Martin Gleeson, better known by his stage name Redmond Gleeson, was born in Dublin, Ireland, to an educated and professional family. From a young age, Gleeson was fascinated by the world of acting and was heavily influenced by the works of James Joyce, American cinema, and his idol, Burt Lancaster.
Gleeson's early life was marked by a series of moves, including a stint in Australia where he considered a life of rugby and beer, until he received a scholarship to a university in Ohio. He threw himself into his studies, earning a degree in theater arts, and subsequently moved to Aspen, Colorado, where he took on various jobs to make ends meet.
During his time in Aspen, Gleeson co-founded and acted with the High Country Players, and it was there that he met his future wife, Mardiah. The couple eventually moved to Los Angeles, where Gleeson spent the next eight years honing his craft and searching for his big break.
Gleeson's perseverance paid off in 1980, when he landed a starring role alongside his idol, Burt Lancaster, in the film Cattle Annie and Little Britches. The experience was a dream come true, and Gleeson even found himself teaching Lancaster Irish accents.
In 1971, Gleeson and his wife visited Indonesia for a Subud convention, and 36 years later, in 2004, they decided to make the country their permanent home. The couple now lives in Kalteng, Indonesia, where Gleeson continues to act in film, television, and on stage.
