Ever wondered what lies beneath the dazzling veneer of a comedic genius? Jackie Gleason's story is a raw, unfiltered look at the price of fame and the battles fought behind the laughter. His persona as a flawed human being, not as a comedic genius.
Two compelling narratives, though separated by profession and medium, intertwine under the banner of "Gleason." One, a 2002 television film, casts Brad Garrett as the legendary comedian and actor Jackie Gleason, delving into the complexities of his life. The other, a 2016 documentary, intimately portrays Steve Gleason, the former New Orleans Saints defensive back, as he confronts the devastating realities of ALS. Both "Gleasons" offer unflinching portraits of men grappling with immense challenges, be it personal demons or a relentless disease, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer.
Category | Details |
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Full Name | John Herbert Gleason (born Herbert Walton Gleason Jr.) |
Birth Date | February 26, 1916 |
Death Date | June 24, 1987 |
Occupation | Comedian, Actor, Musician, Writer, Producer, Director |
Early Life | Grew up at 328 Chauncey Street, Apartment 1A, Brooklyn, NY. |
Career Highlights |
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Personal Struggles (as portrayed in the 2002 film) |
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Relationships | Married multiple times, including to Genevieve Halford. |
Portrayal in Film | Played by Brad Garrett in the 2002 TV movie "Gleason." |
Accolades for Portrayal | The film "Gleason" was nominated for several awards. |
Streaming Availability | Available on platforms like FuboTV, Peacock, Crackle, Plex, and Amazon. |
Reference Website | Jackie Gleason on IMDb |
The 2002 made-for-television movie, "Gleason," starring Brad Garrett, seeks to peel back the layers of the man behind the laughter, Jackie Gleason. It attempts to capture the essence of his persona both on and off the stage. The film navigates through Gleason's formative years, showcasing his relentless pursuit of comedic success in dimly lit nightspots and amateur contests. It doesn't shy away from portraying the less savory aspects of his ambition, depicting instances where he allegedly "borrowed" material from other comedians to fuel his ascent. Alongside the career highlights, the movie explores his personal life, including his marriage to Genevieve, a dancer he meets along the way. However, the film paints a portrait of a flawed individual, one who struggles with the responsibilities of fatherhood and marriage, ultimately choosing the allure of Hollywood over his family's needs.
Brad Garrett's portrayal of Gleason has been met with generally positive reviews, with some critics highlighting his ability to capture the nuances of a complex character. Ben S, in a review dated September 13, 2024, succinctly describes the film as a "nice look back" into the life of a "broken selfish man (based on this film) well played by Brad Garret." The film received a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, suggesting a strong endorsement from some viewers. The film also stars Saul Rubinek, Gretchen Egolf, and Kristen Dalton.
Contrast this narrative with the documentary "Gleason" (2016), a starkly different yet equally compelling story. This film centers on Steve Gleason, a former NFL player, and his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosed at the relatively young age of 34, Gleason, along with his wife Michel, embarks on a deeply personal journey. He begins documenting his experiences in a video diary intended for his unborn son, River. The documentary showcases not only the physical and emotional challenges of living with ALS but also the unwavering spirit of the Gleason family as they dedicate themselves to raising awareness and funds for ALS research and patient support.
The documentary, directed by J. Clay Tweel, has been lauded for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of Steve Gleason's journey. It offers a glimpse into the most intimate moments of his life, capturing the fear, doubt, and frustration that accompany a debilitating illness. It doesn't shy away from depicting the impact of ALS on his marriage and his ability to parent his son. The film stars Steve Gleason, Michel Gleason, Mike Gleason, Scott Fujita and Mike McKenzie. The film runs for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and has received a user score of 83 out of 100 on TMDB.
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The documentary's strength lies in its unflinching honesty. It captures the harsh realities of ALS without resorting to sentimentality or sensationalism. Moments of physical decline, the challenges of adapting to a changing body, and the emotional toll on the family are all presented with remarkable candor. However, amidst the struggles, the film also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing Steve Gleason's determination to live life to the fullest and to make a difference in the lives of others.
Both "Gleason" films, while distinct in their subjects and approaches, offer profound insights into the human condition. The 2002 television film, with Brad Garrett's portrayal of Jackie Gleason, explores the complexities of fame, ambition, and personal responsibility. It raises questions about the price of success and the choices we make in pursuit of our dreams. Was he truly a broken man or just a product of a different time and set of pressures? Was his comedic genius worth the personal cost? These questions linger long after the credits roll.
The 2016 documentary, on the other hand, offers a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Steve Gleason's story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering hope. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find purpose and meaning. The documentary's impact extends beyond entertainment, inspiring viewers to reflect on their own lives and to consider how they can make a difference in the world. Steve Gleason's efforts to build a foundation to provide other ALS patients with purpose and adapt to his declining physical condition through medical interventions are particularly inspiring.
The contrasting narratives of these two films, both titled "Gleason," highlight the diverse ways in which individuals confront life's challenges. Whether battling personal demons or a terminal illness, both Jackie and Steve Gleason leave behind legacies that are both complex and inspiring. One through his indelible mark on the world of comedy, the other through his tireless advocacy for ALS awareness and research.
For those interested in exploring the life and career of Jackie Gleason further, numerous resources are available. You can discover showtimes, read reviews, watch trailers, and find streaming options for the 2002 film. MovieFone offers additional information about the cast and other details. The film is categorized as a drama, kids & family, TV movie and has a runtime of 89 minutes. According to IMDb, it has received moderate reviews with a score of 6.6.
If you're looking to watch or stream the Jackie Gleason movie online, you can find it on platforms like FuboTV, Peacock, Crackle, Plex, and Amazon. Fandango.com is also offering a promotion where you can purchase a movie ticket to "Ballerina" between May 13, 2025, and July 21, 2025, to potentially receive additional benefits.
To delve deeper into the story of Steve Gleason, the documentary "Gleason" (2016) is readily available. The film chronicles Steve Gleason's journey after his ALS diagnosis, showcasing his efforts to document his life for his son, River, and to raise awareness for ALS. It's a powerful and emotional documentary that has resonated with audiences worldwide. The documentary was a hit at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, further solidifying its impact and reach.
Steve Gleason was born Herbert Walton Gleason Jr. and later baptized as John Herbert Gleason. He spent his formative years at 328 Chauncey Street, Apartment 1A, an address that later inspired the setting for Ralph and Alice Kramden on "The Honeymooners." Weeks after his diagnosis, Steve and Michel Gleason learned they were expecting their first child. This news further fueled Steve's determination to make a lasting impact.
Both films, though distinct, share a common thread: the exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity. Jackie Gleason's story reminds us that even those who achieve great success may struggle with personal demons, while Steve Gleason's journey exemplifies the power of hope and determination in the face of unimaginable challenges.
A list of the best performances by Jackie Gleason is available for those wishing to delve further into his acting career. Further lists of top 10 Jackie Gleason movies can be found. These lists are often compiled based on the number of votes they receive, ensuring that only the most highly-rated films appear at the top. Jackie Gleason was involved in many films throughout his career.
For those interested in the production details of the 2002 TV movie "Gleason," cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, and writers, are readily available. Release calendars and top 250 movie lists can also provide further context.
Parents should be aware that the documentary "Gleason" contains mature themes related to ALS and its impact on individuals and families. The film provides an unfiltered look at the disease's progression and the challenges it presents.
Where to watch the 2016 documentary "Gleason" starring Rivers Gleason, Michel Gleason and Steve Gleason and directed by J. Clay Tweel can be found through various streaming services.
Jackie Gleason's highest-grossing movies have garnered significant acclaim over the years, amassing millions in revenue worldwide. The ranking of these top films is typically determined by the number of votes they receive, ensuring that only the most highly-rated Jackie Gleason movies are featured prominently. Gleason's impact on the world of film is undeniable.
Steve Gleason, at the age of 34, was an NFL defensive back and a New Orleans hero when he received his ALS diagnosis. Doctors initially gave him a prognosis of two to five years to live. Instead, he chose to document his life, advocate for ALS patients, and embrace every moment.
The 2016 documentary "Gleason" from the Sundance Film Festival offers an intimate portrayal of Steve Gleason, the former New Orleans Saints defensive back, who, at a young age, was diagnosed with ALS. The movie serves as a powerful and emotional testament to Gleason's life after his diagnosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The film meticulously documents Gleason's journey, chronicling his struggles with the disease and his eventual transformation into a fervent advocate for those living with ALS. His story continues to inspire countless individuals and families facing similar challenges.
The whole movie is as unaffected and direct as a documentary can be. Moments of doubt and fear, disgust at failures of the body, the challenges that a debilitating illness poses to marriage and parenting (Gleasons son, River, was born shortly after his diagnosis, and figures heavily in the story).
Emmy winner Brad Garrett (everybody loves Raymond) stars as the great one, Jackie Gleason. From his brooklyn tenement childhood to his lavish lifestyle among the rich and famous, a dark but humorous look at the comic genius with whom america had its honeymoon.
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