[Migraine]

He also was as fine an actor as I’ve seen in my lifetime. His work in The Hustler, and in Gigot, is in a league by itself. It Gigot, he played a French ragamuffin deaf/mute; so he dominated the screen by his bodily and facial gestures alone. Remarkable.

[whinecountry]

Agree completely. Also “Soldier in the Rain” with Steve McQueen.

[70times7]

Yes, Jackie Gleason was an impressive actor. It has been said that being a fine comedic actor is the most difficult of acting jobs. But let's be realistic; Fats, in “The Hustler”, was a one dimensional character because he was supposed to be. Gleason and the director both understood that his stature, along with an understated performance, were what was needed in that gut-wrenching movie. But it was hardly any kind of challenge. If not for the performances of Paul Newman, Piper Laurie and George C. Scott the movie would be unknown.