Here's the advice Audrey Meadows would get from Honeymooners fans
Audrey Meadows had the incredibly difficult job of being both an actress and Jackie Gleason's fictional wife in the 1955 series The Honeymooners.
While Gleason's character, Ralph Kramden, was known for being brash and quick-tempered, Meadows' character, Alice, provided the contrast. She was the voice of reason—grounded, hardworking, and, of course, patient enough to deal with Ralph.
Her attitude is what helped both the character and the actress resonate with fans across the country—especially those dealing with their own Ralph Kramdens at home.
Her popularity led to numerous roles, press coverage, and an abundance of fan mail. Her fan mail ranged from gifts and advice to rants about one specific topic: curtains. Yes, curtains.
According to a 1955 interview with Kenosha News, The Honeymooners was filmed at CBS's Studio 50 in New York City. However, the interior set of the Kramdens' home was known for being a bit run-down—and notably lacked curtains. This small detail sparked a response from fans that Meadows wasn't prepared for.
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"The audience thinks we should have curtains," Meadows said. "I get so many packages from people. They're so nice—they make curtains for me. I've got nylon, lace, cotton, and chintz. One woman even sent me two pairs. She said she wasn't sure of the size of our windows, so she wasn't taking any chances and sent two sizes."
Besides curtains and other gifts like cookies or handkerchiefs, Meadows also received plenty of unsolicited advice from her adoring fans. Typically, fans seek advice from the stars, but as Ralph's wife, many assumed she needed it more than they did.
This advice included ways to restructure the show, lines to say, guest stars to bring on, and, most importantly, how to handle her husband.
"'Belt him one!' They all tell me," Meadows said. "One of these days, pow, right in the kisser. I should belt him one."
Although both she and her character were too good to put their hands on Ralph, she appreciated her fans' willingness to step up and offer advice on how to take charge. In the interview, Meadows said that she didn't have time to worry about the curtains in the studio or even her fictional husband—she was one of the busiest women on TV.
When asked why women were so drawn to her character, Meadows explained that Alice was relatable and represented all women, attributing being herself on-screen.
"If you're yourself, you'll be charming and funny," Meadows said.
That's exactly what she was—both on-screen and off—with or without curtains.
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