Place | Bushwick, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
Education
| School | John Adams High School |
| University | N/A |
Physical Stats
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.77 m) |
| Eye colour | Dark Brown |
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lbs.) |
Net Worth
| Estimated Net worth | $10 Million |
Family and Relationship
| Grandchildren | Jason Patric, Jordan Miller, Jennifer Miller |
| Father | Herb Gleason |
| Mother | Mae Maisie Murphy |
| Spouse | Marilyn Gleason (m. 1975–1987), Beverly McKittrick (m. 1970–1975), Genevieve Halford (m. 1936–1970) |
| Siblings | |
| Children | Linda Miller, Geraldine |
Social Media
| Social media | N/A |
Biography Timeline
Jackie Gleason was an American actor, comedian, writer, composer and conductor. He was born on February 26, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away on June 24, 1987, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is best known for his role as Ralph Kramden in the TV series “The Honeymooners.” Throughout his career, appeared in numerous films, TV shows and stage productions and was regarded as one of the greatest comedians of his time.
1916: Born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 26.
1936-1938: Began his career in show business as a stunt pianist and later performed as a stand-up comic.
1939: First appeared on the radio on the “Burns and Allen Show.”
1941: Made his film debut in “Navy Blues.”
1950-1955: Starred in the CBS television series “The Jackie Gleason Show,” which became one of the most popular programs of its time.
1952: Portrayed Ralph Kramden in the TV series “The Honeymooners,” which was later acknowledged as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.
1954-1955: Hosted and produced the variety show “Cavalcade of Stars,” aired on the DuMont Television Network.
1956-1957: Starred in and produced the musical variety series “The Jackie Gleason Show.”
1959: Appeared in the film “The Child Seller.”
1965: Appeared in the film “Gigot.”
1966-1970: Starred in the situation comedy “The Honeymooners,” a continuation of the original series.
1970-1978: Starred in and produced the variety series “The Jackie Gleason Show.”
1987: Passed away on June 24 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Throughout his career, Won numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1987, and his impact on American culture and comedy continues to be felt today.
Early Life & Childhood
Jackie Gleason was born “John Herbert Gleason” on February 26, 1916. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York City, the US, to his father, Herbert Walton and mother, Mae Maisie Murphy. His father worked as a protection evaluator, whereas his mother served the family.
The American actor grew up alongside his sibling Forbearing J, who died at 14 in 1919 due to Meningitis. Likewise, his parents separated after his father left the family in 1925. His mother worked as a BMT metro specialist to meet family needs. Attended the John Adams Secondary School and graduated from Bushwick Secondary School in Brooklyn. After completing his primary education, the actor worked as a speaker at a venue and made $4 per night.
Professional Career of Actor
With a natural talent for raw and verbal comedic satire, Entertained by performing skits works and stand-up gigs from an early age. After his mother’s death, the actor worked at a weeklong comedy gig earning $19. Accompanied by his talent and consistency, he landed a fantastic career as a Broadway performer and has received several nicknames, including Mr. Saturday Night, The Abdominal Showman, The Great One and The Jumpin Jack. Coming to his Early struggles, he signed a contract with Warner Brothers and was cast role in All Through the Night in 1942.
Nevertheless, he was left disheartened after the decline of his contract renewal. This made him go to Hollywood and go to live stage performances at Cabarets, making him famous on Broadway. Gained media prominence from his breakthrough role in 1950 as the host of Cavalcade of Stars. He gained significant recognition for his innovativeness and loudmouth vocal deliveries, which appealed to people.
Moreover, his stardom peaked as he starred as various characters on several TV shows, which later turned into a series named The Jackie Gleason Show. His most notable roles on the show include Ralph Kramden, the bus driver, Reginald Van Gleason III and Rudy, the Repairman. The actor’s trademark lines soon became household phrases all over the nation. Some of his brand lines are “And Away We Go!”, “Thin People are Beautiful!”, “If You Have It and You Know You Have It” and “How Sweet It Is!”
Die
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1986 and had diabetes and phlebitis. His cancer could not be stopped and reached the liver. The American actor took his last breath in his hometown, Florida, on June 24, 1987.
Personal Life
Amidst his flowering professional career, lived a great life and enjoyed his elegant time as long as he lived. He had been married thrice in his life. At first, Gleason married dancer Genevieve Halford in 1936 and was gifted with two daughters, Linda and Geraldine. Linda is a well-known American actress, currently 79 years old.
Secondly, the actor had a short-lived marital relationship with Beverly McKittrick. The duo married in 1970 and were together for four years before their separation. Furthermore, the American actor tied the knot with Marilyn Taylor, a dancer and the love of his life. Marilyn married Jackie in 1975 and stayed together until her husband’s last breath in 1987.
Trivia
- Jackie Gleason was a prolific actor and host well known for his character roles in The Jackie Gleason Show.
- He left the world in 1087 due to colon cancer.
- The American actor is estimated to have a net worth of $10 million.
- During his fantastic career, won 6 awards and 13 nominations, including a Golden Laurel, NBR award and Tony Award and inclusions in the OFTA Hall of Fame in 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
Jackie Gleason was an American actor, comedian, writer, composer, and producer. He is best known for his roles in “The Honeymooners” and “Smokey and the Bandit.”
He was born on February 26, 1916, in Brooklyn, New York.
His real name was Herbert Walton Gleason Jr.
He is famous for his acting, comedian, and producer work in the entertainment industry.
“The Honeymooners” is the TV show that made Him famous.
“The Honeymooners” ran for one season in 1955-1956, but its popularity continued through reruns and specials.
He had other hit TV shows, including “The Jackie Gleason Show” and “Cavalcade of Stars.”
Appeared in several movies, including “The Hustler,” “Gigot,” and “Smokey and the Bandit.”
When he died in 1987, His net worth was estimated to be $10 million.
He won several awards, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award.
Yes, He had two children: a daughter named Linda and a son named Gerald.
He died on June 24, 1987, due to complications from colon cancer.
Yes, He was married twice. His first marriage was to Genevieve Halford, and his second was to Beverly McKittrick.
His last TV appearance was on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1986.