Jackie Gleason

Actor

Jackie Gleason

Born February 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USADied June 24, 198734 films

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.

Read more

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).

Start here

The best way into Jackie Gleason's work
The Hustler posterFirst watchThe Hustler19617.7as Minnesota FatsA leading role in one of the best-rated films of their career.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.View film

Essential films

Ranked by role, acclaim and reach
Requiem for a Heavyweight poster7.2Requiem for a Heavyweight1962The Toy poster5.9The Toy1982Nothing in Common poster5.9Nothing in Common1986Smokey and the Bandit II poster5.5Smokey and the Bandit II1980The Sting II poster4.8The Sting II1983Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 poster4.4Smokey and the Bandit Part 31983Mr. Billion poster5.5Mr. Billion1977Smokey and the Bandit poster7.0Smokey and the Bandit1977

Filmography

34 films as actor
  1. 2000The Very Best of the HoneymoonersRalph Kramden
  2. 1986Nothing in CommonMax Basner
  3. 1985Izzy & MoeIzzy Einstein
  4. 1983Mr. Halpern and Mr. JohnsonErnest Johnson
  5. 1983Smokey and the Bandit Part 3Buford T. Justice
  6. 1983The Sting IIFargo Gondorff
  7. 1982The ToyUlysses Simpson 'U.S.' Bates
  8. 1980Smokey and the Bandit IIBuford T. Justice / Reginald Van Justice / Gaylord Justice
  9. 1978The Honeymooners Christmas SpecialRalph Kramden
  10. 1978The Honeymooners Specials: Valentine SpecialRalph Kramden
  11. 1977The Honeymooners Specials: A Christmas CarolRalph Kramden
  12. 1977Smokey and the BanditBuford T. Justice
  13. 1977Mr. BillionJohn Cutler
  14. 1976The Honeymooners Specials: Second HoneymoonRalph Kramden
  15. 1975Three for TwoHerb / Fred / Mike
  16. 1970How Do I Love Thee?Stanley Waltz
  17. 1969Don't Drink the WaterWalter Hollander
  18. 1969How to Commit MarriageOliver Poe
  19. 1968SkidooTough Tony Banks
  20. 1963Soldier in the RainMaxwell Slaughter
  21. 1963Papa's Delicate ConditionJack Griffith
  22. 1962GigotGigot
  23. 1962Requiem for a HeavyweightMaish Rennick
  24. 1961The HustlerMinnesota Fats
  25. 1950The Desert HawkAladdin
  26. 1942Springtime in the RockiesCommissioner (uncredited)
  27. 1942Orchestra WivesBen Beck
  28. 1942Escape from CrimeEvans - Convict Getting Mug Shot (as Jackie C. Gleason)
  29. 1942Larceny, Inc.Hobart
  30. 1942Tramp, Tramp, Tramp!Hank
  31. 1942Lady GangsterWilson
  32. 1942All Through the NightStarchy
  33. 1941Steel Against the SkyCliff (uncredited)
  34. 1941Navy Blues'Tubby' (as Jackie C. Gleason)