Fred Allen (1894-1956) was an American comedian, radio personality, and television host. He began his career in vaudeville and later transitioned to radio, where he became one of the most popular and influential comedians of his time. He was known for his wit, satire, and clever wordplay, as well as his ability to poke fun at the foibles of American society.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Allen became a regular on the radio, performing on various programs including the “Ziegfeld Follies of the Air” and “The Chase and Sanborn Hour.” He also hosted his own show, “The Fred Allen Show,” which ran from 1932 to 1949. The show featured a mix of sketch comedy, music, and celebrity guests, and was known for its sharp wit and satirical commentary on current events.
Allen was also a television host, he hosted the show “Fred Allen Show” from 1948 to 1949.
In addition to his comedic talents, Allen was also a skilled writer and producer, and wrote much of the material for his own shows. He was a master of wordplay and puns, and was known for his clever and sophisticated humor. He was also a vocal critic of the medium of radio advertising and the influence of sponsors on programming.
Fred Allen died in 1956, but his legacy lives on through his many recordings, his influence on later comedians, and his pioneering role in the development of modern comedy.
