Steve Allen
- Born:
- December 26, 1921, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- October 30, 2000, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Composer, Pianist, Author, Television Personality, Comedian, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born Stephen Valentine Patrick William Allen, the son of vaudeville performers Billy Allen and Belle Montrose.
- Received his formal education at several colleges, including Drake University, Arizona State Teachers College, and Whittier College.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early career in radio, starting in Phoenix and Los Angeles.
- Hosted "The Steve Allen Show," a late-night television program that premiered on NBC in 1956, considered a precursor to modern talk shows.
- Hosted "The Tonight Show" on NBC from 1954 to 1957, creating the format that defined the late-night talk show genre.
- Hosted "The Steve Allen Comedy Hour" and various other television programs throughout his career.
- Composed over 8,500 songs, including popular tunes like "This Could Be the Start of Something Big."
- Authored over 50 books, covering a wide range of topics including humor, social commentary, and religion.
- A request to view a "steve allen biography video about helen" might refer to various documentaries or pieces related to his life or connections to other prominent figures like Helen, depending on the video's specific content.
Notable Works
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1950-1953 | The Steve Allen Show (Local LA) | Host |
| 1954-1957 | The Tonight Show | Host |
| 1956-1960 | The Steve Allen Show (NBC) | Host |
| 1961-1964 | The Steve Allen Show (ABC) | Host |
| 1967-1969 | The Steve Allen Comedy Hour | Host |
Music
- "This Could Be the Start of Something Big" (Composer)
- Numerous albums as a pianist and composer.
Books (Selection)
- Meeting of Minds (Series of books based on his TV show)
- Dumbth: The Lost Art of Thinking
- Steve Allen on the Bible, Religion, & Morality
Legacy and Impact
Steve Allen was a pioneer of television comedy and talk show formats. His innovative approach to late-night programming laid the groundwork for countless successors. As a prolific composer, author, and entertainer, he left a significant cultural footprint, showcasing his versatility and creativity across multiple mediums.