Genevieve Halford (Husband of Jackie Gleason) – Wiki, Age, Daughters

Genevieve Halford is a name that may not be as widely recognized as her former husband, Jackie Gleason, but her story is an intriguing part of the life of “The Great One.” Jackie Gleason, known for his incredible comedic talents, hailed from Brooklyn, New York, and it was there that he honed his comedic brilliance. Among his most iconic portrayals was that of the brash city-bus-driver, Ralph Kramden, in the beloved television series, The Honeymooners.

In addition to his unforgettable role in The Honeymooners, Gleason’s creative genius extended to The Jackie Gleason Show. This show enjoyed consistently high ratings from the mid-1950s to 1970, solidifying Gleason’s status as a comedy legend. Interestingly, after initially being based in New York City, the show made a significant move to Miami Beach, Florida, in 1964. This decision to relocate was driven by Gleason’s desire to make the vibrant city his permanent home, a change that would have a lasting impact on his life and career.

Now, let’s delve into the life of Genevieve Halford, who played a significant role in Jackie Gleason’s personal journey. She was born in the United States in 1916 and lived a remarkable life that spanned nearly a century. Notably, Genevieve Halford was known for her devout Catholic faith, which would shape her life and choices in the years to come.

The intriguing story of how Jackie Gleason and Genevieve Halford crossed paths is rooted in the world of vaudeville. Gleason, the talented actor and comedian, found himself drawn to the world of dance when he met the vivacious dancer Genevieve Halford. Their romance blossomed during their work in vaudeville, but their paths were not without their twists and turns.

While Halford had her heart set on marriage, Gleason, at that time, was not quite ready to settle down. In response to this predicament, Halford made her intentions clear – if marriage wasn’t on the horizon, she would be open to seeing other men. It was a bold move, setting the stage for a unique chapter in their relationship.

A pivotal moment in their love story unfolded during one of Gleason’s performances at Club Miami in Newark, New Jersey. As he took to the stage to entertain the audience, he couldn’t help but notice Halford seated in the front row, accompanied by another man. What happened next was both unexpected and courageous. Gleason, driven by a surge of emotion, boldly approached their table and, in front of Halford’s date, proposed to her. It was a daring gesture that changed the course of their lives forever, and on September 20, 1936, they became husband and wife.

Their union brought forth two daughters, Geraldine Gleason, born in 1940, and Linda Miller, born in 1942. However, the path of their marriage was not always smooth. Halford cherished the idea of a quiet home life, while Gleason’s career often led him to spend his nights out. This disparity in their desires led to their initial separation in 1941, a period marked by uncertainty.

Remarkably, despite the challenges, they managed to reconcile in 1948. But life had more in store for them, and an informal separation occurred again in 1954. This time, Gleason’s hospitalization due to a broken leg and ankle, sustained during an on-air incident on his television show, played a pivotal role in the unraveling of their relationship.

As Gleason recuperated in the hospital, Halford visited him, unaware that this visit would reveal a significant change in their circumstances. It was during this hospital stay that Gleason’s relationship with dancer Marilyn Taylor, who was also present, became apparent to Halford. Taylor and Gleason continued to date throughout the 1950s, creating a complex web of emotions and circumstances that ultimately led to the end of Gleason and Halford’s marriage. In April 1954, Halford filed for a legal separation, setting the stage for a new chapter in their lives.

The years rolled on, and in 1970, an amendment to the divorce law in New York provided a path for Gleason to sue for divorce after living apart for two years. He took this opportunity, but it wasn’t without legal challenges. Halford contested the divorce, arguing that the reform law was unconstitutional since she had no prior knowledge that the 1954 separation decree would later be used for divorce purposes. Despite the legal wrangling, the New York Court of Appeals upheld the divorce in 1970, marking the official end of their marriage.

Just ten days after the divorce was finalized, Gleason embarked on a new chapter in his personal life. He married his second wife, Beverly McKittrick, in a registry ceremony in Ashford, England, on July 4, 1970. Genevieve Halford, on the other hand, chose a quieter path following her divorce, away from the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world.

Jackie Gleason’s life was marked by both his incredible comedic talent and personal challenges. He battled various health issues, including smoking six packs of cigarettes a day, phlebitis, and diabetes. His health took a serious turn when he experienced chest pains while on tour in 1978, ultimately leading to triple-bypass surgery. Despite his determination to keep his medical problems private, rumors about his declining health persisted. Tragically, on June 24, 1987, Gleason passed away at the age of 71 at his Florida home, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the world of comedy and entertainment. Genevieve Halford passed away in July 9. 2012, aged 96, in Manhattan

Genevieve Halford’s journey intertwined with that of Jackie Gleason, offering a glimpse into the complexities of their shared history and the vibrant era of entertainment in which they lived.

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