"Gildersleeve" is a popular American radio and television character created by Leonard McKay. He first appeared in the radio show "The Great Gildersleeve," which debuted in 1941. The character, Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, is a humorous and lovable water commissioner in the fictional town of Summerfield. The show was notable for its comedic portrayal of Gildersleeve's interactions with his family, friends, and the townspeople. It later transitioned to television in the 1950s, further expanding its audience. The character became a cultural icon, influencing other sitcoms and characters in American entertainment.