Orson Welles called him “The Great One” first. Then, Lucy started calling him that.

It was just a few years ago when, in my mid-twenties, I actually gave Jackie Gleason a second look. Up to that point, he hadn’t really had any affect on me. He was just the round, loud, black-and-white forerunner to Fred Flintstone and Archie Bunker. All I really knew was what I saw on reruns of The Honeymooners when there was nothing else on TV. But thanks to youtube and a couple of vintage magazine articles, I accidently became a fan and admirer of this man.

It was immediately obvious that Mr. Gleason was not only held in great reverence by many legends of the 20th century for his talent and skill which was self taught, but also for the way he lived his life. He lived well and treated others with respect. He had fun. He could drink anyone you know under the table and never let it interfere with his life. He lived well. He could do anything.

There are two great videos that you can find on youtube that will give insight into the man and what I’m talking about:

Jackie Gleason 60 Minutes interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_vPLCJRvuE

and Jackie Gleason on Johnny Carson  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyhQQhIys9Q

It’s great television featuring one of the most endearing gentlemen and best entertainers of all time.