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Jackie Gleason and The Tour of Doom: A Haunting and Hilarious Tale of Celebrity Excess

Jared Nelson

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Jackie Gleason and the Tour of Doom: An Actor's Notes on Sly Fox and The Great One

by Larry Rosler

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1729 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	200 pages

Jackie Gleason, the rotund and raucous comedian known for his signature catchphrases and larger-than-life persona, embarked on a ill-fated comedy tour in 1962 that would come to be known as "The Tour of Doom." Filled with tales of haunted hotels, ghostly encounters, and paranormal activity, the tour became a legend in the annals of showbiz history.

Gleason, at the height of his fame, was known for his excessive lifestyle and penchant for practical jokes. His comedy routines were a combination of slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and raunchy stories, all delivered with his trademark booming voice and infectious laughter.

The 1962 tour was a particularly ambitious undertaking, with Gleason and his entourage traveling across the country in a custom-made bus. The tour included stops in some of the most famous and haunted hotels in America, including the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, and the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California.

Haunted Hotels and Ghostly Encounters

As the tour progressed, strange and eerie events began to occur. In the Stanley Hotel, Gleason and his crew reported hearing disembodied voices and footsteps, and objects moving on their own. Gleason himself claimed to have seen the ghost of a young girl in the hotel's hallway.

At the Hotel del Coronado, Gleason and his entourage experienced more paranormal activity. They heard knocking on doors, saw apparitions, and felt cold spots in the middle of the night. One night, Gleason awoke to find a ghostly figure standing at the foot of his bed, its face obscured by a veil.

These ghostly encounters left a lasting impression on Gleason and his crew. Gleason, who was not known for his belief in the supernatural, became increasingly superstitious and fearful as the tour continued.

Gleason's Reactions and Practical Jokes

Despite the paranormal activity, Gleason maintained his trademark sense of humor throughout the tour. He joked about the ghosts, made light of the strange occurrences, and even played practical jokes on his crew members.

One night, after a particularly frightening encounter in the Stanley Hotel, Gleason snuck into the room of his crew chief and hid under the bed. When the crew chief returned to his room, Gleason jumped out and let out a blood-curdling scream, sending the man running out of the room in terror.

Gleason's practical jokes and good-natured attitude helped to lighten the mood and keep the crew's spirits up during the haunted tour.

The Cancellation and Aftermath

As the tour progressed, the paranormal activity grew more intense and the publicity surrounding the haunted hotels began to take its toll on Gleason's nerves. The comedian, who had always been a heavy smoker and drinker, began to experience health problems.

Eventually, Gleason was forced to cancel the tour due to exhaustion and ill health. The comedian returned home, where he underwent treatment for a variety of ailments.

The Tour of Doom remains one of the most infamous and legendary tours in entertainment history. It is a tale of haunted hotels, ghostly encounters, and a comedian's struggle with the supernatural and his own demons.

Legacy of the Tour of Doom

The Tour of Doom has become a part of Jackie Gleason's legacy, a cautionary tale about the dangers of celebrity excess and the importance of facing one's fears with humor and grace.

The haunted hotels that Gleason visited on the tour continue to attract ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts to this day. The Stanley Hotel, in particular, has become a popular destination for those seeking a glimpse into the supernatural world.

Jackie Gleason's legacy as a comedian, actor, and entertainer remains intact, but the Tour of Doom adds a darker and more intriguing chapter to his story. It is a tale of laughter, fear, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Jackie Gleason and the Tour of Doom: An Actor's Notes on Sly Fox and The Great One

by Larry Rosler

4.5 out of 5