The Insider's 'Honeymooners' Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pert Kelton

Most people remember Pert Kelton as Ronnie Howard's and Shirley Jones' mother in the movie 'The Music Man.' She did, however, originate the Alice Kramden role when 'The Honeymooners' debuted as a skit on Gleason's variety show. She could not continue with the role for two reasons: she became a suspect by the McCarthy Senate hearings and suffered a major heart attack.

Answer: He considered her 'too pretty' for the role

When advised by her agent that Gleason considered her 'too pretty,' Meadows arranged for a photographer to arrive at her apartment the next morning at 4:00am, and to take a series of pictures of her as she looked immediately upon waking up, without makeup, with puffy eyes, etc. Upon receipt of the photos, Gleason said, 'Any broad (sic) with a sense of humor like that deserves the part.'

Answer: Gleason refused to rehearse, even though the show was broadcast live

Gleason felt that rehearsals destroyed the 'spontaneity' possible during the live performance. The most he would agree to do (though not always) was to show up for the 'blocking' (where each character was to stand when delivering his or her lines), but NEVER for a rehearsal. Audrey Meadows and Art Carney would take the terrified guest star to their dressing room and have their own rehearsal, and impart these words of wisdom '...just keep out of his way and never, ever, stand in front of him.'

Answer: He would rub his stomach

This is where Audrey Meadow's nickname 'The Rock' came about. A firm believer in rehearsals, it took Meadows quite a while to get used to Gleason's no-rehearsal policy. For her own level of comfort, Meadows would memorize the entire script, knowing each actor's lines, and was therefore ready to help any actor who went 'over the top.'

Answer: 39

Until Gleason announced the existence of the 'lost episodes' of the 'Honeymooners' in 1985, just 39 original episodes were filmed.

Answer: 1955-1956

These episodes were shot on film (a rare occurence for the time) as part of a complicated spinoff deal with Jackie Gleason Enterprises and the now-defunct Dumont network.

Answer: Almost every cast member EXCEPT Gleason won an Emmy award

Meadows, Carney, and Randolph all won Emmys (Meadows and Carney won several), as did the writers...Gleason was totally overlooked.

Answer: Sheila MacRae

The opportunity to return as 'Alice' was offered to Audrey {Meadows;} she declined because she had just settled in Denver as the wife of Continental Airlines' President Robert Six, and she wasn't that comfortable with the musical format. MacRae brought to the role a somewhat rougher, coarser Alice that was Gleason's original idea for the part.

Answer: Joyce Randolph

Randolph was angered that, when the 'Honeymooners' was revived in the 60s and 70s, she was never offered the part of 'Trixie.' Gleason instead went directly to Jane Kean and hired her on the spot.

Answer: NO

If you consider being locked in a temperature-controlled file cabinet in Gleason's basement 'lost.' No financial dummy, Gleason kept the episodes under lock and key until he felt the time to be right to strike a deal for their sale. He made millions.