About
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).
Known for
Studio OneSeries • 1948
The Jack Benny ProgramSeries • 1950
Here's LucySeries • 1968
The Jackie Gleason ShowSeries • 1952
The HoneymoonersSeries • 1955
Smokey and the BanditMovie • 1977
Smokey and the Bandit IIMovie • 1980
Smokey and the Bandit Part 3Movie • 1983
The HustlerMovie • 1961
Nothing in CommonMovie • 1986
All Through the NightMovie • 1942
The ToyMovie • 1982
Mr. BillionMovie • 1977
Requiem for a HeavyweightMovie • 1962
The HoneymoonersMovie • 2005
The Sting IIMovie • 1983
GigotMovie • 1962
Soldier in the RainMovie • 1963
SkidooMovie • 1968
Larceny, Inc.Movie • 1942
Lady GangsterMovie • 1942