Who played "Minnesota Fats" in the 1961 film, The Hustler?

The reason Gleason got the part is because at that time he was rated one of the 5 best pool players in the world. In fact, Paul Newman had never played pool before, and Gleason and technical advisor Willie Masconi(rated #1), taught him how to play, coached him on technique, posture, English, etc. Newman remained an avid player until the day of his death--as did Jackie Gleason

Milkdud: Great movie. I was able to shoot a trick shot set up by the movie's technical advisor and pool extraordinare Wllie Mosconi at my local sporting goods store. Willie also had a small role in the picture in the pool hall. He was a classy gentleman. Make an effort to see it if you can. "Eddie, you owe me MONEY!!!" George C. Scott's character (Bert) to Paul Newman (Eddie).

Milkdud, that's pretty cool! (It's even cooler that you mentioned having a store without advertising its name & location, which alone deserves mad props!!!)

Jackie Gleason I was told did not use a full in on the pool table scenes He was actually an accomplished player.

Mr. Gleason was robbed! He should have gotten the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1961. Instead, it went to George? George who? Chakiris. At the very least, George C. Scott for playing Bert. Or one of the other two: Peter Falk or Montgomery Clift. At least you've heard of these last two, but George Chakiris? Travesty!

I'm sure Jackie was great in "The Hustler" but a memorable performance for me was a hobo in "Gigot"!

I play ed with fats

What about the sequel years later with Paul Newman reprising his role as Fast Eddie Felson, The Color Of Money?

What an eloquent review of The Hustle!

E-11 hitman's description of this movie and the iconic players is superb. I didn't know Fat named himself after Gleason's character. Cool.

Player #3813778, thank you, I've learned something new, again.

I really like that movie, and Paul Newman was so hot! He was in many good movies. His wife Joanne Woodwars was an excellent actress. She was in athe three faces of Eve.

my dad looked like Gleason when he shaved his beard, and had a similar body to that of him as well.

WaldoLydeker, Didn't George Chakiris win for, "West Side Story"? Another excellent movie and well deserved.

I'm from Minnesota, I'm not fat but I can shoot a good game of pool

WaldoLydeker, I had a huge crush on George Chakiris!

penawareof, He was AMAZING. One of the greatest unknown performances!

Here is a fun, little-known fact about Paul Newman. He wasn't planning on becoming an actor at all. When he was in college, he and. one of his roommates, (Marv Mel), were in a bar. Marv got Paul into a bar fight because of some shenanigans. Paul was playing football on his college football team at the time and was pretty good. The coach found out about the bar fight and kicked Paul Newman off of the team. Paul decided to take drama and acting classes, since he couldn't play football on the team anymore. After college, Paul became a wonderful actor with an amazing career. I know this as fact because my husband worked with Marv Mel. Marv Mel, Paul Newman, and Dom Deluise were all college roommates.

The Great One!

Player #3813778, I heard he got the role because he threatened to send the producer to the moon- "Bang, Zoom!" ;)

Minnesoto was very good at remembering names,

HEY RALPHIE BOY!😎

my fav actor, in da Honeymooners

o my God Thirsty Wrecker

mary Christmas to some of you

Is it true that Minnesota Fats was Etta James (R &B Singer) Father???

Player #4645883, I like to play also it was filmed in Chicago where my hubby plays.

penawareof, I loved that movie. cried every time I saw it.

EnergeticBeagle78687, didn't mention m fats allegedly Etta James father interesting

That's some good analysis, Hitman

WaldoLydeker, i disagree. George Chakiris was awesome in "West Side Story" and deserved the award.

Fast Eddie is a scumbag who manipulates and ruins Piper Laurie's character in the movie.

loved the performances by both Gleason and Newman, I also njoy playing g the game

coll i never saw this but i just might see if I can rent it

penawareof, THAT was an incredible movie...he deserved an Oscar, hands down!

The real Minnesota Fats is said to be the father of Miss Etta James. " At Last My Love Has Come Along" and " I'd Rather Go Blind.......". Ofcouse he denied her. So sad....,..☹️