Ralph Kramden, as played by Jackie Gleason, was this big bumbling New York City bus driver who was kind of mean and crass and a little bit egotistical. But underneath it all, he was a big heart looking for a place to land I think.
It was a bit of a lark when I agreed to do [Smokey and the Bandit], and I knew we'd have fun if we could get Jackie Gleason.
I used to watch the 'Jackie Gleason Show' and Phil Silvers, those early TV things. And a lot of them were patterned on the silent comedies of the '20s.
While prepping 'Smokey,' I saw a picture in a magazine of a Pontiac Trans Am that gave me a product placement idea. I could picture Burt Reynolds behind the wheel with Jackie Gleason on the chase. I called Pontiac and asked if they would like to have the car in the movie.
I did the Ed Sullivan show four times. I did the Steve Allen show. I did the Jackie Gleason show.
It's a mixed crowd at the dogs - black, white, hispanic - but to Walt they all look like Jackie Gleason. Heavyset guys with big plans and polyester souls.
I used to watch 'The Honeymooners' and laughed so much I'd fog up the inside of the lenses of my glasses.
'Smokey and the Bandit' is tough and funny.
If I were a dad, I'd have my kids watch 'I Love Lucy' and 'The Honeymooners.'
One movie I come back to time and again is 'The Hustler.' I don't think there's better dialogue in any film.
I've always wanted to play Alice Kramden.
I grew up with my dad sitting us down at the holidays and putting on 'The Honeymooners.'
You can compare Fred and Barney Rubble with Gleason and Carney.
