The story begins at the height of Gleason's career. He has it all: women, wealth, and extraordinary power. But he is haunted by memories of his childhood. Gleason spends his formative years entering amateur contests, performing in sleazy night spots. Along the way, he steals gags from the best comics in town and finds love with Genevieve, a dancer whom he marries. But Gleason isn't the ideal husband or even a responsible father as he abandons his family to answer the call of Hollywood. Brash, arrogant, and egotistical, he alienates his directors and the man who discovers him. When he ends up back in New York, Gleason gets one of those rare second chances in the new medium of television, creating some of its most unforgettable characters. But even as Gleason becomes the talk of the tube, his life - ruled by demons of rage, booze, and insecurity - unravels.
Jackie Gleason
George 'Bullets' Durgom
Genevieve Halford
Audrey Meadows
Art Carney
Jack L. Warner
Sammy Birch
Sol Friedman
Toots Shor
William S. Paley
Jack Philbin
Marilyn Taylor
Mae Gleason
Herb Gleason
Young Jackie Gleason
Pert Kelton
Geraldine Halford
Movie Director
Police Officer
June Taylor
Coleman Jacoby
Arnie
Leonard
Vaudeville Performer
CBS Costumer
Director Satenstein
Matronly Mother
Theater Director
Joyce Randolph
Club Miami Bartender
Police Officer in Dream
Motel Manager in Dream
Call Girl
Assistant Director
Cavalcade of the Stars Stage Manager
Cavalcade of Stars Announcer
Date at Toot's
Waiter
Limo Driver
Movie AD
CBS Announcer
CBS Stage Manager
Maitre D'
Ventriloquist
CBS Executive
Halsey Emcee
Buxom Blond
Reporter #1
Reporter #2
Director / Dumont
Assistant Director
June Taylor / Cavalcade Dancer
June Taylor Dancer
June Taylor / Cavalcade Dancer
June Taylor Dancer
June Taylor Dancer
June Taylor Dancer
June Taylor Dancer
June Taylor Dancer
Dancer (uncredited)
Make-up Girl (uncredited)
Call Girl (uncredited)
Dancer (uncredited)