 Pert Kelton (qv), the original Alice, left while the sketch was  still part of _"Jackie Gleason Show, The" (1952)_ (qv) due to  purported health problems (it was later revealed she had been  blacklisted). Audrey Meadows (qv) was approached for suggestions  about who could replace Kelton. After rattling off a list of  actresses, none of whom were suitable for one reason or another,  Meadows finally suggested herself. Jackie Gleason (I) (qv)  initially rejected her on the grounds that she was too young and  pretty. Meadows, determined to get the part, had a photographer come  to her house at 7:00 the next morning, and had pictures taken of  herself without makeup, her hair pinned up with combs shed slept  on, and wearing a torn blouse, a skirt, and an apron. When Gleason  saw the pictures he exclaimed happily, "Thats Alice!" and asked who  it was. When told it was the same young actress hed rejected the  day before, he said, "Any dame with a sense of humor like that  deserves the job. Hire her!"