When you read Jackie Gleason's bio you find that he grew up in those tenements in Brooklyn. His humor came from his background and his show, including his barkeep and the variety of characters who supported his show was more reality then the so called "Reality" shows that we are bombarded with, (I don't watch bradcast TV since it is SOOOOOO lame)
When Gleason played Minnesota Fats in "The Hustler" he was also displaying his youthfull billiards acumen.
He was soo powerful that he was able to move his show, with the June Taylor Dancers, to Florida so that he could pursue his golf game! The network had to go along!!
Gleason is iconic, no question. I honor him for many contributions, among them that he personally pushed a program for the summer replacement for his show. He saw some of it and was impressed, and really got behind it.
That show is 'The Prisoner,' another one of my fave shows of all time! Thanks Jackie for giving US audiences 'The Prisoner' back in the day!
How sweet it is!