Jackie Gleason: The Life, The Love And The Laughter

Jackie Gleason entered the Earth on February 26, 1916. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. The man who would become Ralph Kramden was born into a family of Irish Catholic immigrants. His father, Herbert Gleason, was an insurance clerk who ran out on his household when Jackie was only nine years of age. His mom, Mae Kelly Gleason, died when he was nineteen. And that's not all. . sadly, Jackie's only sibling was diagnosed with T.B. when Jackie was a toddler. It was a lonely and cruel childhood for Jackie. Jackie dropped out of school in his teens and began hanging around with a local group of hoodlums. Despite being a grand fellow, Jackie was a gifted athlete in his teens. There weren't too many sports he wasn't good at. He excelled at boxing, football and more. It was obvious to anyone that knew him as a youth that Jackie Gleason had a gift for entertaining. Jackie started performing in school plays, and was recognized with an award honor for a comedy routine he created. After this, he became a master of ceremonies at a vaudeville theater called Folly.

After leaving school, he began to travel around New York, picking up jobs as he went. He also worked in hotels in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In 1936, he married Genevieve Halford, a performer. Together they had 2 girls, Linda and Geraldine. Jackie never had any more children. The marriage didn't last, and the couple split up in 1954 after several breakups. In 1941 Jackie was signed to a contract with Warner Brothers, and he headed off to Hollywood. His early movies did not gain much following, and Warner brothers released him from his contract claiming he was drunk when he signed it. Jackie wound up hating Hollywood after his movie flops, and he returned to his roots in the East. Depression sunk in.

He returned to performing live, and he made radio appearances. Just when everything seemed to be at its worst, fate turned. Jackie's agent George Durgom suggested he try television. Things were about to change. Producers chose Jackie to star as The Life of Riley. The show was cancelled quickly as Gleason was left to find another role. His television career really began when he signed on with the DuMont network as the summer host of Cavalcade of Stars. After just 2 shows, he was picked to be the full-time host. It was here where he created his most memorable characters, including Ralph Kramden. Jackie then signed a contract with CBS to become the host of the Jackie Gleason Show. In the 1955-1956 season, he took Ralph Kramden's The Honeymooners and made it into its own show for a season. The Honeymooners is still considered one of the most popular shows of all-time. It was ranked #3 of the best TV Shows of All Time recently in TV Guide. Gleason continued to create several movies, including The Hustler which earned him an Oscar nomination, and Requiem for a Heavyweight. Gleason did all of his own billiard shots in the Hustler. Jackie even got into music, and did some recordings as well. In 1962 Jackie made his way back to the small screen with the return of the Jackie Gleason show. In 1970 Jackie wed Beverly McKittrick, but they only stayed together until their divorce in 1974. He then married Marilyn Taylor in 1975. Jackie worked on a series of movies in the 1980's. He died on June 24Th, 1987 from complications with cancer. His demise saddened many in the entertainment business, as well as all of those who watched him for his many years on television.