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 Allen, and Henry Gibson

Life and career

Born and raised in Raytown, Missouri, Allen earned a Bachelor and master's 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. From 1970 through 1973, he was a main cast member of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In; there he was reunited with former ClownAround co-star Ruth Buzzi.[6]

After the show ended, he returned to Missouri and resided in Kansas City. During this time he struggled with substance abuse. After receiving treatment, he 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 of lung cancer at the age of 55.[1]

References
  1. "Dennis Allen, cast member of 'Laugh-In,' dies at 55", The Buffalo News, December 4, 1995
  2. "Dennis Allen Biography". Fandango. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  3. "Clownaround Original Broadway Cast - 1972 Broadway". BroadwayWorld.
  4. "ClownAround – The Original Show Album 1972". Masterworks Broadway. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  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. Vol. 361, no. 11. January 22, 1996. pp. 111–112.
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