Alan King

Alan King (December 26, 1927 – May 9, 2004), born Irwin Alan Kniberg, was an American comedian known for his biting wit and often angry humorous rants. King became well-known as a Jewish comedian and satirist. He appeared in a number of movies and television shows. King wrote several books, produced films, and appeared in plays. In later years, he helped many philanthropic causes. He died of lung cancer on May 9, 2004.

Career

King started out with the usual routines of one-liners about mother-in-laws and Jews. King's style of comedy changed when he saw Danny Thomas performing in the early 1950s. King realized that Thomas was talking to his audience, not at them, and was getting a better response. King changed his own style from one-liners to a more conversational style that used everyday life for humor. His comedy inspired other comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Crystal.

Related Topics:
Jew - Danny Thomas - 1950s - Jerry Seinfeld - Billy Crystal

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King married Jeanette Sprung in 1947. They had three children, Andrew, Robert, and Elainie Ray. His wife persuaded him to move to Forest Hills, Queens for their children. There, he developed comedy revolving around life in suburbia. With America moving to suburbs, King's humor took off.

Related Topics:
1947 - Queens - Suburb

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King began opening for many celebrities including Judy Garland, Patti Page, Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine, Lena Horne and Tony Martin. When Martin was cast in the movie Hit the Deck, he suggested King for a part, which gave King his first movie role. King played small roles in movies in the 1950s, but disliked playing stereotypical roles that he described as "always the sergeant from Brooklyn named Kowalski." http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/05/09/obit.king.ap/index.html King eventually expanded his range and made a name for himself playing gangsters in five movies, including Cats Eye and The Anderson Tapes.

Related Topics:
Judy Garland - Patti Page - Nat King Cole - Billy Eckstine - Lena Horne - Tony Martin - 1950s - Gangster

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Like many other Jewish comics, King worked the Catskill circuit known as the Borscht Belt. His career took off after appearances on the Ed Sullivan, Perry Como, and Garry Moore Shows. King also became a regular guest host for the The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, hosted the Oscars in 1972, and was the MC for President John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961. King was also the long-standing host of the New York Friar's Club celebrity roasts.

Related Topics:
Catskill - Borscht Belt - Ed Sullivan - Perry Como - Garry Moore - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson - 1972 - MC - John F. Kennedy - 1961 - Friar's Club

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