Cavalcade of Stars

Gleason's first variety series was aired on the DuMont Television Network under the title Cavalcade of Stars which first aired June 4, 1949. The show's first host was Jack Carter, who was followed by Jerry Lester. After Lester quit in June 1950, Jackie Gleason—who had made his mark on the first television incarnation of The Life of Riley sitcom—stepped into Cavalcade on July 15, 1950, and became an immediate sensation.