As of August 2026, James Gleason is best known for The Night of the Hunter. Find every show and movie James Gleason has starred in — and where to watch them — below.
James Gleason

James Gleason

Actor Born 1882 New York City, New York, USA 8 Movies

James Gleason was born in New York City to William Gleason and Mina Crolius, who were both in the theatre. He was married to Lucile Gleason (born Lucile Webster), and had a son, Russell Gleason. As a young man James fought in the Spanish-American War. After the war he joined the stock company at the Liberty Theater in Oakland, California, which his parents were running. James and his wife then moved to Portland, Oregon, where they played in stock at the Baker Theater. For several years afterward they toured in road shows until James enlisted in the army during World War I. When he returned he appeared on the stage in "The Five Million." He then turned to writing, including "Is Zat So", which he produced for the NY stage. He also wrote and acted in "The Fall Guy" and "The Shannons on Broadway." Next he wrote The Broadway Melody (1929) for MGM. He collaborated, in 1930, on The Swellhead (1930), Dumbbells in Ermine (1930), What a Widow! (1930), Rain or Shine (1930) and His First Command (1929). He and his wife were then contracted to Pathe, Lucille to act, and James (or Jimmie as he was known) as a writer. Probably his most famous acting role was as Max Corkle, the manager of Joe Pendleton who was wrongly plucked from this life into the next, in the hit fantasy Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941).

James Gleason is based in New York City to William Gleason and Mina Crolius. His screen credits lean toward Drama and Comedy.

James Gleason's most notable role to date came in The Night of the Hunter (1955), where he played Uncle Birdie Steptoe. He also appeared in Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) as Lt. Rooney. Most recently appeared in Meet John Doe (1941) as Henry Connell.

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🎬 James Gleason's Movies

The Night of the Hunter
Uncle Birdie Steptoe
1955
Arsenic and Old Lace
Lt. Rooney
1944
The Clock
Al Henry
1945
Meet John Doe
Henry Connell
1941
The Bishop's Wife
Sylvester
1947
The Keys of the Kingdom
Rev. Dr. Wilbur Fiske
1944
Here Comes Mr. Jordan
Max Corkle
1941
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
McGarrity
1945

📝 Created / Written by James Gleason

The Bowery
Screenplay
1933

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