The Honeymooners, continues to be celebrated for its humor, relatable characters and the genuine chemistry of its cast. For a show that takes up such a big place in television history, many people are surprised that it only ran from 1955 to 1956 on CBS. It was one of the first TV shows to portray blue-collar married couples in a realistic manner, who had relatable struggles, arguments and tender moments.
Created by and starring the great Jackie Gleason, the show followed the lives of Ralph Kramden (played by Gleason), a boisterous bus driver, and his best friend, Ed Norton (played by Art Carney), who both had jobs working in the local sewer system.
The show is set in a working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, and follows the humorous misadventures and domestic struggles of Ralph, his wife Alice (played by Audrey Meadows), and their friends, Ed and his wife Trixie (played by Joyce Randolph). Ralph was full of get-rich-quick schemes and big dreams, most of which fail hilariously, leading to laugh-out-loud situations.
After its initial run on CBS in the mid-1950s, The Honeymooners never really faded into obscurity. The show continued to enjoy a cult following through reruns and syndication, and it remains a staple of classic television.
In the 1970s, Gleason revived the characters of Ralph and Ed for a series of specials, which added a new chapter to the lives of the Kramdens and Nortons, continuing the comedic legacy of the characters.
Did you know? The 1955 show was not the first time The Honeymooners aired on television. In fact, it aired on the DuMont Network’s WABD channel (channel 5) in New York City from 1951 to 1952, and then was picked up by CBS and aired from October 1, 1955, to September 22, 1956. A musical version of The Honeymooners also premiered on Broadway in 2017. The stage adaptation introduced the beloved characters to a new generation of theater goers and showcased the enduring appeal of the show.
The Honeymooners cast
Here, we take a look back at the Honeymooners cast and reveal surprising facts about the beloved stars and the show.
Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden
At the heart of The Honeymooners is the iconic character of Ralph Kramden, portrayed by the larger-than-life Jackie Gleason. Gleason was already a respected comedian and actor before taking on the role, and his performance in The Honeymooners cemented his status as a comedy legend.
With his blustery demeanor, ever-present bus driver’s uniform, and frequent use of catchphrases like “To the moon, Alice,” Gleason brought Ralph Kramden to life in a way that made the character unforgettable.
Gleason’s portrayal of Ralph Kramden is not just memorable for its humor but also for its depth. He brought a certain vulnerability to the character, making Ralph endearing even when he was at his most bombastic. Gleason’s skill in combining humor and pathos created a well-rounded character who felt real and relatable to the audience.