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Paul Gleason Obituary
Gleason died at a local hospital Saturday of mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer linked to asbestos, said his wife, Susan Gleason.
"Whenever you were with Paul, there was never a dull moment," his wife said. "He was awesome."
A native of Miami, Gleason was an avid athlete. Before becoming an actor, he played Triple-A minor league baseball for a handful of clubs in the late 1950s.
Gleason honed his acting skills with his mentor Lee Strasberg, whom he studied with at the Actors Studio beginning in the mid-1960s, family members said.
Though his career, Gleason appeared in over 60 movies that included "Die Hard," "Johnny Be Good," and "National Lampoon's Van Wilder." Most recently, Gleason made a handful of television appearances in hit shows such as "Friends" and "Seinfeld."
Gleason's passions went beyond acting. He had recently published a book of poetry.
"He was an athlete, an actor and a poet," said his daughter, Shannon Gleason-Grossman. "He gave me and my sister a love that is beyond description that will be with us and keep us strong for the rest of our lives."
Actor Jimmy Hawkins, a friend of Gleason's since the 1960s, said he remembered Gleason for a sharp sense of humor.
"He just always had great stories to tell," Hawkins said.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
160 Entries
June 3, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...
Stephen Teng
September 12, 2019
I only know him from watching Breakfast Club. He portrayed as a mean principal who make sure that students do the right thing. When I looked up the actors after watching the film for first time, I didnt realise that hes already deceased. There are a lot of people I never knew lived in this world, and I dont get to know about them until their deaths. Gleason will always be part of the family.
November 8, 2017
Rest in peace, and enjoy the heavens, you have earned. You will surely be missed by all of the fans you entertained, and that includes me. Elsie Morgan (Los Angeles,CA)
Keri Caye
May 15, 2017
I worked with him and Bob Urich...both gone and both wonderful. My heart goes to their family, friends and fans.
How you can show support
Scott Thorstad
July 5, 2016
I was fortunate to have met Paul in a grocery store in West Hollywood. He was such a regular guy. XO and RIP. Shocked to only find out now you have moved on to the next level.
Melly Mel
June 17, 2016
I literally just found out today a little while ago! As a fan, he will live on in some of my favorite movies: "Die Hard, " "The Breakfast Club, " and" Not Another Teen Movie." My prayers and condolences to his family and friends
John Tiberio
June 5, 2016
I was just looking at pictures of the actors from the breakfast club, then and now. You are not forgotten Sir, thank you for all that you did. RIP
Allison Dupont
March 8, 2016
Never forgotten, Rest in Peace sir.
Harry Simpson
November 28, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
michael borodzicz
March 28, 2014
Good luck in the detention room in heaven paul
Gary Lunz
August 18, 2013
I have a color picture of Paul as I write this in my office. Great actor and from what everybody says a great guy. Classic line from Die Hard. " I guess were going to need a couple more FBI guys". RIP sir.
Betty Casner
December 31, 2010
december 30,2010 I used to watch Mr gleason on all my children. I would like to tell the the family how sorry I am and tell them I know what it is like my husband died of mesotheloma 7 years ago at the age of 44 years old. and it is something you never forget. Betty casner Newville Pa
Maria Ann Smith
September 4, 2010
I just came across this Guest Book. I ran Paul's fan club while he was on All My Children and got to spend time with him on many occasions. He was always there for the fans. He was such a talented actor...but most of all a gentleman in every sense of the word. Rest well my friend
Meghan Gleason
April 1, 2008
Oh the Gleason famil;ey is full of history.I'm so glad that I'm apart of this big familey.
Laura, Chris, Bill and Bob Carnes
August 28, 2007
To the Gleason Family:
I met Paul on several occasions, you may have heard him mention my Dad's name, Bob Carnes. They played football together along with Burt (Buddy) Reynolds at Florida State University. He used to visit my Dad in Tallahassee, Florida and stayed with my parents on several occasions both at their house in Tallahasse and at The Cabin. I will let my Dad know that this website exists as we are very familiar with it ourselves. We lost my brother, Ted Carnes, November 12, 2005, in a car accident. My Dad was already mourning the loss of my brother when he found out about Paul's death. We were all very sad to hear that this world lost yet another amazing, kind, down-to-earth soul. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Paul made this world a better place. With love,
Meghan Gleason
April 25, 2007
I have a wondrful life in the Gleason family
Jamie Lockridge
March 23, 2007
I want to start out by letting you know I am sorry to the family who lost Mr.Gleason. I was a BREAKFAST CLUB nut and the movie it self reminded me of the good ol day in detension but I would of gone nuts if I had Mr. Gleason as a Saturday detension teacher just because he was really strict but cool as he wouldn't put up with nothing.
James Pecora
October 20, 2006
To the family of Paul Gleason:
My deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your loved one. I met Paul in 1962, along with his friend, Mickey McDermott at a baseball training camp in Florida. We formed a trio each morning by having breakfast together, then attending practice, before heading out for the evening.
Paul was a fantastic person with a gift of gab, insight in world affairs and a desire to succeed.
He was a good friend during that time and I recall, from time to time with affection that period of my life with him. I am truly saddened by his passing.
[email protected]
Brenda Franklin
June 22, 2006
Loved his movies! The breakfast club would not have been the same without him. No one else could have played that part - my opinion! Sad to know he's gone....so young! Much prayers for the family & friends.
Denise Foster
June 21, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go to the Gleason family. He was a great actor! I wish I could put into words something to take away your pain and sorrow, but from experience, time is all that will help. Always remember the good times and he will always be in your heart! God Bless, Denise
Jodi Miggins Criger
June 21, 2006
To Paul's wife Susan and his two daughters,
Paul meant many things to many different people. My brother, Mark Miggins, tells a great story about meeting Paul in 1981 when he played minor league baseball for the Houston Astros. Paul was in Tucson Arizona, preparing for his movie about D.B. Cooper. Paul was at batting practice for the Tucson Toros team and my brother Mark arrived at the field for practice. He sees Paul and screams: "David Thornton from All My Children, what are you doing here". After conversing they each discovered that they had grown up in Miami. It turns out that they had mutual friends, Ed and Chris Lynch. Paul also knew Keith Hernandez from the Mets, and Ed Lynch played ball for the Mets in the 1980's. Mark and Paul became friends and Mark tells a story about Paul wanting the murals off the old Miami Stadium. Paul told Mark that he was a batboy as a youngster and those murals on the wall held a special place in his heart. Mark found out years later that Paul had approached the management at the stadium, and he eventually got the mural. Mark and I have very fond memories of all his fabulous movies. We were both saddened at his unexpected death. No doubt he is now entertaining everyone in Heaven. He was a profound and gifted gentleman that will never be forgotten. With Love, Jodi and Mark Miggins, Miami, Florida
Celena LaMar
June 21, 2006
To the family, I am so very sorry for your lose. He was awesome in the Breakfast Club, that was one of my favorite movies growing up. He will be missed. Celena
carlotta smith
June 21, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Lisa
June 21, 2006
You took the bull by the horns and ran with it.. You will be missed. It's amazing on how a movie has made an impact on a generation and beyond.
L M
June 20, 2006
I absolutely LOVED "The Breakfast Club". My favorite scene was when Paul came running when one of the kids pulled the pin/bolt from the door and the door slammed shut. His character was so mad.... it was very funny. Now his life begins........
June 20, 2006
I am so saddened for your lost. God bless you and yours.
Susan (albany, new york)
Jan Mishkin
June 20, 2006
Mr. Gleason was a great actor and fun to watch. I'm sure he will be missed by your family and his many fans.
STAR RAMIREZ
June 19, 2006
TO PAUL'S FAMILY I AM SORRY FOR YOU'R LOSS I LOVED HIM IN THE BREAKFAST CLUB HE WAS SO GREAT HE WILL BE MISSED.
Jim Shinn
June 19, 2006
To the Gleason family, my heart goes out to you all. I just lost my Mom and know what a tough time you must be having. Paul was a great actor. I loved him in all his movies and especially Trading Places. God Bless, Jim Shinn in Ct.
Justa Fan
June 19, 2006
It's funny how we never, fully, know the impact others had on our lives until they are gone. Thanks for the smiles!
Dina Rauma
June 18, 2006
To the Gleason family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Gleason was a fine actor and one that will be missed.
Woody Allen
June 16, 2006
A funny man and a solid actor . . . you will be missed.
Christi Kammerman
June 16, 2006
He was a charming and funny man. I am so glad he shared his wonderful talent with the world. He will be remembered for generations to come. May God bring peace to your hearts during this difficult time.
l Bluford
June 16, 2006
To the family of Paul Gleason I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Loving memories is what you have of paul. Please find comfort in knowing gods purpose is for a peacful new world where billions who are now asleep in death will one day open their eyes.
Judie M
June 16, 2006
Sorry for your loss. Mr. Gleason was a wonderful actor. He will always be remembered for being a wonderful actor. God bless you all and never forget he will always be in your hearts, memories and will always be with you.
tricia colvin
June 15, 2006
Iam sorry for your loss. But he will always be remembered. He was great in the breakfast club and will always have a place in our hearts. God Bless
Krissy
June 15, 2006
I wish Pauls family my deepest condolences. This is a hard time but believe that he knows your heart will always be with him, and vise versa
Tony Barrett
June 15, 2006
You will always be a part of my teenage years with the Breakfast Club, you were great, and may you rest in peace and know that you have touched countless lives with your talent.
Peg Hunt
June 15, 2006
Paul had charisma, talent, and good looks! I've seen many of his films and enjoyed them immensely. My sympathy to Paul's family and friends. Paul, you will be missed and always loved & remembered.
Lisa
June 14, 2006
He will be missed-I Loved all of his work, I was a great fan. May God bless you at this time. You don't ever forget, but it does get better!
Carmen Collazo
June 14, 2006
Our Condolenses are with your family.
Holly Lee
June 14, 2006
In the early Nineties I worked on 4th Story with Paul. It was in LA off of SM blvd. by FOX in an old apt. building.. at night, late. Mark Harmon was there and Mimi Rogers was there getting a massage by her private massage therapist, long before chair massages were the norm anywhere. I thought it was wierd. I would rather hang out with Mark and "Paul" than get a massage. It was an Indie film before we knew what indies were. They use to call them B movies. We were just glad to get a paying job as an actor. Paul was already great. I loved spending the evening on the set with him. One actor talking to another about the craft. Laughing and thinking nobody will remember this film or rent it for that matter, but we will always remember each other and the art of filmmaking.
Robin Pena
June 13, 2006
Rest in Peace, and thanks for your great work as an actor. You'll truly be missed.
Tracy Dalton
June 13, 2006
He was a great actor and my prayers are with his familey and friends.
Chris McShane
June 13, 2006
Paul will be missed he made me laugh in the breakfast club.
One of the best lines "if I have to come back in there I am cracking skulls"
My thoughts go out to his entire family.
Emily Scheider
June 13, 2006
I'm sorry to the family for the loss of who I am sure was a wonderful man. As a "child of the 80s" Breakfast Club is obviously an important movie to me and my brother. Mr Gleason will live on throughout that movie and all his other works.
Bernie Manfre-Brankin
June 13, 2006
What a wonderful actor. He will be missed.
Leslie Skibinski
June 12, 2006
i like watching him in the movie breakfest club he was cool and i'm sorry for your loss
Tracey Burnett
June 12, 2006
Paul was an extraordinary actor. You always knew you would be entertained when you saw him on the screen. His absence will be greatly missed. My sincerest sympathies to the family.
Sonya Murphy
June 12, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Rickie Hendrickson
June 12, 2006
Paul was great in the breakfast club
he made me feel like i was back in high school. To his family sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed.
Melissa VanDyke
June 11, 2006
Paul was a great man and fans like me that loved the Breakfast club will always truely remember him. AND HE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE HOT!!..Thanks for the laughter Paul we will miss you buddy!
Bernadine Deckard
June 11, 2006
With heartfelt sympathy to all the family. I really enjoyed watching him on screen and television. He will be missed by all of us.
Abigail's Mom
June 10, 2006
Family of Mr Gleason-
My favorite saying ' mess with the bull and you'll get the horns' I too have lost my only daughter and best friend. 'Breakfast Club' is one of our favorite movies. You will be in our thoughts and hearts.
Wilma Reilly
June 10, 2006
My prayers to the family in your special time of remembering Paul. I have so enjoyed his work as an actor and will miss his brillant talent. I was very sorry to hear of his death.
Tami
June 10, 2006
you will be truly misses my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends
Damien Henderson
June 5, 2006
All I can say is, that my girlfriend loved you in the BREAKFAST CLUB, I enjoyed you in TRADING PLACES & DIE HARD. All the movies you were in your character's are always the one's that kept people laughing. So to you & your family, you're truly missed, and may the lord bless you in your next journey.
Christine Lewis
June 5, 2006
I would like to send most sincere thoughts to your family in your time of grieving.
My Dad also died from this two tears ago and I am still left with an emptiness....I miss him so much.. there is nothing worse then seeing a man go from full of spirit to a man fighting so hard against this disease. My family and I have doen a fundraiser each year to raise money fpr a cure for this reason..we WANT a cure for a man who left us so shortly in life and I am so sure you feel the same. It kills me that my children go to visit their "PAPA" at a stone and not in person. I think of him daily and when I saw the obit of Paul Gleason I was so sorry..not only as a teenager wactching his movies but as a person thinking of your dad,husband uncle,grandpa....fighting for breathe...I am so sorry for your your loss..but know that I am fighting for a cure also.
If ever anyone needs any person to speak to me about your loss or fight for this, please feel fee to email me.
[email protected]
My thoughts of sadness and hope are with you.
Christine
Bev
June 3, 2006
The Breakfast Club is my all-time favorite movie - I know it by heart - I could relate to alot of that movie especially Paul's character. He was a great actor and I'm sorry to hear of his passing.
Angela Bumpas
June 2, 2006
Paul brought it home in the best 80's movie Breakfast Club they don't make actors like him any more. Well God is having one great time up there with Paul. Bless Paul's Family.
Nick
June 2, 2006
You were a great actor and my favorite character in The Breakfast Club. This child of the 80s will remember you fondly.
I was so happy to see you two weeks ago in one of your newest movies playing on the Sci Fi Channel.
It's hard to believe you've left us.
R.I.P.
NIki BoBo-Baldwin
June 2, 2006
Wow...as a teen in the 80s, The Breakfast Club was first and foremost a huge influence on how I viewed my own pressures and problems. In fact, when my own school adopted the "Saturday School" policy, I am proud to say I was one of the first to be given that particular punishment! Were it not for this film, I would NOT be proud of that! LOL!
Like many others who signed this guest book, I too know nearly every word of dialogue from the film. It actually should have been mentioned in the notice, as The Breakfast Club is the reason why many in my age group (mid-30s) continue to recognize Paul and go on to watch ANYTHING with him in it. What a comic genius! Paul Gleason's attitude in the film, not to mention his body language, will always be one of comedy's great performances!
He was so young and we will all miss him. I know that I have always harbored a secret desire for a follow-up to The Breakfast Club. Without Paul, it will not be the same. His family should be extremely proud of the fact that he spent his time here making us laugh.
Stephanie Watson
June 2, 2006
Paul’s fans will truly miss him and film has lost a wonderful friend and actor. His work in film and television will be enjoyed for decades to come and we are grateful for having the privilege of “knowing” him through his work. I believe his greatest legacy however, is the obvious gift of love he gave his family. I was so moved by Shannon's expression of gratitude for her father’s love for his family. It is clear that they are an extraordinary, loving family that will continue to honor him through their love. We will hold his family in our hearts and pray that this time of sorrow is softened by the gift of their father's love knowing that love transcends all bounds.
Joe Lowry
June 2, 2006
Paul was a very talented and believable actor. His classic characters in all his movies can never be forgotten! May god bless the entire Gleason family during this time of sorrow.
Huggy Duggy!! (The Breakfast Club)
Joe Lowry
Quincy, MA
Thane Avery
June 2, 2006
Thanks for the memories Paul. Go with God.
Shari Appelman
June 1, 2006
i was sorry to hear about the death of Paul Gleason. He was wonderful in the Breakfast Club. My sympathies go out to his family.
Shari Appelman (Albany, New York)
T
June 1, 2006
I know every line from The Breakfast Club by heart. May favorite of course " Don't mess with the bull, young man, you'll get the horns" God bless you and rest in peace!
Connie Hartman
June 1, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Denny
June 1, 2006
Paul...you will be missed...you were point of fact awsome...the Breakfast club..is in my heart..drift onward brother..peace to you and yours..later my friend..
Tabith Zuck
June 1, 2006
What a talented actor. He will be missed. A Breakfast Club fan.
Yoly Pena
June 1, 2006
I am so sorry on your loss. God has found his principal! You will be missed.
Rena Avery
June 1, 2006
He was such a wonderful character actor and will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his family, friends and his many, many fans.
D M
June 1, 2006
He will always be remembered, and one line lives on from the Breakfast Club:
"The next I come in here, I'm crackin' skulls"
Jana
June 1, 2006
To the Gleason Family:
Your husband, father and friend brought a lot of laughter through his acting. His timing, facial features and mannerisms were classic. God bless you all during this very difficult time.
Denise Frisbie and family
June 1, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Gleason's family at this difficult time. He was a great actor and will be missed.
dawn sussenberger
June 1, 2006
what a talented actor he was. he will be missed by his fans
DEBORAH COOK
May 31, 2006
TO THE FAMILY OF PAUL GLEASON,
PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE CONDOLENCE IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW,THE PAIN OF DEATH IS GREAT BUT IF YOU READ REVELATIONS 21:2&3 YOU WILL SEE THE WONDERFUL PLANS THAT GOD HAS FOR PAUL AND FOR ALL OF US THAT LOVE HIM. SINCERELY, DEBORAH COOK
Deb Yorko
May 31, 2006
Before all the movies, I remember Paul from All My Children as David Thornton. We loved hating your character, Paul. May your family find God's peace at this very sad time. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
Tiffany Stephenson ( a fan)
May 31, 2006
To the Gleason family
heaven has called another great one home. Someone once told me that God never closes a door without opening one. He always gives us something when he takes something away.
These are the words that I think of when I remember my loss. I hope that you find comfort in them as you endure yours. My prayers are with you and your family.
He is in good company.
DOREEN HUELSMAN
May 31, 2006
WOW WHAT A SHOCK I JUST SAW THE BREAKFASTCLUB TONIGHT FOR THE 80TH TIME....... HE WAS BRILLANT IN THIS MOVIE...
Gail Tucker
May 31, 2006
Mr. Gleason was a wonderful actor.
I enjoyed his role as the principle in the breakfast club;it was great!
God Bless you and your family.
moma
May 31, 2006
i would alys like to meet him.... i liked all the movies he had played in
ROBBIN PRESLEY
May 31, 2006
I AM VERY SORRY
Jennifer
May 31, 2006
So sorry for your loss, he was a great and talented actor.
Mary
May 31, 2006
The face in the backgroung, the everyman who moves the plot along, the character to whom we can all we can all relate...although we may not remember your name, be DO remember you face and your work.
Sadly, we have been robbed of our chance to 'care for you in your old age.' Farewell. May you find peace and happiness on the other side. And look down fondly on those you leave behind...your family, your friends and your fans.
KELLI FARRELL
May 31, 2006
GLASON FAMILY:)
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL, I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS. HE WILL BE MISSED FOR SURE. HE WAS A GREAT ACTOR HE SHOULD WON FOR BEST ACTOR FOR THE BREAKFAST CLUB.. THAT MOVIE WAS MY FAVORITE STILL IS
connie sing
May 31, 2006
im sorry for your lost may GOD give you the comfort you need to weather this storm.
Don Casalone
May 31, 2006
"Don't mess with the bull, or you'll get the horns"--RIP, Principal Vernon
Patricia Morgan
May 31, 2006
A fan, my sympathy to his family
BETSY GUERRA
May 31, 2006
GLEASON FAMILY, I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF PAULS PASSING. HE WILL BE MISSED. HE WAS A GREAT ACTOR
Heather McCallen
May 31, 2006
Paul, I was truly saddened when I saw your picture here. I have enjoyed all of your work that I’ve seen and look forward to the performances I haven't yet; I know that I will get pleasure from them also. Thank you for the work that you did, you will be missed. I'm positive everyone in heaven is laughing harder now with your company.
My deepest sympathies to Paul's family and friends, I'm sure you know how blessed you are to have known him personally. May God comfort you in everything you need.
Carol Graham
May 31, 2006
So sorry for your loss.. He will be missed..
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