Jackie Gleason

American comedian and actor (1916-1987)

Jackie Gleason was an American actor, comedian, writer, and composer known for his brash visual and verbal comedy. He created the iconic character of Ralph Kramden in the TV series ‘The Honeymooners’ and also had successful film roles, such as Minnesota Fats in ‘The Hustler’ and Buford T. Justice in the ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ trilogy. Gleason was also a accomplished musician, with a series of bestselling ‘mood music’ albums.

Table of Contents

About the Jackie Gleason

John Herbert Gleasonand Buford T. Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit trilogy from 1977 to 1983 (co-starring Burt Reynolds).

Gleason enjoyed a prominent secondary music career during the 1950s and 1960s, producing a series of bestselling “mood music” albums. His first album Music for Lovers Only still holds the record for the longest stay on the Billboard Top Ten Charts (153 weeks), and his first ten albums sold over a million copies each. His output includes more than 20 singles, nearly 60 long-playing record albums, and more than 40 CDs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackie Gleason was an American actor, comedian, writer, and composer known for his brash visual and verbal comedy, including his iconic character Ralph Kramden in the TV series ‘The Honeymooners’.

Jackie Gleason had notable film roles as Minnesota Fats in the 1961 film ‘The Hustler’ and as Buford T. Justice in the ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ trilogy from 1977 to 1983.

Jackie Gleason enjoyed a prominent secondary music career during the 1950s and 1960s, producing a series of bestselling ‘mood music’ albums. His first album ‘Music for Lovers Only’ still holds the record for the longest stay on the Billboard Top Ten Charts.

The Jackie Gleason Show originated in New York City, but filming moved to Miami Beach, Florida, in 1964 after Gleason took up permanent residence there.

Jackie Gleason was known for his brash visual and verbal comedy, exemplified by his city bus driver character Ralph Kramden in the television series The Honeymooners.