Dennis Allen (TV comedian)

Dennis Roy Allen (June 10, 1940 – December 1, 1995) was an actor and comedian. He was a regular cast member on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In,[1][2] and appeared on Love American Style. He starred opposite Ruth Buzzi in Gene Kelly's production of ClownAround.[3][4][5] He died of lung cancer at the age of 55.[1]

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, front L-R: John Wayne, Tiny Tim, Dick Martin. In background, L-R: Ruth Buzzi, Joanne Worley, Alan Sues, Dennis Roy Allen, and Henry Gibson

Life and career

Born and raised in Raytown, Missouri, Allen earned a Bachelor and Master degrees from the Boston University College of Fine Arts.[6] After completing his education, he moved to New York and began his career performing in an Off-Broadway music revue of material by Julius Monk in the Plaza 9 club at the Plaza Hotel.[6] He spent next four years performing sketch comedy in New York clubs, and working as an actor in radio and television commercials.[6]

In 1968 Allen was cast as Calvin Coolidge in William F. Brown and composer-lyricist Oscar Brand's musical How To Steal An Election. Earning rave reviews for his performance; he drew the attention of the producers of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and was invited to join the cast.[6] From 1970 through 1973 his was a main cast member of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In; work which was the pinnacle of his acting career.[6] After the show ended, he returned to Missouri and resided in Kansas City during which time he struggled with addiction to alcohol and drugs.[6] After receiving treatment, he fully recovered and worked for a time with a program that assisted boys who were emotionally disturbed.[6]

Allen resumed his career as an actor in regional theatre in Kansas City and the surrounding region, often portraying comedic roles.[6]

He died in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 55.[6]

References
  1. "Dennis Allen, cast member of 'Laugh-In,' dies at 55", The Buffalo News, 4 December 1995
  2. "Dennis Allen Biography". Fandango. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  3. "Clownaround Original Broadway Cast - 1972 Broadway". www.broadwayworld.com.
  4. "ClownAround – The Original Show Album 1972". The Official Masterworks Broadway Site.
  5. "I'm Learning To Share!: Ruth Buzzi featured in Gene Kelly's 'Clownaround' (1972 theater program)". Learning2share.blogspot.com. 2009-04-19. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  6. Obituaries: Dennis Allen. Variety. 361. January 22, 1996. p. 111-112.
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