Jackie Gleason, the late rotund, physical, and verbal comedian, who was best remembered for an eclectic array of characterizations on his self-titled show which was one of the more dominant programs during the 1950s Golden Age of Television, and especially as irascible yet loveable blowhard Brooklyn loser bus driver Ralph Kramden on one of televisions all-time great sitcoms The Honeymooners, has a birthday today.

To those who follow “everyman” type comedians who transcend a chubbiness in physicality in today’s society, everyone from Seth Rogen to Zack Galifanakis and from Jonah Hill to especially Kevin James, owe a direct or indirect nod to the man who was coined “the great one,” Jackie Gleason. Comedians through the years like Chris Farley, John Goodman, Jim and John Belushi, and the great Carroll O’Connor as Archie Bunker on All in the Family also owe the direct or indirect nod.