"The Great One", Jackie Gleason interviewed by Morley Safer in 1984
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- Опубликовано: 2 июн 2020
- From my collection of off-the-air recordings that I made on VHS cassettes, starting in 1980. This informative and entertaining interview originally aired on October 28, 1984. Except for Morley Safer's introduction, my recording was made when the interview was rebroadcast on May 31, 1987. It covers Gleason's humble beginning in show business and his career in television and films. Also discussed are his lifestyle and his hopes to meet a forgiving God in Heaven. There was a major glitch in my recording, which I covered with two screenshots.
Take note folks. Jackie Gleason was raised in a single-parent home, lived in an apartment, not unlike the Honeymooners set, did not attend college, yet he was well-spoken (great vocabulary), personable, and highly intelligent. The secret for success: Never let one's humble beginnings define your future. He was not a quitter and did not see himself as a loser.
Very well said, top marks
Outstanding. Couldn't have said it better.
My mother used to tell us that we had to be our own cheerleaders to get ahead. Mom was always right.
Well said,,,,,
I agree 100%, Very well stated.
I came home late one Friday evening in December of my senior year of HS, about 1030 pm, and my dad was watching TV and the Honeymooners was on and they were playing the Christmas episodes. We sat there for an hour or so watching them and not talking but completely engrossed. That was 40 years ago and dad has been dead for 13 years. It remains a cherished memory of spending time with my dad.
Thanks for sharing, Ima. You might enjoy the story I told about my Dad and the Honeymooners. It's at the top of the page. pianopappy (I'm the guy who posted the interview.)
I shared many free and easy minutes with my father watching also
Honeymooners was the single most influential show that was ever made. Thank you for that memory. I love reading things like that.
A very thoughtful, charming and giving man. He paid for my grandparents wedding and it was apparently a huge party. My grandparents were high school seeethearts that grew up with Jackie in Brooklyn. They both spoke very highly of him when I was little.
He was REAL, not these fake celebs!! I love the twinkle he had in his eyes when discussing different things. I could listen to him all day!! What a talent!! Very funny man.
What a freaking beast; I love this guy. I’m 19 years old, and I became a big Jackie Gleason fan after I watched Smokey and the Bandit about a million times.
Thanks for sharing, Reed. I became a Jackie Gleason fan while watching him on black and white TV way back in the early 1950s.
Jackie Gleason is the “fun” Uncle every kid wished they had growing up. The one who’d teach you how to play cards, shoot pool, take you to ball games and tell tall tales from his youth
Just like "Uncle Buck"!
That's so true, Orson Welles called him "The Great One" because Jackie Gleason could do all those things and also quote Shakespeare from memory, a true modern day Renaissance Man, I also wish I had an Uncle like him when I was growing up
I actually had an uncle who was just like like Jackie Gleason, looked similar, heavy smoker (camels) drank scotch, overweight, loud , life of the party..............RIP..Unlce Beb !!!!
i used to watch the honeymooners all the time
He reminds me of my Uncle Bill!
That was a great interview, and I could listen to him all day. I liked what he said about Hollywood getting you addicted to the money to control you. The young ones should listen to people like this. They have a lot to teach you. Boy do I miss the ole days.
But The Great One made the point that he, too, got sucked in. And, I'd bet that he'd been warned. It happens.
It was certainly a confirmation to what I figured what was going on. Anyway Jackie was a legend.
At a time with very little drugs abuse and surrounded by neighbors who were honest, who knew and trusted each other and willing to help each other
@@jakeornot6306 it's sunny outside it's hot outside nope not today.
@@jakeornot6306 7f
One of the great rags to riches stories ever. Jackie came from nothing and ended up being one the most powerful guys in TV for many years
His Boogie-shuffle dance when exiting his monologue, and then "And Away We Go!". Seen many guys try to imitate it, no one could. You'd have to be 300 lbs, and athletic to get it down. 60 years later it makes me smile.
So true, so true!
👍❤️
I can shed a tear on how much I miss Jackie. The greatest!
just now many. he had that Affect on people. Truly lived up to his Shadow.
And one of the best pool players, tour level, you'll ever see.
I could listen to Jackie talk for a couple of weeks.
Same here ! He was one of a kind among the one of a kinds.
Indubitably ! A natural born story teller ! A true force of nature ! :-)
Well when the great Orson Welles dubs you “The Great One” of comedy, it pretty much tells the story.
Yes, Intelligent, insightful, and quick witted
john stewart When Irish eyes are smiling
He was really a nice looking man. Beautiful sad eyes. RIP Jackie 🙏🏼
I think so too. I just loved him.
yes he did.
A true class act. Entertainers like Gleason just don't exist anymore.
I agree with you, 83Roboto...
@@RetroFreak35 Back when America was raw.
@@floatsting20 Leftism has destroyed this country...
@@carlosreyes5371 That is an understatement. Called envy
@@carlosreyes5371 you sound like a classic idiot.
Jackie and Morley talking about The Honeymooners.
Morley: "Why is this show as successful today (1984), in reruns, as the first time around?"
Jackie: "It's funny."
So true.
James, you might enjoy reading my story of how I tried to convince my father how funny those Honeymooners shows were when they were first aired. He was watching Perry Como's show instead. It should be the first comment listed under my RUclips handle, "pianopappy:.
RIP Jackie. What a versatile entertainer he was. He could do anything and everything: sing, dance, do somersaults effortlessly, compose music, lead an orchestra, play dramatic roles, not just comedic ones, play golf, and he was witty, a quick thinker. He had to be a genius - he never rehearsed - he never had to. He was a natural. He was the most interesting man in the world and he still is, and always will be, The Great One.
I was going to add a comment but your's was better than mine.
He was a one of a kind, don't make actors like this guy anymore an absolute national treasure RIP !!!!!!
Anyone can tell a joke, but only a comedian can make you laugh. RIP Jackie.
I have a notion to second that emotion !! :-)
Facts
Not everyone can tell a joke. Our local morning DJ proves it daily.
A friend of mine revealed her mother was a June Taylor dancer and couldn't say enough about Gleason's generosity or the fact he was 1000% a gentleman
Classy guy. Never looked sloppy.
I stumble on this interview every few years and am always transfixed. Such intelligence and honesty with a sly, but warm smile isn't an everyday thing.
I feel the same way. After watching it everytime I've no doubt that "The Great One" was dubbed on him with honesty, affection, admiration and no sarcasm whatsoever. And awaaay we go...
Exactly that EdD5.....I enjoy him the same.
@@THE-HammerMan Gleason told it this way. He used to play a drinking game with Orson Welles that involved quoting a line or two from Shakespeare, and the other would have to tell which play it came from and the character who delivered the line. One time Welles tried to pull a fast one but Gleason caught it "that's not Shakespeare that's Euripides" and gave the rest of the line. Welles was so impressed he hugged Gleason and said "you're the Great One! You're the Great One!"
They do not make men like that anymore. Just a tough old SOB who saw the lows and lived out of it. Took the pain he lived through, didn’t feel sorry for himself, and took whatever life threw at him until he got somewhere. True badass, true legend.
Gleason reminds me of my grandfather who passed away back in ‘89. They were of the same generation and similar backgrounds, growing up fast in tough neighborhoods, dealing with family tragedies, etc. Life wasn’t easy but they hustled and made a way for themselves despite difficult circumstances. They smoked and drank, laughed and sang, and went to church on Sunday morning. I have great respect for how men of this era carried themselves.
He doubted he'd qualify for Heaven. If there truly is one, Great One, you'd be accepted in there in a heartbeat. When contemplating that question, you only focused on your personal life. You forgot about the endless joy you've brought to literally millions of people around the world, now for the past 70 years. I know that God recognizes that, even if you didn't.
Thank you.
I've heard that honesty and integrity are two characteristics that are "required" for passage through the "Pearly Gates"--he's got as good of a chance as any of us, I believe...
Made me realize I miss Jackie and 60 Minutes. Both have left us.
He deserved an Emmy! If I ever get the chance to pay my respects at his resting place.. I’ll be sure to leave that trophy 🏆
What a disgrace not giving this genius an Emmy . Pure jealousy
That's an incredible fact. He should've had shelves of Emmys. And, at least one Oscar, for either The Hustler or Requiem of a Heavyweight.
❤️❤️❤️
One of the best interviews i ever saw, and I did when it was first-run.
It is as good now as it was then, and Gleason is the reason why.
He really WAS "The Great One".
What a privilege it must have been to know the great Jackie Gleason. I will always love and respect this man.
He had very sad eyes... But he always had a smile on his lips. RIP Jackie ( The Great One) Gleason. Hope to see you on the other side!
davidoffon Stupid. Some are only happy when they’re drunk.
davidoffon I don’t drink. Never have. But I’ve known many people who were truly joyous when inebriated. Now go somewhere else with your silly quotes that sound profound but are actually inaccurate and pretentious.
@davidoffon exactly! What important in life is feeling superior. So you have that going for you. Which is nice. :)
Less then 3 years later he would be gone, RIP The Great one, still making us laugh all these years later.
_"How sweet it is "_ 💕
I remember hearing the news on my car radio. I stopped the car and ran back to my friend's house that I'd just left in order to tell him, as we were both such big fans of The Honeymooners.
His last role was in the movie "Nothing in Common"
FIVE packs a day. That's 100 cigarettes. Whew. 😳
The first to go. A great man. I always think Ralph by then had moved up in the bus company.
Still the greatest to this day Jackie Gleason we shall not see his like ever again multi-talented full of humanity always natural
My father attended the same grammar school as Jackie Gleason in Brooklyn. In fact, the school photo in his biography includes Jackie and my Dad. Like my Dad, I pray that Jackie is in heaven.
They're there, brother. And someday you'll be there too, hugging your dad while Jackie pours some shots for you guys at the bar.
Really cool to know, thanks for sharing
@@camilocienfuegos2866 what a wonderful picture those words paint!
I didn't want this to end.
Nobody can bug their eyes out like Jackie Gleason
‘The great one’ was definitely sent to us from heaven. 👌👍
What’s great is what he said during the first opening seconds of the video still rings true today. I miss TV and those days like it was though.
Edit: I just read the description section, thanks for doing all this and sharing it with us. It’s things like this amd people like you who will keep the good ol’ days and cool and interesting things goin around. I’ll check your channel for others like this.
I appreciate your comment very much, Michael. You should be able to find Jack Paar, Nichols and May, Dick Cavett interviewing Phil Silvers, Charles Schulz, Chuck Jones and Jackie Robinson; Jonathan Winters on "I've Got a Secret", Dick Shawn, Doc Severinson, Jack Benny, Benny Goodman on the Merv Griffin Show and some performances from "Austin City Limits" and other musical programs. I've got a lot more VHS cassettes in my heat-protected attic that I'd like to digitize but probably not enough time left to complete the job. (Also, I don't know how much of the stuff taped at the six-hour speed will track.) Thanks again for the encouragement!
Jackie Gleason conducted a song with his orchestra titled "Moon River", such a beautiful song that brings back memories of me as a kid and my dad listening to it.
And here it is December 2021 and I still love it!
Thank you Jackie, and I love and miss my dad!
RIP Jackie. You were truly one of a kind. And still funny as hell.
Such a great man.RIP fatman
He truly was The Great One. There are people as funny as Jackie Gleason but no one funnier.
The man wrote and produced some awesome big orchestra music.
He released about 40 albums over 20 years!
Incredible actor, incredible talent, incredible man.
I miss Jackie.
I could not agree more !!
Not only a great comedian but also a classy guy most of those singers actors and comedians back then were nothing but class acts
Get His DVDs.
This guy was and still is my favorite entertainer. AND A WAY WE GO!
Hearing that theme again almost brought tears to my eyes.
Morley: Did you ever really believe it (being called "The Great One" ?
Jackie: You just saw me play pool didn't ya.
I hadn’t seen this since it originally aired in ‘84. I was 12 years old. That ending has stuck with me these many years and I still grinned til it hurt 36 years later. The Great One indeed. RIP Mr Gleason.
You just saaaw me shoot pool, didn't ya?"
Nothing against Reynolds or Field, but Gleason was the one who made Smokey and the Bandit hilarious.
That goes without saying my friend
He did a great job of taking Ralph Kramden and transforming him into a southern sheriff. He was brilliant.
The third film was going to feature Gleason as Smokey AND The Bandit. I believe they shot some footage of this concept but nobody possesses it. All that remains is a publicity still of Gleason in The Bandit's clothing.
Absolutely. Well said.
he was in a class all by himself,and he's right art was a genius
A class act had his problems like real people do, but class all the way. Thanks Mr. Gleason
You can see in his eyes when he describes his childhood home that he sees it as if he was there. In his description we were there with him.
Born and raised in Upstate NY (Buffalo), we got WPIX out of the City and my dad would let me stay up late with him on weeknights during the summer to watch an episode of The Honeymooners after the local newscast ended. We would laugh so hard before bed and then retell the funniest bits the next morning at breakfast. Simple times but wow, those memories are so rich.
it was the same in louisville as a kid 11:30 after whas 11 it was on
They don't make stars like that anymore. RIP Great One
No pretense back then. Dog eat dog
Michael, do you know what happened to Mr. Dunahee, the speech~challenged guy who could really sing well at the invitation of Gleason as Joe the Bartender ?
At first glance, he looks and sounds very very much like my late father. It's wonderful to see my dad again.
I was thinking the exact same thing about my dad! Same mannerisms, same smoking and drinking habit, same weight.....same everything. I'm 69 and watching this really brought a tear.
@@thom-mark6443 you got me by 9 years, But I understand.
My pop met him when he came into the Flatbush area of Brooklyn to play some pool, and my Pop played him and lost, (my pop was very good too) but Mr. Gleason was actually a hustler in real life he was that good.
That was the first and last time Pop had seen Gleason before he got popular or famous.
The Great James Cagney was stunned at how much Gleason looked like his dad!
@@thom-mark6443 Remind me of my father also pencil thin mustache he died at your age from drinking and smoking
I know exactly what you mean,,,he reminds me of my Grandfather,,,Alot!!
Love him! What an interesting guy. Morley forgot to mention his INCREDIBLE, heartbreaking performance as the mute in Gigot. Unbelievable. Such an expressive face. My dad and I watched The Jackie Gleason Show every night. Red Skelton was amazing. Gleason was a really good actor.
I'll never forget watching the Gleason show on Friday nights or Honeymooners reruns with my Dad.....I was quite young so I didnt get a lot of the humour.....but I remember my old man laughing so hard he almost fell out of his chair...
My Dad died when I was quite young, but I do remember him watching the Honeymooners, and now realize how much he could relate to Ralph
One of my favorite episodes is when Norton “helps” Ralph with his income tax.returns.
@@reybarreto7979 “Geeeeet out, OUT” 👉
And I was born and raised an still live in the same neighborhood he came from and there are still characters of characters that live here! I AM ONE OF THEM!
Is Chancy street still there?
@ keith norris yeah it still there...it aint goin nowhere..lol... BedStuy stand up!!!!
@@woodyferrari1718 lol
So many life lessons to be learned from The Great One. Fat, poor or otherwise, if you want something bad enough you’ll find a way.
I’ve always appreciated the way he used Hollywood and the industry to get exactly what he wanted.
He was a great comedian who knew how to live and always had beautiful women around him. R.I.P. Oh Great One !!
Good ol' Brooklyn Original.... He was a living legend & now that he's gone , he will NEVER be forgotten.....
What a great interview. Jackie Gleason was one of the best comedians ever. Growing up in the sixties, we never missed his show. Kids could watch it without parents worrying about what would be said. I loved Frank Fontaine sing in the bar scene with Mr. Donahehehee. Just priceless humor!
Loved your comment ! My family loved watching his 1960s Saturday night CBS show too !
Yep same here watching it when I was a kid.
God bless the soul of Jackie Gleason.
I'm sure God was a fan of Jackie Gleason and was happy to welcome him in heaven.
Only one way to get to heaven and that's through Savior JESUS Christ!
Not to worry Mr. Gleason, you will be welcome with open arms from God in heaven for sure. You have provided so much entertainment to so many of us who really needed it.. I hope you are smiling, we still enjoy your work today....
In 1984 my dad watched this
After Jackie died CBS had rebroadcast it. He called my uncle, who ran around with my dad back in the day, and introduced my.mom to my dad, to come over to watch it. They saw Jackie in a show in New York back in the 50s
What an unbelievable legend. What I wouldn’t have given to sit next to him on a coast to coast flight, have a few drinks and just chew the fat. Talk about a lifelong memory.
Jackie will out live us all. One of the only t.v. shows you can watch over and over and still get a laugh and can't wait to see another episode. The Honeymooners is irreplaceable. " How Sweet it Is "
I read an article about him after he passed, mentioning his "large appetites", and he acknowledged that it was all too much, but it was all so sweet. I think John Candy carried that same attitude.
I had the great pleasure of seeing The Hustler in a theater. It was truly a great experience.
Me too!
How did this guy never win an Emmy?
He sure enjoyed those darts that's for damn sure! Comedy Genius to boot!! One of the few true Kings!!
Truly one of a kind. What a character, both on screen and in real life.
I so miss being entertained by his generation. So thankful I'm just old enough to appreciate him.
Very interesting to see that pause and looking away for several seconds when he was speaking of his childhood surroundings. He was transported back for a few seconds.
That's like WC Fields, he had a rough childhood in Philadelphia and he used that experience as a stepping stone for his career in Vaudeville and movies
I noticed that too. He was back in his childhood home.
EXTREMELY powerful. Hit home for me. “Desultory” is the perfect word. If you lived that impoverished Irish Catholic life you know
@@willard2729 Brother... Gleason had it and Don Rickles too...the men I miss the most. You miserable hockey puck......
A thoughtful man. And truly a great performer. The Honeymooners is iconic.
When I was a kid in the late 70s/early 80's.....I could practically recite The Honeymooners episodes by heart...lol...and one of the local channels also aired repeats (obviously) of "The Jackie Gleason Show"...and I'd watch them every day.......he was a true comedic genius.... Some humor from that period seems dated....but his is still just as entertaining as it was back then. :-)
Don Rickles told a story of when he was the hot up and coming comedian, Jackie came into the club he was working, went up onstage and set up a table with drinks, like he was saying “Alright, funny boy, make ME laugh!”
The Great One is greatly missed!
a memory from childhood the anticipation of watching Jackie Gleason Show, "from the sun and fun capital of the world Miami Beach..."
I just remember that opening shot from the ocean zooming towards the beach
Cue Melancholy Serenade ! 😊
@Ricardo Cantoral Sammy Spear and his Orchestra!
Got to love the Jackie Gleason.
He is so right about drinking, you cant remember the night before until you drink again! LOL, Always loved Gleason and my pop knew him as a kid along with just about anyone who grew up in Bushwick and Flatbush, Brooklyn! He loved Pool Halls! so did my pop!
“God must have a sense of humour - he made us!” Terrific!
I could watch "The Hustler" over and over, but I really love Gleason's performance in "Soldier in the Rain". There are scenes that never fail to bring a tear to my eye. A great actor, a great comedian, and a highly intelligent man.
Jackie Gleason was and will always be "The Great One" We miss you Jackie but thanks for leaving behind a legacy of enduring laughter for us all to enjoy for many years to come. And away we go lol.
I always loved the walk that went with “away we go”. He was a huge talent.
This guy could do anything. I watched him in "The Hustler" the other night and he was just great. "The Honeymooners" is the greatest comedy ever made. Still hilarious after almost 70 years. Timeless entertainment.
The Honeymooners is on reruns here on Sunday nights. I have seen them in the 50s but still watch the reruns.
Me too, except now I say the lines before the actors have a chance to...
G Vogt Do you live in New York City? That would be PIX 11(WPIX-TV).
@@georgemaster689 I live in Albuquerque but grew up in New Jersey.
The Honeymooners hit too close to home for me. I watched for 'Norton', and 'Trixie', and the rare and precious moments of affection between 'Ralph' and 'Alice'. Frankly, even as a kid I couldn't understand 'Alice' and 'Ralph' staying together.
@@jakeornot6306 I hear ya buddy....I know my parents loved one another deeply, they just didn't know how to love one another properly...Very sad indeed...
OMG! I grew up watching the Honeymooners with Jackie Gleason and Art Carney. Me and my whole family laughed continuously with Art and Jackie! Two really funny guys. I love Jackie Gleason. My favorite movie with him is "Soldier in the Rain" with Steve McQueen and Tuesday Weld. Don't miss this movie! RIP Jackie Gleason and thank you for great TV and cinema 🙏
The Hustler, Gigot, Requiem for a Heavyweight: 3 of the greatest acting performances ever!!
Don't forget the "Smokey and the Bandit" franchise.
He was one of the greatest actors ever, what people forget the Honeymooners was live, he made very little mistakes, he was a good golfer and a great pool player he was the great one
It's always been said that great comics can play drama but not the other way around. Art Carney, Robin Williams.
Also NOTHING IN COMMON .
@@tonyciccone2462 And, he refused to rehearse. All the "Honeymooners" he did was fresh.
"He winged it the whole time." He had fun with life and enjoyed it all. RIP The Great One Jackie. I laughed my a off wathing The Honeymooners.
This interview was made a few months after I was born. But I love his work in the honeymooners. Jackie gleason was a very talented funny man. May he rest in peace.
Jackie Gleason's my first enduring memory of watching television. My dad was a great fan & we never missed "The Jackie Gleason Show." "Joe, The Bartender," "Crazy Guggenheim" & "The Poor Soul" were my favorites. Thank you, so much, for sharing this!
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Gail. You might also enjoy reading of one of my own memories of Gleason's Honeymooners series and how my father finally became a fan of it--very belatedly. It's in a comment below under my handle, "pianopappy".
Jackie Gleason waited a lifetime to wait for his father to come to visit him. Many of us know that feeling but with all his money and fame, dad never came. A great comedian and luckily saw him in Chicago just before he died.
He was one of the best guys from Hollywood motion pictures. There won't be another like him.
So glad I stumbled on this interview. It really brought great warm memories back. Looking at close up of him he was a nice looking fellow. Really a sharp guy and I loved his commentary on most tv ministers. Right on Jackie.
Watching This takes me back to nights with my folks and Grandparents. Sprawled out on floor watching The B/W TV with a Bowl of Vanilla Ice cream. Jackie was a National Treasure. I remember an old movie that Jackie was in. Gigot’ -He played a Deaf mute living on the street. It was a Very moving Drama. Amazing acting. RIP Jackie ❤️🇺🇸
Wow ! Thanks for sharing this video gem ! I've always been a huge fan of the late great Jackie Gleason ! I have fond memories of watching his Saturday night TV show as a kid in the 60s. CHEERS !! :-)
Thanks, Jubal, for your comment. Glad it brought back fond memories.
@@pianopappy You're so very welcome ! Whenever I remember my folks & my siblings watching Jackie's show in the 60s, it brings a smile to my face. :-)
There will never be another Jackie Gleason never.
A highly underrated dramatic actor. Watch him in "The Hustler." There is no doubt he is in complete control over Newman, but he never let on that he is.
Gigot was a favorite of mine. watched every episode of the Honeymooners, The Jackie Gleason show, and I've seen The Hustler more times than I can count. still love them all.
“Big John, do you think this boy is a hustler?” The Hustler, one of the greatest movies ever made.
Jackie Gleason and John Candy: PURE natural talent.
@@700bond700 His Gigot character made you laugh and cry at the same time. Not many actors can do that.
Always a class act in real life.
Totally agree ! He's also xlnt in a movie from the early 60s (co-starring Steve McQueen) called "Soldier in the Rain". And as a mute in "Gigot" (also from the early 60s). Wonderfully gifted performer.
How could they not give him an Emmy😰
Gleason lived near my wife's mom and dad at Miami Country Club. They were very good friends. Beyond accessible: He was funny, sweet, and no ego. One hell of a golfer and card player! I know I'm gushing, but I've heard the stories!
I have noticed that there are no more guys like this anymore what a shame. I’d like to know why ? Personality and character just amazing.
Because they identify as women now 😳😳 its ma’am
He was a highly memorable part of my childhood! I loved him!
Jackie was such a unique character. I'm in my late fifties, my introduction to him was the Honeymooners and several of his records that I listened to at my Grandparents home on their living room Hi Fi.
There will never be anyone like him again.
Hope he made it to heaven. God did make us in his image and we do love comedy. Rip Great One