Entertainer. Remembered for being half of the Allen and Rossi comedy team, he was known for his bulging eyes, wild, bushy hair and catchphrase "Hello dere." Born Morton David Alpern to Jewish parents, he was stationed in Italy with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Following his return home, he studied Journalism at the University of Southern California, however he would soon gravitate to Comedy and begin performing on the nightclub circuit. After pairing with Steve Rossi in 1957, they became a successful Las Vegas bill and went on to record several Comedy albums. In addition, they performed widely on TV which included the famous episode of "The Ed Sullivan Show" when The Beatles were on in February 1964. Allen experienced Broadway in the plays "Let It Ride!" (1961), "No Where To Go But Up" (1962) and "Hot Spot" (1963), which helped establish him as a versatile performer. Both Allen and Rossi starred in the Comedy film "Last of the Secret Agents?" (1966). Following the breakup of Allen and Rossi in 1968, Allen saw dramatic TV roles on such programs as "The Big Valley" and "Night Gallery." He became a familiar presence to TV audiences as a regular star on the gameshow "The Hollywood Squares" (1966 to 1980). Allen remained an active entertainer into his 90s, which included performing on cruise ships. He died of complications from pneumonia.
Entertainer. Remembered for being half of the Allen and Rossi comedy team, he was known for his bulging eyes, wild, bushy hair and catchphrase "Hello dere." Born Morton David Alpern to Jewish parents, he was stationed in Italy with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Following his return home, he studied Journalism at the University of Southern California, however he would soon gravitate to Comedy and begin performing on the nightclub circuit. After pairing with Steve Rossi in 1957, they became a successful Las Vegas bill and went on to record several Comedy albums. In addition, they performed widely on TV which included the famous episode of "The Ed Sullivan Show" when The Beatles were on in February 1964. Allen experienced Broadway in the plays "Let It Ride!" (1961), "No Where To Go But Up" (1962) and "Hot Spot" (1963), which helped establish him as a versatile performer. Both Allen and Rossi starred in the Comedy film "Last of the Secret Agents?" (1966). Following the breakup of Allen and Rossi in 1968, Allen saw dramatic TV roles on such programs as "The Big Valley" and "Night Gallery." He became a familiar presence to TV audiences as a regular star on the gameshow "The Hollywood Squares" (1966 to 1980). Allen remained an active entertainer into his 90s, which included performing on cruise ships. He died of complications from pneumonia.
Bio by: C.S.
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"Hello Dere" from Heaven
Devoted Son, Brother, Uncle
Loving Husband
& Friend to the World
Decorated WW II Veteran
Family Members
Siblings
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