Pert Kelton

Vaudevillain, Broadway player and, for one decade from 1929, screen actress often in comedic roles. She also appeared in character parts in a handful of 60s films. She is memorable as the original - and the most believable - Alice Kramden, wife of Ralph Kramden (immortalized by Jackie Gleason), in TV's "The Honeymooners. " Kelton's performances took place (ca.

Was also the only actress in the history of "The Honeymooners" to play both Alice Kramden on Cavalcade of Stars (1949) and her mother in a 1967 musical episode originally aired on The Jackie Gleason Show (1966).

Co-starred as Agnes on NBC Radio's "The Magnificent Montague" (1950-1951).

Scored possibly her greatest professional success as "Mrs. Paroo" in the Broadway production of "The Music Man" in 1958, a role she repeated in the screen version four years later: The Music Man (1962).

Although some think that she was nominated for a Tony Award for "The Music Man" on Broadway, she was not. She was, however, actually nominated for two Tonys: in 1960, as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical) for "Greenwillow" and, in 1968, as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) for "Spofford." The confusion about "The Music Man" may stem from the "Greenwillow" nomination.

Most famous as Shirley Jones' mother in The Music Man (1962).