Jackie Gleason Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1986, he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame
• To recognize and honor his contributions to Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Auditorium was renamed to the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts
• Before entering comedy, he worked as a master of ceremonies at a theatre, a stunt driver and a carnival barker
• Prior to his acting career he had jobs as a carnival baker and a boxer, in addition to being a pool hustler, which he later on portrayed in the film "The Hustler" with Paul Newman
• Quote: "I have no use for humility․ I am a fellow with an exceptional talent․"
• Quote: "A great feeling of friendship came from the audience․"
• Widely recognized for his angry style of visual comedy
• Introduced Frank Sinatra to Jack Daniels whiskey, his eventual signature drink
• Was given the nickname "The Great One" from director Orson Welles
• Had a fear of flying after having been on a plane that's engines quit, causing the pilot to make an emergency landing halfway through the trip