Pert Kelton played Alice Kramden for the first seven episodes of The Honeymooners and was supposedly replaced when her husband was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. The role, of course, was taken over by Audrey Meadows.

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http://www.fiftiesweb.com/tv/honeymmooners-pert.jpg

She was the original Alice, she certainly was not ever going to play that role in the 'classic 39' which refers to The Honeymooners run as separate series in 1955-56. Audrey took over the role in 1952.

She was the original Alice, she certainly was not ever going to play that role in the 'classic 39' which refers to The Honeymooners run as separate series in 1955-56. Audrey took over the role in 1952.


Oh ok, so Pert Kelton was never supposed to continue the role of Alice in the classic 39?

After Audrey Meadows had already been playing the part in sketches on The Jackie Gleason Show for three years...?

After Audrey Meadows had already been playing the part in sketches on The Jackie Gleason Show for three years...?


Ok I misunderstood, thanks for clearing that up. But I guess it was true that she was blacklisted from Hollywood?

There's a very old thread (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=189173) in which it is stated that Pert's name appeared in the infamous publication Red Channels. Apparently she claimed illness due to heart trouble was the reason she didn't continue--after CBS refused to hire her.

There's a very old thread (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=189173) in which it is stated that Pert's name appeared in the infamous publication Red Channels. Apparently she claimed illness due to heart trouble was the reason she didn't continue--after CBS refused to hire her.


How horrible....thanks for the heads up

Interestingly, though, she did appear in one of the color Honeymooners shows from the late 60s... as Alice's mother! That has to make you feel old when you (sort of) play your own mother.

From the few clips I've seen of Kelton, we should be eternally grateful that Meadows eventually got the role.