Paul Gleason, a talented character actor, made his film debut in the 1965 production Winter A-Go-Go, showcasing his versatility in portraying tough guys and unscrupulous characters. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Gleason received extensive training at the prestigious Actor's Studio in New York City, under the guidance of the renowned Lee Strasberg, his mentor.
Gleason's early career saw him appear in a few Roger Corman productions, before landing a significant three-year role on the popular TV soap opera All My Children in 1970. He went on to appear in over 60 films, with notable roles in Trading Places (1983),Die Hard (1988),Miami Blues (1990),Boiling Point (1993),and Van Wilder (2002).
However, Gleason is perhaps most fondly remembered for his iconic portrayal of the no-nonsense principal, Richard Vernon, in the 1985 cult classic The Breakfast Club. In addition to his film work, Gleason also guest-starred in numerous television series, including Hill Street Blues (1981),Dawson's Creek (1998),and Friends (1994).
Sadly, Gleason's life was cut short when he passed away on May 29th, 2006, at the age of 67, due to complications from mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, at a Burbank, California hospital.
