Steve Allen: American comedian, actor, musician and presenter (1921–2000)

Steve Allen
Press photo from 1977
Born	Stephen Valentine Patrick William Allen (1921-12-26)December 26, 1921 New York City, U.S.
Died	October 30, 2000(2000-10-30) (aged 78) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of death	Heart attack
Alma mater	Arizona State Teachers College
Occupation(s)	Actor, comedian, television personality, musician, writer
Years active	1940s–2000
Spouse(s)	Dorothy Goodman (m. 1943–1952; divorced) Jayne Meadows (m. 1954–2000; his death)
Children	4 sons

Allen introduced many new celebrities and performers on his shows, including Jerry Lee Lewis and Jack Kerouac. He also recorded an album with Kerouac, with Kerouac reading poetry and Allen playing piano with a jazz combo.

He was the first host of The Tonight Show, who was replaced by Jack Parr and then later Johnny Carson. Allen played himself in an all-star comedy movie, Amazon Women on the Moon.

Allen was born in New York City on December 26, 1921 and was raised in Chicago, Illinois. He was educated at the Arizona State Teachers University. He served in World War II.

Allen was married to Dorothy Goodman from 1943 until they divorced in 1952. Lastly he married Jayne Meadows from 1954 until his death in 2000. He had four children.

He was a Democrat and his wife was a Republican.

Allen died on October 30, 2000 after suffering a heart attack in Los Angeles, California, aged 78.