James Joseph Gleason IV was born on May 30, 1964 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Shirley (Faris) Gleason and James Joseph Gleason III, an attorney, magistrate judge and City Councilman in the Mandeville/Covington areas of Louisiana. He grew up with a passion for acting. After performing in plays in his youth, Gleason decided as a young adult to make it his profession. Classically trained and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from Tulane University in 1986, Jim began to work in film and television in New Orleans for 10 years while the industry was still in its infancy. In late 1997, Gleason moved to Los Angeles to go where New Orleans couldn't take him. Jim worked extensively on screen, mostly in episodic television. In 2002, Jim began working as an instructor at the Margie Haber Studio in Los Angeles, and has continued the passion of instructing through The Working Actors' Studio with Jim Gleason where he thoroughly enjoys helping other actors achieve their dreams as he has. Then in 2012, Gleason moved home to marry his wonderful wife, Lydia, and recreate his Los Angeles success in his hometown. Jim was chosen as St. Tammany Parish President's Arts Award, 2015 Performing Artist of the Year and was recently honored to be elected New Orleans Local SAG-AFTRA President.