Marty Allen

Marty Allen was born on March 23, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Louis and Elsie Alpern.

After graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School during World War II, he joined the Air Corps. He was stationed in Italy where he attained the rank of sergeant and earned a Soldier’s Medal for his bravery during a fire which happened while a plane was being refueled. His heroism also earned him a full-dress parade.

After the war, Marty attended the University of Southern California where he studied journalism. He was still doing a comedy act in small clubs, but to supplement his GI Bill allotment, he became the first door-to-door dance salesman for a while. Eventually, the night club act became lucrative enough to cause him to leave college.

During the 1950s, Marty worked as an opening act for stars such as Sarah Vaughn, Eydie Gorme, and Nat King Cole. It was during this time that he became part of the comedy team of Allen & Rossi with Steve Rossi.

That association produced a string of hit comedy albums, 40 appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, and the film The Last of the Secret Agents.

Marty eventually began performing dramatic roles. His debut as a serious actor came on The Big Valley TV series. Marty appeared in several other dramatic productions, including Mister Jerico, The Ballad of Billie Blue and a Rod Serling Night Gallery segment.

Throughout the 1970s and into the '80s, Marty made hundreds of TV appearances, becoming a regular on Hollywood Squares. He also appeared on Circus of the Stars, on game shows such as Password, and in ten made-for-television movies.

Marty was married to his partner on and off stage, Karon Kate Blackwell and to Lorraine ‘Frenchy’ Trydelle.

He is survived by his wife, Karon Kate Blackwell.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Marty.