Bigger Than Ralph Kramden? You Betcha!
Jackie Gleason’s Ralph Kramden might have made him a TV legend, but his post-Honeymooners career is where he really proved that he was The Great One. From dramatic turns to comedy gold, the man behind Ralph Kramden kept audiences entertained for decades after.
Reclaiming the Stage with The Jackie Gleason Show
After The Honeymooners, Gleason returned to variety TV with The Jackie Gleason Show (1956–1970), reviving sketches, characters, and a new batch of Kramden hijinks. The show became a staple of Saturday night television.
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A Touch of Vegas in The American Scene Magazine
From 1962 to 1966, Gleason’s variety show took on a Vegas flair with The American Scene Magazine, featuring musical guests, comedy, and Gleason’s signature stage presence. It brought a lounge-style vibe straight into America’s living rooms.
Baseball Bugs, Wikimedia Commons
Full Speed Ahead in Smokey and the Bandit
One of Gleason’s most iconic post-TV roles was Sheriff Buford T. Justice in Smokey and the Bandit (1977). His larger-than-life portrayal provided the perfect comedic counterpart to the film’s high-octane antics.
Universal Pictures, Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Justice Rides Again
Gleason reprised his Smokey role in Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983). While the sequels weren’t as acclaimed as the original, Gleason’s spirited performance remained a highlight.
Universal Pictures, Smokey and the Bandit II (1980)
The Great One Goes Serious in Gigot
In 1962, Gleason wrote, produced, and starred in Gigot, a silent, heartfelt film about a humble man living in Paris. It was a tender, emotional departure that earned him praise for its sincerity and compassion.
20th Century Fox, Gigot (1962)
Gleason and Kelly Bring the Charm in Gigot
Though not a commercial blockbuster, the Gene Kelly-directed Gigot featured a moving performance from Gleason and a beautifully composed score—written by Gleason himself—highlighting his passion for storytelling.
20th Century Fox, Gigot (1962)
Dramatic Brilliance in The Hustler
Gleason surprised audiences with his serious turn as Minnesota Fats in The Hustler (1961), opposite Paul Newman. His elegant and composed performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
movie studio, Wikimedia Commons
Back in the Game with Papa's Delicate Condition
In this 1963 comedy, Gleason played a fun-loving small-town father who learns the value of responsibility. It was a charming, family-oriented role that showcased his softer side.
Paramount Pictures, Papa’s Delicate Condition (1963)
Memorable Moments in Requiem for a Heavyweight
In the 1962 adaptation of Rod Serling’s Requiem for a Heavyweight, Gleason portrayed a sports manager facing difficult choices. His powerful performance proved his talents extended well beyond comedy.
Columbia Pictures, Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)
Let’s Go to Miami with The Honeymooners Revival
Even after The Honeymooners ended, Gleason revived the character for specials from 1966 to 1970. These “Color Honeymooners” took Ralph and Alice on globe-trotting adventures, keeping audiences laughing for years.
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Back on the Beat with Mr. Halpern and Mr. Johnson
In this 1983 TV movie, Gleason starred opposite Laurence Olivier in a thoughtful story about friendship, love, and aging. Gleason held his own in a deeply reflective and nuanced performance.
ITV, Mr. Halpern and Mr. Johnson (1983)
Playing It Straight in Soldier in the Rain
In this 1963 film, Gleason played a senior officer opposite Steve McQueen. Their chemistry and emotional depth gave the film unexpected warmth and heart.
Allied Artists Pictures, Soldier in the Rain (1963)
A Surreal Comedy in Skidoo
Gleason starred in Skidoo (1968), a unique and colorful film that blended satire with whimsical storytelling. While unconventional, the movie gave Gleason a chance to explore comedic territory in an entirely new way.
Paramount Pictures, Skidoo (1968)
Back to the Lounge with His Music Career
Not just a performer, Gleason found success as a bandleader. After The Honeymooners, he released numerous albums of mood music like Music for Lovers Only, which sold millions and delighted fans of all ages.
BNapoleon1986, Wikimedia Commons
The Gleason Touch on Vinyl
Gleason composed many of his own lush orchestral pieces. His albums, filled with romantic melodies and soft instrumentals, created a soothing listening experience perfect for quiet evenings.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
A Father’s Frenzy in How to Commit Marriage
In this 1969 comedy, Gleason played a concerned dad navigating his daughter’s unusual wedding plans. Sharing the screen with Bob Hope, Gleason brought energy and laughs to the story of family dynamics.
Universal Pictures, How to Commit Marriage (1969)
Wit and Wackiness in Don’t Drink the Water
In the 1970s TV version of Woody Allen’s Don’t Drink the Water, Gleason played a flustered diplomat caught in a whirlwind of misunderstandings. His comedic timing shone in this lighthearted international tale.
Avco Embassy Pictures, Don’t Drink the Water (1969)
Let’s Not Forget Nothing in Common
In 1986, Gleason delivered a deeply emotional performance as Tom Hanks’ estranged father in Nothing in Common. It would be his final film role, and one of his most heartfelt, earning him widespread praise.
TriStar Pictures, Nothing in Common (1986)
Jackie Joins the Legends on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
Gleason was a favorite guest on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts, where his timing, charm, and lighthearted barbs kept the room roaring. His appearances with stars like Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra were unforgettable.
NBC Photo by Elmer Holloway, Wikimedia Commons
Always in the Spotlight: The Gleason Specials
Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, Gleason headlined a number of variety specials, complete with music, monologues, and characters. These shows cemented his legacy as one of entertainment’s most versatile stars.
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A Touch of Broadway Flair in Take Me Along
Before his later film fame, Gleason returned to the stage with Take Me Along (1959), a musical adaptation of Ah, Wilderness! His performance won him a Tony Award and showcased his stage presence.
A Lifetime of Laughs in Gleason: The Biography
Though not a Gleason role himself, the 2002 biopic Gleason (starring Brad Garrett) reminded audiences of the entertainer’s extraordinary range—from slapstick to serious, from stage to screen.
The King of All Media—Before There Was One
Gleason mastered television, film, music, and theater. Long after The Honeymooners, he remained a larger-than-life figure who embraced new formats and challenged expectations.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
And Away We Go... Into Legacy
While The Honeymooners made him iconic, Gleason’s post-Kramden career proved he was so much more than one character. The “Great One” earned his nickname with a lifetime of unforgettable performances.
CBS Television, Wikimedia Commons
