Could Jackie Gleason have worked as Archie Bunker? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 05-26-2024, 03:37 AM

He was apparently, one of the actors who was considered for Archie. And he did already play a grumpy character like Archie on The Honeymooners.

Dude111 · 05-26-2024, 02:56 PM

I dont think he could do it ARCHIE WAS "ARCHIE" I dont think anyone else would be as good... (Even Ralph)

Duster76 · 05-27-2024, 10:57 PM

Depending on who is being interviewed (Lear or O'Connor) Gleason's Ralph Kramden character was used as a visual aid by Lear in network pitch meetings (Archie is Ralph Kramden with a political opinion) or by O'Connor to help him with the creative process in developing the Archie Bunker character. Gleason was never considered by Lear for the role. Gleason not only was expensive, but he was a larger than life performer who would have been hell to deal with. He didn't like to rehearse, he would have wanted a piece of the show, and can you imagine the creature comforts he would have asked for, and of course the show would have to have been filmed in Miami. No way.

BestTVever · 05-31-2024, 08:00 AM

I can see him in that role and I think it would have worked but it would not been as good as Carol as Archie. Carol added to the character just like Red Fox added to the character on Sanford and Son. They took the character to levels even the writers of the show could not have dreamed possible. Norman Fell also did this to the Stanely character on Threes Company. He changed and improvised the character into something the writers had written and it worked wonderfully.

Gibson Girl · 08-01-2024, 12:28 PM

I don't think so. I just can't picture anyone but Carroll O'Connor portraying Archie Bunker.

Gleason is a terrific actor and one of my favorites but he went on to play Sheriff Buford Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit movies and made that role his.

Dude111 · 08-01-2024, 05:53 PM

Ralph had a different temper... He was Like Archie but it wouldnt be the same....

Archie was perfect for his show!! (And Ralph for his)

I didnt realise Ralph made records!! -- There is alot of albums out there "Jackie Gleason presents" and alot are gold!!

MikeLutton · 08-05-2024, 10:11 PM

Jackie Gleason as Archie Meathead u are a Mental case lol

GameShowFan · 08-25-2024, 05:50 PM

Could you picture Jackie as Archie?

Archie (to Mike): Meathead...GET OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

Archie (to Edith after she's been rambling on not getting to the point) COOOOOOOOMMMMMEEEEE OOOOOONNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

05-26-2024, 03:37 AM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,380	Could Jackie Gleason have worked as Archie Bunker? He was apparently, one of the actors who was considered for Archie. And he did already play a grumpy character like Archie on The Honeymooners.

08-05-2024, 10:11 PM	#7
MikeLutton Mike Lutton DVD Legend! Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 05, 2005 Location: usa pennsyvania Posts: 6,871	Jackie Gleason as Archie Meathead u are a Mental case lol
	__________________ Tv And DVD Addict got over a hundred dvds in my collection more than anyone in the neighborhood. also huge Animal lover family man

05-26-2024, 02:56 PM	#2
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 35,313	I dont think he could do it ARCHIE WAS "ARCHIE" I dont think anyone else would be as good... (Even Ralph)

05-27-2024, 10:57 PM	#3
Duster76 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 01, 2008 Location: New jersey Posts: 1,639	Depending on who is being interviewed (Lear or O'Connor) Gleason's Ralph Kramden character was used as a visual aid by Lear in network pitch meetings (Archie is Ralph Kramden with a political opinion) or by O'Connor to help him with the creative process in developing the Archie Bunker character. Gleason was never considered by Lear for the role. Gleason not only was expensive, but he was a larger than life performer who would have been hell to deal with. He didn't like to rehearse, he would have wanted a piece of the show, and can you imagine the creature comforts he would have asked for, and of course the show would have to have been filmed in Miami. No way.

05-31-2024, 08:00 AM	#4
BestTVever Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 29, 2021 Location: Miami Posts: 1,874	I can see him in that role and I think it would have worked but it would not been as good as Carol as Archie. Carol added to the character just like Red Fox added to the character on Sanford and Son. They took the character to levels even the writers of the show could not have dreamed possible. Norman Fell also did this to the Stanely character on Threes Company. He changed and improvised the character into something the writers had written and it worked wonderfully.

08-01-2024, 12:28 PM	#5
Gibson Girl Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jul 11, 2023 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 96	I don't think so. I just can't picture anyone but Carroll O'Connor portraying Archie Bunker. Gleason is a terrific actor and one of my favorites but he went on to play Sheriff Buford Justice in the Smokey and the Bandit movies and made that role his.

08-01-2024, 05:53 PM	#6
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 35,313	Ralph had a different temper... He was Like Archie but it wouldnt be the same.... Archie was perfect for his show!! (And Ralph for his) I didnt realise Ralph made records!! -- There is alot of albums out there "Jackie Gleason presents" and alot are gold!!

08-25-2024, 05:50 PM	#8
GameShowFan Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 07, 2019 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs Posts: 32	Could you picture Jackie as Archie? Archie (to Mike): Meathead...GET OUT!!!!!!!!!!! Archie (to Edith after she's been rambling on not getting to the point) COOOOOOOOMMMMMEEEEE OOOOOONNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!