Jackie Gleason

Birth Name:

Herbert Walton Gleason

Birth Place:

Bushwick, New York, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack, Writer, Music department, Producer, Production manager, Stunts

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: "A great feeling of friendship came from the audience․"
Quote: "I have no use for humility․ I am a fellow with an exceptional talent․"
Widely recognized for his angry style of visual comedy
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
Introduced Frank Sinatra to Jack Daniels whiskey, his eventual signature drink
Was given the nickname "The Great One" from director Orson Welles

Fast Facts