Jackie Gleason Makes His Only Appearance | Carson Tonight Show

This is one of the very few reasons why the internet is great. To just get to see this in 2023, and to pick it up and laugh at it and it feel so contemporary. To see the world through Carson really was something to have.

You could just look at Jackie Gleason and tell the man had incredible class, charm, and gravitas. Truly, he was representative of a generation of actors and entertainers that will be often imitated, but never duplicated. Men like him and Johnny were truly one of a kind.

Those were definitely the good old days. No one can replace TV of the 60's, 70's, and 80's, what an era it was.

The way he appreciated the audience was pure class.

I'm 65 years old, and young people today just can't imagine what a big part of our lives Jackie Gleason was when we were growing up. And I still love him in Smokey and the Bandit the most!

Jackie Gleason is one of the greatest complete entertainers of all time!!! Both he and Art Carney were pure magic together!

There was more talent on that stage then in all of hollywood today!

Carson was the only show that was watched and enjoyed by every age group;every demographic; every race;from rich to poor and everyone in between!! He was Amazing and talented; he was loved respected and missed one of kind

Gleason was pure class. And he was always impeccably dressed.

Jackie Gleason is truly The Great One. A great conversationalist and his one-liners are hysterical.

2024 and I'm watching two guys who long ago left the planet. They were amazing then and still are today.

My Grandfather was a tool salesman and was in a hotel in Manhattan for a convention sometime in the 1960s. He was leaving the convention to go home, got in the elevator, and there was Jackie Gleason. My Grandfather recognized him immediately, and told him that he and his wife were big fans of him and his work, calling him "Mr. Gleason". Gleason shook his hand and said, "Thanks, Pal. That really means a lot to me... and it's Jackie. " They chatted for a few moments until the elevator got to the main floor/lobby. They walked out together and my Grandfather shook Gleason's hand again and said, "It was great meeting you." Gleason looked at him before releasing the handshake, put his left hand on my Grandfather's right shoulder, and said, "Well wait a minute, Pal. I got a few minutes. Come have a drink." My Grandfather told him, "Thanks, but I can't. I got to get home. My wife's expecting me." So Gleason said, "I thought you said she's a big fan?" My Grandfather looked at him and said, "Not that big a fan." Gleason laughed and said, "I understand, Pal. Nice meeting you." Years later my Father told me that my Grandfather regretted not having that drink with Gleason, because my Grandmother was annoyed with the time he got home anyway. 😂😂😂

What can you say? Look at the guy! He's beautiful! No shorts, cargo pants, sweat suits or hoodies. The guy is dressed to the nines! Such class, such style! God, I loved these guys! Razor sharp in every way!

Jackie was a national treasure.

Burt Reynolds, Sally Fields, Jerry Reed and Jackie Gleason what a great group of actors for the 70s and 80s. They are truely missed.

This is TV americana at its peak. Two of the most talented, funniest, classiest and best ever at their jobs getting together. You will never see something like this again ever.

Jackie was a legend. It was more than The Honeymooners, it was his acting, his comedic timing, and how he lived life. Johnny could do interviews but in this case he led with questions and gave Jackie the floor and it went from there. Hard to believe this was the only time Jackie was on Johnny's show. RIP to both these great men.

"Talent is a gift from God." God and I thank you, Jackie.

The way he appreciated the audience was pure class.. Two absolute legends! I’m so glad this footage still exists.

Im 65 and have wonderful memories of watching the Jackie Gleason Show with my Father in the mood 60s. Dad was a WW2 combat vet and rarely laughed but Jackie brought him to tears of joy. Im forever in debt Jackie. How sweet it was.