Audrey Meadows, best known for her role as Alice Kramden on The Honeymooners, was born in New York City as Audrey Cotter, the youngest of four children. She was paid $11 million for three seasons of the show, which aired from 1955 to 1956 on CBS. However, the show only aired one season (1955-56) on CBS. Meadows was the only member of the cast to earn residuals from the series.
Audrey Meadows was born in New York City as Audrey Cotter, the youngest of four children. After her family returned to Wuchang, China, where they worked as missionaries, her family settled in New England when she was six years old. Audrey Meadows and Jackie Gleason were the stars of the show, with Gleason believing it lasted as long as it did.
Audrey Meadows went on to make a Carnegie Hall debut as a coloratura soprano, performed light opera, and won a 1951 Broadway role in Top Banana with Phil Silvers. She also appeared as a singer and sketch comedian on TV shows, taking over the role of Alice in the Honeymooners sketches on The Jackie Gleason Show on CBS in 1952.
Audrey Meadows died in 1996 of lung cancer, but her portrayal of Alice Kramden on The Honeymooners lives on in television. She spent months working on Broadway shows Top Banana and The Bob & Ray Show before joining Jackie Gleason’s variety show as the society girlfriend of Reggie Van Gleason. In 1991, Meadows and Joyce Randolph reprised their Alice and Trixie characters in an episode of syndicated comedy Hi Honey, Im Home.
📹 How Each Honeymooners Cast Member Died
Do you know how each The Honeymooners Cast Member Died?The Honeymooners was a hilarious sitcom that followed two …
How much money did Jackie Gleason make for The Honeymooners?
Jackie Gleason created the series. He played Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners. He was the show’s main creative, so he made more money than anyone else. Jackie Gleason’s CBS contract was worth $11 million, but he didn’t get the money.
Royal Expert Claims Prince Harry and Prince William Will Not Meet During Upcoming UK Trip.
Why Dua Lipa References Harry Houdini on ‘Radical Optimism.
When did Audrey Meadows start on The Honeymooners?
Filmography Year Title Notes 1955–1956 The Honeymooners 39 episodes 1959 The United States Steel Hour Holiday on Wheels, Marriage… Handle with Care (1960–1971) The Red Skelton Hour Play of the Week Audrey Meadows (née Cotter, February 8, 1922 – February 3, 1996) was an American actress who played Alice Kramden on The Honeymooners. She was Jayne Meadows’ sister.
Early life Meadows was born Audrey Cotter in New York City in 1922. She was the youngest of four siblings. There is confusion about her year of birth and place of birth. Her parents were missionaries in China. Her older sister was actress Jayne Meadows, and she had two older brothers. The family returned to the United States in 1927. Audrey attended high school at the Barrington School for Girls in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Did Audrey Meadows get along with Jackie Gleason?
Losing a loved one is always hard, even after years apart. Audrey Meadows and Jackie Gleason were married on screen in The Honeymooners, but they also had success as actors after the series ended. But they still loved each other as friends. In an interview with The Washington Post, Audrey Meadows said she called Gleason a few days before he died of cancer. Meadows spoke to Marilyn Taylor, Gleason’s wife, because Gleason was very sick. Meadows said, “Marilyn said she was going to take the phone in to him.” His speech is unclear, but I’ll put you on. She said, “Jackie, its Audrey.” It’s Alice. If that doesn’t make you cry, wait another minute to hear what Meadows and Gleason talked about. Meadows said, “I just called to tell you I love you.” He said something, but I didn’t understand. I never thanked you for the part of Alice. And he said, “I knew what I was doing!” The same voice, clear as a bell.
Did Audrey Meadows get residuals from The Honeymooners?
Audrey Meadows got residual payments for the show for her whole life. Her manager predicted a rerun before it was common. Her contract said she’d get royalties if the show aired in a different time slot. This is interesting because now all TV shows must pay people for each showing. Today, it applies to directors, actors, writers, and voice actors, as well as others.
Fans sent Audrey Meadows lots of household items like curtains, pot holders, and irons. They wanted Alice to have better things. One fan sent her ten cents to buy a curtain rod because it was too hard to mail one. Since 2000, a statue of Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden has stood outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.
What happened to Audrey Meadows on The Honeymooners?
Audrey Meadows, who played Alice on The Honeymooners, died Saturday of lung cancer. She died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to Beverly Callison, an assistant to Meadows’ manager, Ray Katz. Meadows, who would have been 69 on Thursday, was 69, according to Callison. Her age was listed as 71 in reference books. She kept her illness a secret, even from her sister, Jayne Meadows, until newspapers learned of her hospitalization.
Why was the first Alice on The Honeymooners blacklisted?
Kelton appeared in the original sketches, which were shorter than the later one-season episodes and 1960s hour-long musical versions. She was replaced by Audrey Meadows because she was blacklisted. Her producers said she left because of heart problems. Kelton and her husband were listed in Red Channels, a 1950s publication of communists in the U.S. entertainment industry. Kelton sued the publication for libel, but later dropped the suit. In his book, David Weinstein wrote that Kelton remained on Cavalcade of Stars through the final season of the series (1951–1952). He suggests that it may have been because Jackie Gleason had resisted attempts at having her dropped. In the 1960s, Kelton returned to Gleason’s CBS show to play Alice’s mother in an episode of the musical version of The Honeymooners. In 1963, Kelton appeared on The Twilight Zone, playing Robert Duvall’s overbearing mother in the episode Miniature. The next year, she guest-starred on My Three Sons. In this episode, Kelton plays Thelma Wilson, a stage actress who wants a settled life but realizes it’s not for her.
Why was Alice replaced on The Honeymooners?
Kelton appeared in the original sketches, which were shorter than the later one-season episodes and 1960s hour-long musical versions. She was replaced by Audrey Meadows because she was blacklisted. Her producers said she left because of heart problems. Kelton and her husband were listed in Red Channels, a 1950s publication of communists in the U.S. entertainment industry. Kelton sued the publication for libel, but later dropped the suit. In his book, David Weinstein wrote that Kelton remained on Cavalcade of Stars through the final season of the series (1951–1952). He suggests that it may have been because Jackie Gleason had resisted attempts at having her dropped. In the 1960s, Kelton returned to Gleason’s CBS show to play Alice’s mother in an episode of the musical version of The Honeymooners. In 1963, Kelton appeared on The Twilight Zone, playing Robert Duvall’s overbearing mother in the episode Miniature. The next year, she guest-starred on My Three Sons. In this episode, Kelton plays Thelma Wilson, a stage actress who wants a settled life but realizes it’s not for her.
Was Audrey Meadows a heavy smoker?
Meadows was a heavy smoker and was diagnosed with cancer in 1996. She kept her illness a secret from her family, including her sister, who found out a few days before she died. Meadows died in her sister’s arms five days before her 70th birthday. She is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California. Throughout her career, Audrey Meadows showed her talent in many roles. But her fans will remember her as Alice Kramden. Meadows was a pioneer for women on TV. She was a kind and beautiful person. Those who knew her well remember her as a loving sister, aunt, and friend. Fans will always remember her as Jackie Gleason called her on the show. “The Greatest.” Meadows wrote a memoir with Joe Daley, Love Alice. My Life as a Honeymooner is her autobiography about her time on the comedy show. For a tribute to her life, see “Diamond in the Rough,” People Weekly (16 Feb. 1996). Her life story and accomplishments can also be found in the 1958 yearbook and April 1996 issue of Current Biography. The New York Times, Daily News, Variety, U.S. News and World Report, and TV Guide all ran obituaries on February 5, 1996.
Why was The Honeymooners cancelled?
Gleason said he ended the show because the material was too good and he couldn’t cheapen it. Gleason sold the show’s films to CBS for $1.5 million. The Honeymooners is an American TV sitcom that originally aired from 1955 to 1956. It was created by and starred Jackie Gleason. It was based on a comedy sketch of the same name that had been part of Gleason’s variety show. It’s about Ralph Kramden, a bus driver in New York City, his wife Alice, Ralph’s best friend Ed Norton, and Ed’s wife Trixie. They get involved in various schemes in their day-to-day lives. Most episodes are about Ralph’s bad choices in funny situations. The show also deals with serious issues like women’s rights and social status.
The original comedy sketches first aired on the DuMont network’s variety series Cavalcade of Stars, which Gleason hosted, and subsequently on the CBS network’s The Jackie Gleason Show, which was broadcast live in front of a theater audience. Gleason reworked The Honeymooners as a half-hour series, which debuted on October 1, 1955 on CBS. It was a hit at first, but then it lost its popularity.
Did the Flintstones rip off The Honeymooners?
Jackie Gleason considered suing but decided it would be bad for his reputation. A rip-off? No, not at all. It was a satire of The Honeymooners.
Who is the heaviest smoker of all time?
Walter Humphreys smoked 100 cigarettes a day for 27 years. He started at 13 and mostly rolled his own with a 50g packet of White Ox per day. His habit turned into an addiction while he was in jail in 1990. A man who smoked 100 cigarettes a day for 27 years has quit. Walter Humphreys, 58, smoked cigarettes all day and all night.
I was a smoker from Townsville, Queensland. I smoked all day and all night.
📹 Joyce Randolph Kept This Hidden While Filming the Honeymooners
Joyce Randolph’s portrayal of the lovable Trixie Norton on “The Honeymooners” has left an everlasting impression on the …
In 2008-2009, I drove a bus in Midtown Manhattan when I had the pleasure & delight of having Joyce Randolph as a passenger after she left a play. I was thrilled beyond description just being able to speak to this wonderful lady. Although Ms. Randolph was on the bus for a short time, it is a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life…..
I met Joyce Randolph in the early 80s at a Honeymooner’s convention on Long Island. She was the only main cast member to show up, as they were all still alive at that point. I’ll never forget how beautiful and gracious she was. She was thrilled to meet her fans. What a great lady, and a great actress!
I met Joyce Randolph around 1984 at a convention called RALPH (Royal Association for the Longevity and Preservation of the Honeymooners). I asked her what was her favorite episode: she immediately said: “Alice and the Blond” (Rita Witameyer). What a beautiful, classy and elegant woman she is. My best friend lived (lives) in the same building as Joyce on Central Park West. I was a little too early in meeting her a few years ago as the doorman said she never leaves the apartment unless she is impeccably dressed. I had to leave… Wonderful woman in so many delightful ways!
I always loved when Joyce had some extra participation in an episode she added something special to the mix and was the perfect partner for Norton they were a bread and butter couple it’s a shame they couldn’t keep their partnership in a spin-off that would have been really awesome! I’m glad that she’s still with us and Hope she is relatively healthy and still enjoying her life. A big fan from Chicago, Bob Marszalek
It’s amazing what one remembers as a child, in our later years. I was a very very young child during “The Honeymooners,” sitcom, but remember perusal it with my parents. Joyce Randolph as well as all the other actors were so “life like” in their roles they played in that sitcom. Still catch a view or two once in a while even today! 👍
Honeymooners were classic Americana . There will never be another show like it. I watch it morning noon and night. It makes me feel like I’m back in time when life was good . Not like the world today . Hey you live in your world I’ll live in mine😅 . Thank you Jackie Art Audrey R I.P.. Thank so much for all the laughs. ✝️🙏💞 God bless you Joyce may you always have many more great years. ❤ You all made the honeymooners happen and I love the theme songs as well.
I got to meet Audrey Meadows as a 16 year old kid making a delivery to her apartment on the east side. To say I was star struck is an understatement. She was very kind. Years later I saw Art Carney filming a scene on Broadway in Astoria Queens for the movie Going in Style. Never met Ms. Randolph but she sounds like a wonderful lady too. Gleason lived not to far from where I live in Florida now; he didn’t get such a good rap from those who met him. He was reportedly a Diva.
Joyce Randolph, the comedic genius behind Trixie Norton, once revealed her secret talent for impersonating stubborn parrots. During a TV interview, she squawked, “Polly wants a cracker? No way! Polly wants a vacation in the Bahamas!” Her ability to website feisty feathered friends never fails to crack up her fellow actors on set
The Honeymooners will always be an iconic show. I believe it was the beginning of all the family shows we see today. Gleason was a genius in my opinion, and he did know talent when he saw it. The four of them were amazing together. If you look up Gleason’s bio you will understand who the man actually was and how hard he did work. Btw, I dvr The Honeymooners to this day. I love them all.
Wow!! I had No Ideah That Joyce Randolph was Even Still Alive and I have Not even Saw those new Shows . I love the Honey mooners, One of The Best Shows Ever On TV!! When everythingwas So innocent .. I love all the Characters. I just heard the News that Trixi (Joyce Randolph)passed away . Yes Indeed I am n always have been a Big Honey Mooners Fan !! I watch it even to this im only 45 years old . every year I watch the honeymoors marathon, For the new year!!Thanks for all the laughs!! May Joyce Randolph Rip. May God Bless her Soul . 🙏 ❤🌹 💐
Im fairly ill and due to pain I need to smile before I drift off to sleep. I don’t do pain medication at night, so sleep is a challenge. And of course the news and politics is off limits after 7 PM. At 11 each night I get into bed and turn on The Honeymooners, either on You Tube or the complete set of 39 episodes I own. The most watched, for me, are, The Head of the House, The Stage and The Bensonhurst Bomber. But really, any episodes do well. When I wake up about 3 AM I can tell when I fell asleep by recalling the last line I heard in any episode. Then I fall back asleep for a little while until the pain overcomes me and I take my pain medication. I enjoy the mistakes, as in the confusion between the pretzels and the donuts in The Bensonhurst Bomber episode. The whole 39 episodes are a gem which never lose their shine.
I just love that show it was just too bad there’s only had 36 episodes. I know the show was in the 50s I think 5556 it was ten years later that I was born. But as growing up as a kid stumbled across this show called The Honeymooners and started perusal it then I fell in love with it. Audrey Meadows Joyce Randolph Art Carney and yes Jackie Gleason.
I am old enough to remember when the New York City Transit Authority still had those old buses with foldingndoorsmfront and back amd Bullseye indirect lights for the interior and the cash counting mechanical calculator that was opposite the bus driver. Such were the days of living in my old hometown of NYC during the Mad Men era. 😊
@3:19 — This was the first time that I saw any part of the show’s set. I doubt that that was the only photograph ever taken. But where are they? How about a photo of the audience, or a photo outside the window, or a photo of outside the front door, or a photo of the area portrayed as the bedroom. By the way, this goes for countless TV shows. The rarity of such photos conveys a conscious effort on the part of the personnel (in charge of the show) to keep those areas a secret. We are not talking about Area 51, or Fort Knox. So why the secrecy? Where are the photos? I would love to see the seating section of the show. Is it possible that no one ever took a photo?
I’ve looked at those episodes many times thanks to the Internet, and if it’s the one mark I have against this otherwise masterful classic series, it’s Joyce Randolph, whose acting skills seem barely professional, especially next to the 3 great talents she worked with. Alice had no Vivian Vance at her side.
Are you kidding? This is the greatest sit com of all time. You could watch this show a thousand times and laugh as if you just watched it …. that’s what makes a great show “great”… Sometimes you have to be rough and tough around the edges (Jackie Gleason) to succeed and the people around you may think you are mean and reprehensible but at the end of the day when all the dust settles you realize they were RIGHT and they provided you with a great legacy that’s lasted a lifetime and and will forever …🥃🥃🥃… Here’s to Jackie Gleason and his vision.🥲
That’s hilarious I watch and listen to The Honeymooners all night every night I have every episode on shuffle play works great for background noises well for sleeping I probably know every word to every line I’ve watched and heard it so many times I think my favourite one is where they buy a TV together but don’t tell anybody and stay away from Bensonhurst 07741 or I’ll send you straight to the Moon one of these days as long as I’m alive The Honeymooners will live on forever the same goes for the TV series Mash