This Week In Cigar History: Feb 25th-Mar 2nd

Seemingly always surrounded by beautiful babes - with cigar in hand - and lots of celebrity friends, America’s iconic entertainer, Herbert John “Jackie” Gleason was born this week on February 26th, 1916.

Jackie Gleason, a native Brooklynite, began his acting career in the 1940’s while developing a successful nightclub act that put the spotlight on his comedic chops. Later tapped to host the 1950’s early television hit, The Cavalcade of Stars, Gleason’s larger than life personality, dubbed “The Great One” by the cigar loving Orson Welles, enabled him to helm the now renamed variety show, The Jackie Gleason Show. And to the delight of his growing fan base, his opening monologue concluded with his signature, “And awa-a-aay we go.”

Far and away, Gleason is best remembered for his portrayal of the mercurial bus driver with a huge heart, Ralph Kramden- who’s get rich quick schemes enticed the dim witted sewer working, cigar chomping neighbor, Ed Norton (Art Carney) on The Honeymooners. Gleason’s frustrated character, deftly handled by his razor sharp wife, Alice (Audrey Meadows)… sprouted scores of classic comedic lines, including the immortal gem “I’ll give you the world of tomorrow Alice…you’re goin’ to the moon!”

Gleason’s career highlights also included a dramatic turn as Minnesota Fats in the memorable 1961 Paul Newman movie, The Hustler. Making his own pool shots, Gleason impressively scored an Oscar nomination, which no doubt earned a “How sweet it is!” quip from the adorable Fat Man.

news@doubledownmedia.com

2/25/08

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