Pow!... Right in the Kisser! Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

While it may surprise many people, "The Honeymooners" ran for only one season and had only 39 episodes. Before the show went on the air, these same four characters had been seen doing live skits on "Cavalcade of Stars". Starring Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows, and Joyce Randolph, this comedy centered around two working class families living in Brooklyn, New York. For many fans, the character of Ralph Kramden was a classic example of his comedy style for which he became a legend.

Answer: Take Me Along

Gleason's performance in "Take Me Along", a 1959 Broadway musical, earned him a Tony Award. The production was based on Eugene O'Neill's coming-of-age drama "Ah, Wilderness!", which had premiered in 1933. Gleason's baritone voice could be heard throughout this musical, and while he may not have been a classically trained opera singer, Gleason had the pizazz and showmanship to bring in large audiences.

Answer: Melancholy Serenade

Without any formal training, and unable to read sheet music, Jackie Gleason was credited with writing numerous pieces of music. His first album "Music for Lovers Only" held the record for the longest stay on the Billboard Top Ten Charts (153 weeks), for over half a century. He wrote "Melancholy Serenade" and used it for his theme song on "The Jackie Gleason Show."

Answer: Requiem for a Heavyweight

"Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1962) is a sad drama about an old boxer with pugilist dementia who is facing the end of his career. This character is played by Anthony Quinn. Jackie Gleason plays this character's manager. A very young Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) plays himself in this dark and depressing movie about the end of athletic careers.

The underground activities in the world of boxing are explored, such as gambling, life-altering injuries, and the desire for competition. Gleason is excellent as a manager living somewhat vicariously through his protege.

Answer: Red carnation

Jackie was known for wearing his favorite flower, the red carnation, on his lapel for years. He was seen wearing one on most of his television appearances and most of his publicity photos. At his funeral, his widow pinned a red carnation on his lapel as a last gesture of affection.

Answer: Flying

Gleason was terribly afraid of flying. Early in his career, he was a passenger on a plane that had to make an emergency landing after losing two of its engines. Gleason never got on a plane again. He either drove himself or used a bus or a train for his travels.

Answer: The Hustler

With a cast that included Gleason, Paul Newman, George C. Scott and Piper Laurie, "The Hustler" was nominated for nine Academy Awards. In this box-office hit, Gleason portrayed Rudolf Wanderone, the pool legend known as Minnesota Fats. The other main character in the movie was called "Fast Eddie" Felson, and the story centered on the newcomer (Felson) and his attempts to beat the legendary pool champion.

In this movie, Gleason performed all of his own pool shots, showing off a skill many did not know he had.

Answer: And away we go!

Jackie Gleason died on June 24, 1987 in Lauderhill, Florida. He was buried at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Miami in a large outdoor mausoleum. Engraved at the base of his tomb are the words "And Away We Go"! This is a phrase that he would use on the television program "The Jackie Gleason Show" (1952-1970).

He would come out onstage and talk to the audience before introducing the rest of the show with a long, drawn out "And away we go"! A heavy drinker, and an even heavier smoker, Gleason kept his health issues very private, and many of his fans were surprised by the news that he had passed away.

Answer: True

William Hanna of Hanna-Barbera cartoon fame admitted openly that "The Flintstones" (1960-1966) was a spoof of "The Honeymooners". Later on after Gleason threatened to sue, Barbera stated that the show was not a spoof, but that they were flattered to be compared to one of the greatest television comedies of all time.

It was at this point Gleason was persuaded not to pursue this course of action lest he become known as the man who killed Fred Flintstone.

Answer: Dead aliens

Gleason was extremely interested in the paranormal and read about the topic ravenously. Ex-wife Beverly Gleason McKittrick has been quoted in many interviews that in 1973, after a visit with Richard Nixon, Gleason came home and appeared badly shaken. After calming down, he told her that Nixon had just taken him to Homestead Air Force Base in southern Florida.

It was there that he was supposedly shown the dead bodies of several dead aliens that were being stored there. He did not ever speak to the public or press about the topic, but his closest friends and family have admitted that some unknown experience seemed to have a profound effect on him around that time.