Marilyn Gleason lived a long, rich life filled with dance, acting, family, and love. Many people know her as the wife of Jackie Gleason, but her own story is deep, warm, and full of history. She was a dancer, an actress, a mother, and a woman who stood beside one of America’s biggest entertainers. This article gives you every important detail, including her movies, early life, net worth, death, and the place where she now rests.
Quick Bio of Marilyn Taylor Gleason
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marilyn Taylor Gleason |
| Birth Year | 1925 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Parents | Percival Taylor & Angeline Taylor |
| Sister | June Taylor (famous choreographer) |
| Occupation | Dancer, Actress, Shop Owner |
| First Husband | George Horwich (d. 1972) |
| Son | Craig Horwich |
| Second Husband | Jackie Gleason (m. 1975–1987) |
| Famous Movies | The Toy, Mr. Billion, Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 |
| Death Date | April 2, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 93 |
| Burial Place | Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, Miami-Doral |
Early Life of Marilyn Gleason
Marilyn Gleason was born in Chicago in October 1925. Her parents, Percival Taylor and Angeline Taylor, raised her and her older sister June Taylor in a home filled with music and dance. June became a famous choreographer, and Marilyn followed her into the world of dance. This early life in a creative home helped shape Marilyn Gleason into the strong and talented woman she became. From a young age, Marilyn worked with the June Taylor Dancers, a group known for synchronized dance numbers. The dancers later became famous on The Jackie Gleason Show, where they created amazing overhead camera formations.
Dance Career and Connection to Show Business
During the 1940s, Marilyn Gleason danced on the road with June’s troupe. Marilyn did not receive big pay, but she earned great respect. Many called her a “fierce tap dancer.” While performing in a Baltimore nightclub in 1946, Marilyn met Jackie Gleason. He was a rising comedian, and she was part of the dance group. This moment began a love story that took decades to complete.
First Romance Between Marilyn and Jackie
In the 1950s, Marilyn Gleason and Jackie Gleason started to date. Jackie was separated from his first wife, Genevieve Halford, but because he was Catholic, he could not get a quick divorce. Marilyn ended the relationship because the future was uncertain. They loved each other, but timing kept them apart.
Marilyn’s First Marriage and Motherhood
After ending things with Jackie, Marilyn Gleason met George Horwich, a businessman from Chicago. They married in 1962, and in 1963 Marilyn had her son Craig Horwich. She ran the June Taylor School of Dance in New York and later opened Petite Repeat, a children’s store in Chicago. Her life was stable until George died in 1972. After his death, Marilyn moved to Florida to live near her sister.
Reconnecting With Jackie Gleason
When Jackie Gleason heard Marilyn was widowed and living in Florida, he acted fast. He contacted her and tried hard to win her back. Her son said Jackie used a “full-court press.” Jackie divorced his second wife, Beverly McKittrick, and in December 1975, he finally married Marilyn Gleason. After years apart, they were together again.
Life at the Inverrary Mansion
After marriage, Marilyn Gleason lived with Jackie in a large 14-room mansion at the Inverrary Country Club. The home became a peaceful place where Jackie could relax from work. Friends described Marilyn as calm and warm. She created a balanced home for a man famous for his loud humor and strong personality. Their marriage lasted until Jackie died in 1987.
Life After Jackie’s Death
After Jackie passed away, Marilyn Gleason moved into a penthouse in Fort Lauderdale. She lived there for the rest of her life. She played golf weekly, volunteered reading for the blind, and stayed close to family. She never dated again, showing the deep love she had for Jackie. Her later life was simple and filled with quiet dignity.
Marilyn Gleason in Movies and TV
Many people search for Marilyn Gleason movies or Marilyn Gleason The Toy. She acted in several films, usually in small but meaningful roles:
- “Mr. Billion” (1977) – Make-up lady
- “The Toy” (1982) – Mrs. Newcomb, alongside Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason
- “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3” (1983) – Small role
She also danced again with the June Taylor Dancers in a well-known L’eggs commercial.
Marilyn Gleason Net Worth
People often search Marilyn Gleason net worth, but the exact number is unknown. Some sites estimate around $20 million, though this is not confirmed. Jackie Gleason had about $10 million when he died, and he changed his will shortly before death. This affected how much Marilyn received, but she always lived comfortably.
Death and Cause of Death
Many search for Marilyn Gleason cause of death, Marilyn Gleason died, or is Marilyn Gleason still alive.
She died on April 2, 2019, at age 93, in Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Her exact cause of death was never shared publicly, but she passed peacefully after a long life.
Marilyn Gleason Grave and Final Resting Place
People also search for Marilyn Gleason grave. She is buried beside Jackie Gleason in the family crypt at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Doral, Miami. Jackie’s mausoleum is famous for the line “And Away We Go!” Marilyn rests near him, her sister June Taylor, and other family members.
Appearance, Height, and Searches About Her Feet
Some search Marilyn Gleason feet, though serious sources rarely discuss this. What is known:
- Height: about 5’5″ (165 cm)
- Weight: around 60 kg
- Fit and strong from years of dance
Her physical details matter less than her talent and character, but these details help complete her story.
Jackie and Marilyn Gleason: A Love Story
The relationship of Jackie and Marilyn Gleason has three chapters: Young Love: They met in the 1940s and dated in the 1950s but could not marry. Separate Lives: Marilyn married George Horwich, and Jackie married Beverly McKittrick. Reunion: After Marilyn became a widow, Jackie found her again and married her in 1975.
Their love lasted until Jackie’s final day, and Marilyn stayed loyal to him for the rest of her life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marilyn Gleason?
A dancer, actress, mother, and wife of Jackie Gleason.
What movies was she in?
“The Toy,” “Mr. Billion,” and “Smokey and the Bandit Part 3.”
When did she die?
April 2, 2019, at age 93.
Where is she buried?
At Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, beside Jackie Gleason.
Final Thoughts
Marilyn Gleason lived a long and beautiful life. She danced on large stages, acted in memorable films, raised a family, and shared deep love with Jackie Gleason. Her story is rich with talent, loyalty, and quiet strength. If you wanted to understand her life fully, this article gives you the complete picture of a woman worth remembering.
Curious for more? Dive deeper on our site now! News Well
