James Gleason was an American actor, playwright, and screenwriter, an iconic figure of the classic Hollywood era. He began his career in the theater, often writing and performing alongside his wife, Lucile Webster. With the advent of sound film, he became one of the most prolific and recognizable character actors, specializing in roles as gruff but good-hearted characters, often with a sharp tongue and a distinctive New York accent. Among his most celebrated performances are those in films such as *Here Comes Mr. Jordan* (1941), *Arsenic and Old Lace* (1944), and *The Bishop's Wife* (1947). His performance as boxing manager Max "Pop" Corkle in *Here Comes Mr. Jordan* (1941) earned him the only Oscar nomination of his career, for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to acting, Gleason contributed as a writer or co-writer to numerous screenplays, demonstrating a versatility that made him a highly respected figure in the film industry of his time.