Jackie Gleason

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). From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Known For

The Hustler

as Minnesota Fats

Smokey and the Bandit

as Sheriff Buford T. Justice

Smokey and the Bandit II

as Sheriff Buford T. Justice / Gaylord Justice / Reginald Van Justice

The Toy

as Ulysses Simpson 'U.S.' Bates

Smokey and the Bandit Part 3

as Buford T. Justice

Nothing in Common

as Max Basner

Requiem for a Heavyweight

as Maish Rennick

The Honeymooners

as Ralph Kramden

All Through the Night

as Starchy

Mr. Billion

as John Cutler