Biography
John Herbert Gleason (February 26, 1916 – June 24, 1987) was an American actor, comedian, writer, and composer known affectionately as "The Great One". He developed a style and characters from growing up in Brooklyn, New York and was known for his brash visual and verbal comedy, exemplified by his city bus driver character Ralph Kramden in the television series The Honeymooners. He also developed The Jackie Gleason Show, which maintained high ratings from the mid-1950s through 1970. The series originated in New York City, but videotaping moved to Miami Beach, Florida in 1964 after Gleason took up permanent residence there. Among his notable film roles were Minnesota Fats in 1961's The Hustler (co-starring with Paul Newman) and Buford T. Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit series from 1977 to 1983 (co-starring Burt Reynolds).
Acted in 41
2000s
- 2005
Pioneers of Primetime
Movie
- 2002
The Honeymooners Holiday Classics
Ralph Kramden (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 2000
The Very Best of the Honeymooners
Ralph Kramden
1980s
- 1986
- 1985
Izzy & Moe
Izzy Einstein
- 1983
The Sting II
Fargo Gondorff
- 1982
The Toy
Ulysses Simpson 'U.S.' Bates
- 1980
1970s
- 1978
The Honeymooners Christmas Special
Ralph Kramden
The Honeymooners Specials: Valentine Special
Ralph Kramden
- 1977
The Honeymooners Specials: A Christmas Carol
Ralph Kramden
Mr. Billion
John Cutler
- 1976
The Honeymooners Specials: Second Honeymoon
Ralph Kramden
- 1975
Three for Two
Herb / Fred / Mike
- 1970
How Do I Love Thee?
Stanley Waltz
1960s
- 1969
Don't Drink the Water
Walter Hollander
How to Commit Marriage
Oliver Poe
- 1968
Skidoo
Tough Tony Banks
- 1963
Soldier in the Rain
Maxwell Slaughter
Papa's Delicate Condition
Jack Griffith
- 1962
Gigot
Gigot
- 1961
1950s
- 1955
- 1951
- 1950
The Desert Hawk
Aladdin
1940s
- 1949
The Life of Riley
Chester A. Riley · 26 episodes
- 1948
- 1942
Springtime in the Rockies
Commissioner (uncredited)
Orchestra Wives
Ben Beck
Escape from Crime
Evans - Convict Getting Mug Shot (as Jackie C. Gleason)
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp!
Hank
- 1941
Steel Against the Sky
Cliff (uncredited)
Navy Blues
'Tubby' (as Jackie C. Gleason)
Wrote 5
2000s
- 2005
- 2004
The Wool Cap
Story
1990s
- 1998
1960s
- 1962
Gigot
Writer
1950s
- 1952
Directed 4
1970s
- 1978
The Honeymooners Christmas Special
Director
The Honeymooners Specials: Valentine Special
Director
- 1977
The Honeymooners Specials: A Christmas Carol
Director
- 1976
The Honeymooners Specials: Second Honeymoon
Director
Sound 3
1980s
- 1985
Izzy & Moe
Original Music Composer
1970s
- 1978
The Honeymooners Specials: Valentine Special
Original Music Composer
1960s
- 1962
Gigot
Original Music Composer
Produced 2
1950s
- 1955
- 1954
Stage Show
Producer
Created 2
1950s
- 1955
- 1954
Stage Show
Creator
Appearances23
2010s
- 2019
2000s
- 2006
- 2002
The Hustler: The Inside Story
Self (archive footage)
- 2001
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1
Self (archive footage)
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2
Self (archive footage)
1990s
- 1998
A Bing Crosby Christmas
Self (archive footage)
The Best of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
Self - Roastee (archive footage)
1970s
- 1976
- 1974
Tony Orlando and Dawn
Self · 1 episode
- 1973
1960s
- 1968
The Movie Orgy
Self (archive footage)
- 1962
Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine
Himself · 124 episodes
- 1961
You're in the Picture
Host · 2 episodes
- 1960
The Fabulous Fifties
Self
1950s
- 1959
- 1956
- 1952
- 1950
1940s
- 1948
