Fred Allen
Biography
Fred Allen was an American comedian who emerged from vaudeville, where his act mixed deliberately clumsy juggling with wordplay before he moved on to Broadway revues including The Little Show and Three's a Crowd. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he became one of radio's most admired humorists as host of The Fred Allen Show, which ran from 1932 to 1949 and blended topical satire with the Allen's Alley sketches. His long-running mock feud with Jack Benny was one of radio's best-remembered running gags. On screen he was best known for It's in the Bag! (1945), his only leading role, along with We're Not Married! (1952) and O. Henry's Full House (1952). He was given Hollywood Walk of Fame stars for his radio and television work.
61years old at death
- Born Cambridge
- Died New York City
- Star sign: GeminiThe sign runs May 21 to June 20
- Also credited as John Florence Sullivan
Movie Career
- Films
- 3
- Career span
- 7 years1945 to 1952
Every film, newest first
- 1952O. Henry's Full HouseIMDb rating 7.2
- 1952We're Not Married!IMDb rating 6.3
- 1945It's in the Bag!IMDb rating 6.6
Genres
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Getting ready for a role
Allen's 1922 act used a theater curtain painted by comic-strip artist Martin Branner as an "Old Joke Cemetery," with a punchline on each gravestone, and audiences would laugh at the curtain before Allen even appeared.
Fred Allen movies on Netflix
Most often with
Three actors appear in two of them each. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Marilyn Monroe's page
David Wayne's page
Victor Moore's page
Awards
Two awards and honors.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| 1960 | Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (posthumous) | Honored | |
| Peabody Awards | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.