Property from the Estate of AUDREY MEADOWS
When the powers that be cast Audrey Meadows as the sweet little wife in Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners", they certainly were not basing their decision on type-casting. In real life, the well-travelled and sophisticated actress was a far cry from the kitchen bound "Alice Kramden."
Born in 1929 in Wu-Chang, China to Episcopalian missionary parents, young Audrey spent the first part of her life in a land very far from Hollywood. When the family finally returned to America, they settled in New England, where Audrey learned to love show business from her sister, the stage, screen and television star, Jayne Meadows.
Miss Meadows began her career as a trained soprano and at age sixteen made her professional singing debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. A talented singer, she recorded albums for RCA Records and toured with a USO show in the early 1940s as part of Hollywood's effort during World War II. Eventually, she starred on Broadway with comedian Phil Silvers in "Top Banana." In 1951 she got her first break in television on the National Broadcasting Company's "Bob and Ray Show."
It would be in 1952 however, that she would land the part that would forever change her life and career. Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners" began as a skit on his "The Jackie Gleason Show" television variety program. It's popularity propelled it to the CBS network, and very soon Ralph, Alice, Trixie and Norton became household names and lifetime friends. While only thirty-nine original episodes were filmed, "The Honeymooners" defined the term "classic television" and is still shown somewhere in the world at least once a day. Over the years, Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadows, Joyce Randolph and Art Carney would get together for a number of "Honeymooners Reunion" programs which were of course, eagerly awaited.
Audrey Meadows had many other successes in addition to playing the beloved "Alice Kramden." She made her film debut with Cary Grant and Doris Day in the 60s comedy That Touch Of Mink, and continued her career with such films as Take Her She's Mine and Rosie. The actress was also immensely successful in her personal life. In 1961 she married Robert F. Six, aviation pioneer and President of Continental Airlines. Miss Meadows devoted much of her time helping her husband build the company, and took an active role in it's promotion. She continued however, to appear now and then in films and television programs with good friends such as brother-in-law Steve Allen, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball and Dean Martin. Her popularity never waivered, and she also made her indelible mark on many contemporary television series such as "The Love Boat", "Too Close For Comfort", "Uncle Buck", and the animated "The Simpsons."
Audrey Meadow's long and illustrious career earned her numerous awards and accolades including the 1954 Emmy Award for outstanding Supporting Actress for "The Honeymooners", the 1955 Sylvania Award for Outstanding Contribution to Television Techniques, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the 1994 American Comedy Awards.
AUDREY MEADOWS
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AUDREY MEADOWS
A photograph of the actress with director Alfred Hitchcock on the set of his program in 1960; together with a script from the "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" episode "MRS. BIXBY AND THE COLONEL'S COAT", in which Ms. Meadows guest starred.
A photograph of the actress with director Alfred Hitchcock on the set of his program in 1960; together with a script from the "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" episode "MRS. BIXBY AND THE COLONEL'S COAT", in which Ms. Meadows guest starred.