James Gleason

Biography

James Gleason was born in New York City to theatrical parents, William Gleason and Mina Crolius. He married Lucile Webster, known professionally as Lucile Gleason, and together they had a son named Russell. In his youth, James served in the Spanish-American War, and upon returning, he joined the stock company at the Liberty Theater in Oakland, California, which was operated by his family. He and Lucile later relocated to Portland, Oregon, where they continued their theatrical journey at the Baker Theater.

For several years, they toured in various road shows until James enlisted in the Army during World War I. After the war, he returned to the stage in the production "The Five Million." Transitioning from acting to writing, he created the play "Is Zat So," which debuted on Broadway. He also contributed to the works "The Fall Guy" and "The Shannons on Broadway." In 1929, he wrote the screenplay for MGM's “The Broadway Melody,” which garnered significant attention.

In 1930, he collaborated on several films, including "The Swellhead," "Dumbbells in Ermine," "What a Widow!," "Rain or Shine," and "His First Command." He and Lucile signed on with Pathe, with her acting and him writing. One of his most notable performances was as Max Corkle in the beloved fantasy film "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1941), where he portrayed the manager of a man mistakenly taken from life.