Jackie Gleason

Acting

Jackie Gleason

Born February 26, 1916 · Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Died June 24, 1987 · aged 71

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 …

Known For

Smokey and the BanditSmokey and the Bandit · 1977
Smokey and the Bandit
7.01977
MovieActionAdventure
A race car driver tries to transport an illegal beer shipment from Texas to Atlanta in under 28 hours, picking up a reluctant bride-to-be on the way.
John Candy: I Like MeJohn Candy: I Like Me · 2025
John Candy: I Like Me
7.92025
MovieDocumentary
Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.
The Movie OrgyThe Movie Orgy · 1968
The Movie Orgy
6.71968
MovieComedyDocumentary
Clips from assorted television programs, B-movies, commercials, music performances, newsreels, bloopers, satirical short films and promotional and government films of the 1950s and 1960s are intercut together to tell a single story of various creatures and societal ills attacking American cities.
The HustlerThe Hustler · 1961
The Hustler
7.71961
MovieDramaRomance
Fast Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats to a high-stakes match.
GigotGigot · 1962
Gigot
7.61962
MovieDramaComedy
A poignant comedy about a mute who befriends Nicole, the little daughter of a prostitute. Gleason shows his considerable talents as an actor without uttering a sound as he plays the bumbling, kind-hearted janitor, Gigot. Gleason wrote the original story and music for this film.
Smokey and the Bandit IISmokey and the Bandit II · 1980
Smokey and the Bandit II
5.51980
MovieActionComedy
The Bandit goes on another cross-country run, transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. And, once again, Sheriff Buford T. Justice is on his tail.
The Fabulous FiftiesThe Fabulous Fifties · 1960
The Fabulous Fifties
6.01960
MovieMusicTV Movie
The Fabulous Fifties, CBS, combines style, humor, and imagination. It was rich in touches of quality showmanship and equally rich in the memories of a decade which it revived. In recognition, the Peabody Television Award for entertainment is presented to The Fabulous Fifties, with a special word of praise for producer Leland Hayward and the top talent which appeared in this memorable entertainment special*. *The two-hour special featured comic takes and commentary about the previous decade by, among others, Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Dick Van Dyke, Shelley Berman, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Jackie Gleason, Eric Severeid and Henry Fonda.
Nothing in CommonNothing in Common · 1986
Nothing in Common
5.91986
MovieDramaComedy
A successful advertising executive finds his freewheeling life crashing to a halt when his parents end their longtime marriage.

Movies

Smokey and the BanditSmokey and the Bandit · 1977
Smokey and the Bandit
7.01977
MovieActionAdventure
A race car driver tries to transport an illegal beer shipment from Texas to Atlanta in under 28 hours, picking up a reluctant bride-to-be on the way.
John Candy: I Like MeJohn Candy: I Like Me · 2025
John Candy: I Like Me
7.92025
MovieDocumentary
Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.
The Movie OrgyThe Movie Orgy · 1968
The Movie Orgy
6.71968
MovieComedyDocumentary
Clips from assorted television programs, B-movies, commercials, music performances, newsreels, bloopers, satirical short films and promotional and government films of the 1950s and 1960s are intercut together to tell a single story of various creatures and societal ills attacking American cities.
The HustlerThe Hustler · 1961
The Hustler
7.71961
MovieDramaRomance
Fast Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats to a high-stakes match.
GigotGigot · 1962
Gigot
7.61962
MovieDramaComedy
A poignant comedy about a mute who befriends Nicole, the little daughter of a prostitute. Gleason shows his considerable talents as an actor without uttering a sound as he plays the bumbling, kind-hearted janitor, Gigot. Gleason wrote the original story and music for this film.
Smokey and the Bandit IISmokey and the Bandit II · 1980
Smokey and the Bandit II
5.51980
MovieActionComedy
The Bandit goes on another cross-country run, transporting an elephant from Florida to Texas. And, once again, Sheriff Buford T. Justice is on his tail.
The Fabulous FiftiesThe Fabulous Fifties · 1960
The Fabulous Fifties
6.01960
MovieMusicTV Movie
The Fabulous Fifties, CBS, combines style, humor, and imagination. It was rich in touches of quality showmanship and equally rich in the memories of a decade which it revived. In recognition, the Peabody Television Award for entertainment is presented to The Fabulous Fifties, with a special word of praise for producer Leland Hayward and the top talent which appeared in this memorable entertainment special*. *The two-hour special featured comic takes and commentary about the previous decade by, among others, Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Dick Van Dyke, Shelley Berman, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Jackie Gleason, Eric Severeid and Henry Fonda.
Nothing in CommonNothing in Common · 1986
Nothing in Common
5.91986
MovieDramaComedy
A successful advertising executive finds his freewheeling life crashing to a halt when his parents end their longtime marriage.
Pioneers of PrimetimePioneers of Primetime · 2005
Pioneers of Primetime
2005
MovieDocumentary
An in-depth look at the early days of television and its first stars.
Papa's Delicate ConditionPapa's Delicate Condition · 1963
Papa's Delicate Condition
5.61963
MovieComedy
A jolly, family-oriented railroad superintendent tries to get his act together when his love for the bottle starts to alienate him from his wife and oldest daughter. His younger daughter, however, still remains unflinchingly loyal to him, and they share many fun misadventures over the course of the movie.
Smokey and the Bandit Part 3Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 · 1983
Smokey and the Bandit Part 3
4.41983
MovieActionComedy
The Enos duo convince Cletus, aka The Bandit, to come out of hiding and help them promote their new restaurant. With a little coaxing, he agrees, producing an almost-creaky Trigger as his mode of transport. But his nemesis, Sheriff Buford T. Justice, is on the hunt, forcing Cletus and Trigger to hit the road. Can they steer clear of the vengeful sheriff?
The ToyThe Toy · 1982
The Toy
5.91982
MovieComedyFamily
On one of his bratty son Eric's annual visits, the plutocrat U.S. Bates takes him to his department store and offers him anything in it as a gift. Eric chooses a black janitor who has made him laugh with his antics. At first the man suffers many indignities as Eric's "toy", but gradually teaches the lonely boy what it is like to have and to be a friend.
The Wool CapThe Wool Cap · 2004
The Wool Cap
6.52004
MovieDramaTV Movie
This film, originally made for tv, stars William H. Macy as a mute superintendent of a apartment building that is falling apart who becomes the unwilling guardian to a young girl with a bit of an attitude. The film is an updated and Americanized version of the 1962 feature film Gigot starring Jackie Gleason, who also wrote the original story.
Soldier in the RainSoldier in the Rain · 1963
Soldier in the Rain
6.51963
MovieComedyDrama
Maxwell Slaughter is a kind, heavyset guy who has reached the rank of master sergeant in the army. Admired by handsome young Sgt. Eustis Clay, Slaughter forms a close bond with his peer. Clay hopes to convince Slaughter to join him in a business venture outside of the service, but, in the meantime, he introduces the older officer to the beautiful young Bobby Jo Pepperdine, inadvertently creating trouble for both men.
The Sting IIThe Sting II · 1983
The Sting II
4.81983
MovieComedyCrime
Hooker and Gondorf pull a con on Macalinski, an especially nasty mob boss with the help of Veronica, a new grifter. They convince this new victim that Hooker is a somewhat dull boxer who is tired of taking dives for Gondorf. There is a ringer. Lonigan, their victim from the first movie, is setting them up to take the fall.
Mr. BillionMr. Billion · 1977
Mr. Billion
5.51977
MovieActionComedy
An Italian mechanic finds that he has inherited a billion-dollar company from his dead uncle, but he needs to be in San Francisco in 20 days to sign over the will. In the meantime, he is chased by kidnappers and the affected corporation's president.
The HoneymoonersThe Honeymooners · 2005
The Honeymooners
4.02005
MovieComedy
Working class New York bus driver Ralph Kramden is always coming up with get-rich-quick schemes for him and his best friend, Ed Norton, who's always around to help him get in (and out of) trouble.
Jackie Gleason: Genius at WorkJackie Gleason: Genius at Work · 2006
Jackie Gleason: Genius at Work
2006
MovieDocumentary
This special is a thorough retrospective of Jackie's most popular characters from his 1950's television series, characters that include: Ralph Kramden, Reginald Van Gleason, III, the Poor Soul, Fenwick Babbit and Joe The Bartender. Many of the sketches have not been available or even viewed since their original live broadcasts. Jeff Garlin of Curb Your Enthusiasm hosts the program with feature commentary from Mrs. Marilyn Gleason.
All Through the NightAll Through the Night · 1942
All Through the Night
6.71942
MovieComedyAction
Broadway gamblers stumble across a plan by Nazi saboteurs to blow up an American battleship.
Larceny, Inc.Larceny, Inc. · 1942
Larceny, Inc.
7.11942
MovieComedyCrime
Three ex-cons buy a luggage shop to tunnel into the bank vault next door. But despite all they can do, the shop prospers...
The Desert HawkThe Desert Hawk · 1950
The Desert Hawk
5.41950
MovieActionAdventure
A desert guerilla, with flashing scimitar, opposes a tyrannical prince and marries the caliph's daughter.
Don't Drink the WaterDon't Drink the Water · 1969
Don't Drink the Water
5.31969
MovieComedy
The Hollander family's European vacation is interrupted when their plane is forced to land in Vulgaria. The Hollanders leave the plane to take pictures which results in accusations of spying. Chased by Vulgarian soldiers, they take refuge in the American Embassy under the protection of the absent ambassador's hapless son.
Mike Wallace Is HereMike Wallace Is Here · 2019
Mike Wallace Is Here
6.52019
MovieDocumentary
For over half a century, 60 Minutes' fearsome newsman Mike Wallace went head-to-head with the world's most influential figures. Relying exclusively on archival footage, the film interrogates the interrogator, tracking Wallace's storied career and troubled personal life while unpacking how broadcast journalism evolved to today’s precarious tipping point.
Requiem for a HeavyweightRequiem for a Heavyweight · 1962
Requiem for a Heavyweight
7.21962
MovieDrama
After suffering a brutal defeat and being told he can no longer fight, 37-year-old, scar-ridden prizefighter Louis 'Mountain' Rivera struggles to find a new direction in life.

TV Shows

The Mike Douglas ShowThe Mike Douglas Show · 1961
The Mike Douglas Show
5.81961
SeriesComedy
The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much of its first two years on the air. It then went into syndication in 1963 and remained on television until 1982. It was distributed by Westinghouse Broadcasting and for much of its run, originated from studios of two of the company's TV stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
Tony AwardsTony Awards · 1956
Tony Awards
1956
Series
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.
What's My Line?What's My Line? · 1950
What's My Line?
7.01950
SeriesFamilyComedy
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
The Red Skelton ShowThe Red Skelton Show · 1951
The Red Skelton Show
7.41951
SeriesComedy
The Red Skelton Show is an American variety show that was a television staple for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. It was second to Gunsmoke and third to The Ed Sullivan Show in the ratings during that time. Skelton, who had previously been a radio star, had appeared in several motion pictures as well. Although his television series is largely associated with CBS, where it appeared for more than fifteen years, it actually began and ended on NBC. During its run, the program received three Emmy Awards, for Skelton as best comedian and the program as best comedy show during its initial season, and an award for comedy writing in 1961.
The Colgate Comedy HourThe Colgate Comedy Hour · 1950
The Colgate Comedy Hour
6.91950
SeriesComedy
The Colgate Comedy Hour is an American comedy-musical variety series that aired live on the NBC network from 1950 to 1955. The show starred many notable comedians and entertainers of the era, including Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Fred Allen, Donald O'Connor, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Ray Bolger, Gordon MacRae, Ben Blue, Robert Paige, Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster, Broadway dancer Wayne Lamb and Spike Jones and His City Slickers.
The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show · 1948
The Ed Sullivan Show
6.81948
SeriesComedy
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Studio OneStudio One · 1948
Studio One
5.41948
SeriesDrama
An American radio–television anthology series, created in 1947 by Canadian director Fletcher Markle, who came to CBS from the CBC. Studio One, presented by Westinghouse, was one of the first of the anthology TV programs. The episodes were often abridged remakes of movies from years gone by and many future well-known television and movie actors appeared in the productions.
Here's LucyHere's Lucy · 1968
Here's Lucy
6.71968
SeriesComedy
Lucille Ball's third network sitcom, following I Love Lucy (1951–57) and The Lucy Show (1962–68).
The Bob Hope ShowThe Bob Hope Show · 1950
The Bob Hope Show
7.01950
SeriesComedyFamily
The Bob Hope Show hosted by Bob Hope, debuted on April 9, 1950. During the 1952-1953 season, NBC rotated with other variety shows in a Sunday night block known as "The Colgate Comedy Hour" (Sept. 1950 to Dec. 1955). Also known as, "The Chevy Show with Bob Hope." When the first special debuted in October of 1950 it was the most expensive television program made up to that point - costing an astronomical $1,500 a minute to produce. Bob Hope had his own television show and radio show at the same time. For the next three seasons, The Bob Hope Show was broadcast once a month on Tuesday nights, giving Milton Berle a week off. Bob ended his radio show in April, 1956. Bob Hope also had another show by a similar name, "The Bob Hope Show (All Star Revue)". In addition, he performed in "Specials" for many years. It is the longest running variety program in television's history with a record of 45 years of televised entertainment.
The Jack Benny ProgramThe Jack Benny Program · 1950
The Jack Benny Program
7.81950
SeriesComedy
Laugh along with funnyman Jack Benny as he brings his underplayed humor to TV along with regular performers from his radio show days.
The HoneymoonersThe Honeymooners · 1955
The Honeymooners
7.41955
SeriesComedyFamily
A bus driver and his sewer worker friend struggle to strike it rich while their wives look on with weary patience. One of the most influential situation comedy television series in American history.
The Captain and TennilleThe Captain and Tennille · 1976
The Captain and Tennille
7.01976
Series
Hosted by the chart-topping husband and wife team, this 1976-1977 television variety series features a mix of hit music and comedy.
The Dean Martin Celebrity RoastsThe Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts · 1973
The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
5.41973
SeriesComedy
The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts is a NBC television special show hosted by entertainer Dean Martin from 1974 to 1984. For a series of 54 specials and shows, Martin would periodically "roast" a celebrity. These roasts were patterned after the roasts held at the New York Friars' Club in New York City. The format would have the celebrity guest seated at a banquet table, and one by one the guest of honor was affectionately chided or insulted about his career by his fellow celebrity friends. In 1973, The Dean Martin Show was declining in popularity. The final season of his variety show would be retooled into one of celebrity roasts, requiring less of Martin's involvement. For the 1973–1974 season, a new feature called “Man of the Week Celebrity Roast" was added to try to pick up the ratings. The roasts seemed to be popular among television audiences and are often marketed in post-issues as part of the official Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts and not The Dean Martin Show. After The Dean Martin Show was cancelled in 1974, NBC drew up a contract with Martin to do several specials and do more roast specials. Starting with Bob Hope in 1974, the roast was taped in California and turned out to be a hit, leading to many other roasts to follow.
Miodowe lataMiodowe lata · 1998
Miodowe lata
7.01998
SeriesComedy
Tony Orlando and DawnTony Orlando and Dawn · 1974
Tony Orlando and Dawn
3.51974
SeriesFamilyComedy
CBS gave the group a television variety show (entitled Tony Orlando and Dawn) from the summer of 1974, after The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour ended its run, until December 1976. The show was in the same vein as its predecessor (with sketches featuring sarcastic back-and-forth banter between Orlando, Hopkins and Vincent, similar to the sarcastic dialogue between Sonny and Cher) and became a Top 20 hit. They are most famous for "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" &  "Knock Three Times"!
Jackie Gleason and His American Scene MagazineJackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine · 1962
Jackie Gleason and His American Scene Magazine
7.01962
SeriesComedy
The David Susskind ShowThe David Susskind Show · 1959
The David Susskind Show
7.01959
Series
The David Susskind Show is an American television talk show hosted by David Susskind. The program began its existence in 1958 as Open End, and was broadcast by WNTA-TV in New York City. The title referred to the fact that the program continued until Susskind or his guests were too tired to continue late on a Sunday night.
The Life of RileyThe Life of Riley · 1949
The Life of Riley
8.01949
SeriesComedy
Riley worked in an aircraft plant in California, but viewers usually saw him at home, cheerfully disrupting life with his malapropisms and ill timed intervention into minor problems. His stock answer to every turn of fate became a catch phrase: 'What a revoltin' development this is!"
The Jackie Gleason ShowThe Jackie Gleason Show · 1966
The Jackie Gleason Show
8.51966
SeriesComedy
The prodigiously talented Gleason became a TV icon after he joined CBS from DuMont, where his work on `Calvalcade of Stars' had established many of his trademark characters, including Reginald Van Gleason III, the Poor Soul and Ralph Kramden, featured here, along with Art Carney, in `Honeymooners' sketches. The Emmy-winning mix also featured guest stars, musical comedy, the glitzy June Taylor Dancers and Frank Fontaine's Crazy Guggenheim character.
Stage ShowStage Show · 1954
Stage Show
1954
Series
Stage Show was a popular music variety series on American television originally hosted on alternate weeks by big band leaders and brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. Produced by Jackie Gleason, the CBS-TV show included the first national television appearances by Elvis Presley. The series began as a one-hour show on July 3, 1954 as a summer replacement for The Jackie Gleason Show. Gleason brought it back in the fall of 1955 as a half-hour show and scheduled it from 8–8:30 p.m. ET before his own program on Saturday nights. In 1956, Jack Carter, a frequent guest, became the permanent host. The June Taylor Dancers made regular appearances. Bobby Darin made his national TV debut on the program in early 1956, singing "Rock Island Line". The show's final telecast was September 18, 1956.
You're in the PictureYou're in the Picture · 1961
You're in the Picture
1961
Series
You're in the Picture is an American television game show that aired on CBS for only one episode on Friday, January 20, 1961 at 9:30pm, the evening of the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy. The show, created by Don Lipp and Bob Synes, was an attempt by its host and star Jackie Gleason to "demonstrate versatility" after his success within variety shows and The Honeymooners. Gleason was joined by Johnny Olson as announcer and Dennis James doing live commercials for sponsor Kellogg's cereals. Technically, the show could be said to have run for two episodes, since the following Friday, Gleason appeared at the same time, but in a studio "stripped to the brick walls" and using the time to give what Time magazine called an "inspiring post-mortem", asking rhetorically "how it was possible for a group of trained people to put on so big a flop." Time later cited You're in the Picture as one piece of evidence that the 1960-61 TV season was the "worst in the 13-year history of U.S. network television."