Fred Allen

Fred Allen (May 31, 1894 – March 17, 1956) was a United States comedian best known for his witty, pointed radio programs of the 1930s and 1940s, including a comic "feud" with comedian Jack Benny. Allen was famous among his peers for his ability to ad-lib - a skill that Benny famously paid tribute to, responding to a mock insult with the line "You wouldn't say that if my writers were here."

Later career

Allen's career faded with the advent of television, although many say he paved the way for later satirists such as Stan Freberg in the 1950s and late-night talk show host David Letterman. Allen remained busy as a newspaper humorist and sporadic columnist. His major work in TV was a two-year run as a panelist on the quiz show What's My Line? from 1954 until his death in 1956. The cable/satellite network GSN (formerly Game Show Network) occasionally programs Allen's What's My Line? episodes in the early morning hours. Allen also wrote books, including Much Ado About Me and Treadmill to Oblivion.

Related Topics:
Satirists - Stan Freberg - David Letterman - What's My Line?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fred Allen died relatively young at the age of 61 on St. Patrick's Day in 1956. Fred Allen has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: a radio star on 6709-1/2 Hollywood B and a TV star on 7021 Hollywood Blvd.

Related Topics:
St. Patrick's Day - Hollywood Walk of Fame

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~