@paxamice: Replying to @Dave Renaissance Frank Fontaine (April 19, 1920 – August 4, 1978) was an American stage, radio, film and television comedian, singer, and actor. In 1962, comedian Jackie Gleason invited Fontaine to appear on Gleason's weekly American Scene Magazine series on CBS-TV. Fontaine recalled, "Just last year [1962] the phone call came from the executive producer of Jackie's new show. He said, 'Art Carney's going into a play and Jackie needs someone else to work with.' I said, 'I don't think I'd be much good. We look too much alike. I mean, two fat guys like us working together.' Finally, one night in Chicago, I got the call from Jackie and he said, 'Come on, pal, you're on the show. And I'm not gonna take no for an answer.' And that's how it all began." Fontaine used the same comic character familiar from the Jack Benny radio show, complete with bug-eyed grin, goofy voice, and silly laugh. The character was now named "Crazy Guggenheim" and appeared during Gleason's "Joe the Bartender" sketches. At the end of each conversation between Fontaine and Gleason, "Craze" would usually sing a sentimental song in Fontaine's natural voice, demonstrating a surprisingly strong baritone. "One day in my dressing room, I began to sing something and Jackie Gleason over in the next room called out: 'That's great, pal. You're gonna sing on the show next week!' And that's how that all started." Frank Fontaine became a fixture on the Gleason hour, and when Gleason moved the production from New York to Florida in 1964, Fontaine followed him. Fontaine made 88 American Scene Magazine appearances between 1962 and when the series ended in 1966 #crazyguggenheim #JackieGleason #paxamice

user6674121235558 :

Crazy Guggenheim played by singer Frank Fontaine.

Anna :

goldfinger229 :

The Great One... How true. How true.

MAGAts suck :

Frank Fontaine

Harry Cantrell :

I remember watching that when i was a kid. The whole family watched thes programs back then.

likeitorknot :

Crazy Guggenheim a classic!

David Reo :

Saturday Night - Hotdogs with beans and brown bread, bath then Jackie Gleason

Maryann :

Thanks for the memories ❤️

OlBoy60 :

Wow this brings back some Great Times watching TV with the Family. Today’s TV can’t even come close. Loved this Character

Michael Bird :

I LOVED THIS SHOW.

janeganice :

Never again will we see such talent.

Julia :

now that's some funny stuff 😂😂😂😂🥰🥰🥰

bobbympinada :

My father used to love that show

Randy lux :

I haven’t seen this in years!…great memories

buddyboyer :

best times ever

Robert Reynolds :

that kid!

dollhouselady :

priceless

andrewmark65 :

What a classic 🥰🥰🥰

Kate :

I loved Gleason’s shows

geraldlyons :

My dad LOVED this show and did a pretty good Crazy Gugenheimer impersonation.

myfalaland :

Great Comedy, in those days!!! Thanks for sharing this...

tex :

Born in 1962, all I remember is the honeymooners

Straker1907 :

I met Jackie Gleason years ago. That man was one fine dressed man!!! Dapper❤️❤️❤️

elcindora :

I was a child and just knew how great this was.

JulieParker_historian :

Frank Fontaine was his actual name. Beautiful voice.