Most people under 50 have never heard of Jackie Gleason, or don’t know how famous he once was. I enjoyed his tv shows in the 60’s and 70’s. Jackie G. was similar to Lucille Ball, in that both had a public persona of being funny, wild, maybe less than bright onstage, while in private they were both very serious, pragmatic business people with a job to do and a schedule to keep.
Almost all TV sit-coms are variations of “The Honeymooners” and “I Love Lucy.”
Kids in NYC remember him. On New Year’s Day, a local station runs a Honeymooners marathon. Helps with the hangover.
A great talent and a part of every baby boomer’s childhood.