Marty Allen (1922 – 2018)
“Hello ‘dere!” We have some bad news. Legendary television and Las Vegas comedian Marty Allen has passed away. He was 95.
The man with the bug-eyes and uncontrollably frizzy hair who has made audiences laugh for generations was still performing even at his late age. Marty Allen continued to entertain, doing a musical comedy act with his wife Karon Kate Blackwell. Marty Allen was one of the last of the great generation of nightclub comedians from the 50s, 60s and 70s. He was one of the country’s final connections to the entertainment era of performers like the Rat Pack, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme’, Rowan & Martin and Andy Williams.
Marty Allen was no stranger to being part of an act. His biggest success came in the 1960s as part of the comedy team of Rossi & Martin with comedy partner Steve Rossi who only passed away 4 years ago. With Steve Rossi being a good-looking crooner and Marty Allen being a lovable goofball, there were comparisons during their heyday to a contemporary comedy team of theirs, Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis. However, they may have compared in looks, but when it came to style, Martin & Rossi were an act all their own. Their back-and-forth verbal style made them a must-have on television of the day. This was especially true of thee variety – talent television program of the era, “The Ed Sullivan Show“. Martin & Rossie made a record 44 appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show including being on the same bill on the legendary night that Ed Sullivan introduced American audiences to “The Beatles!”.
After the the comedy act of Rossi & Martin broke up, Marty Allen and his now iconic comedy catchphrase, “Hello ‘dere!” had huge success as a solo act. Marty Allen became a must-have on daytime television game shows like “The Hollywood Squares” and “Password” and also in late night, being a frequent guest on “The Tonight starring Johnny Carson.” He did all this while still working as a headlining nightclub comedian. He even took a dramatic turn with his career as an actor, portraying the down-on-his-luck loser with a heart of gold, Waldo Diefendorfer, on the Western TV series, “The Big Valley“. Marty Allen was such a mainstay of 1970s comedy that he once famously did “The Bump” on the dance floor with First Lady Betty Ford and instead of being indignant, America was delighted by this perceived harmless teddy bear with the laser wit.
Marty Allen found the love of his life and his final entertainment partner in singer Karon Kate Blackwell. They married in 1984 and continued to perform together up until Marty’s death. She was by his side when he passed away of pneumonia on Monday night. Comedians and other performers expressed their condolences and admiration for Marty Allen on Twitter including the estate of Marty’s late partner, Steve Rossi.
Honored to have had him on my podcast & grateful to have attended his 95th Birthday Celebration. Farewell to one of the funniest people onstage and off. RIP Marty Allen pic.twitter.com/g4lzrUNWVp
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) February 13, 2018
I'm saddened by the passing of Marty Allen. Very saddened! Thank you,Marty,for always being you. We'll miss you?
— Tony Orlando (@TonyOrlando) February 13, 2018
Las Vegas and show business lost a legend tonight…and I lost a friend. Marty Allen was true Mr. Show Business. #RIPMartyAllen pic.twitter.com/MBZ67g0XLV
— Terry Fator (@terryfator) February 13, 2018
Very sad to hear the passing of #Marty Allen. He was a sweet #funny #legendary #comic and a… https://t.co/1h7Eb0Kfjm
— Carrot Top (@RealCarrotTop) February 13, 2018
It is with heavy hearts we learn of the passing of legendary entertainer #MartyAllen, who was toasted (not roasted) at @friarsclub in 2016. Allen signed copies of his #book in the Milton Berle Room & everyone received a hearty "Hello Dere!" #Legend #memories #actor #comedian pic.twitter.com/LtQmsT7LSg
— The Friars Club (@friarsclub) February 13, 2018
We have lost another iconic Las Vegas entertainer, Marty Allen. What a funny man who brought joy to millions of people for 95 years. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/KQARtxRre8
— Lance Burton (@LanceBurtonMM) February 13, 2018
Marty Allen. Another oldie but goodie. #ComedyFromMyChildhood #RIP
— Kelly Carlin (@kelly_carlin) February 13, 2018
The show business world lost 2 great performers, Vic Damone and Marty Allen. i knew marty and he was a great guy–had many friends in common with Vic, but only admired him from afar.
— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) February 13, 2018
If y'all don't know, you should ask somebody! #MartyAllen
— ComedianDaveBurleigh (@TheDaveBurleigh) February 13, 2018
The last photo of Allen & Rossi February 2014 at Steve's final performance.
Rest in peace Marty Allen. pic.twitter.com/iklwfxn1Rf— LegendarySteveRossi (@RealSteveRossi) February 13, 2018
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