Dennis Roy Allen (June 10, 1940 – December 1, 1995) was an actor and comedian. He was a regular cast member on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In,[1] and appeared on Love American Style. He starred opposite Ruth Buzzi in Gene Kelly's Broadway production of ClownAround.[2] [3] [4] He died in 1995 of lung cancer, aged 55.
Born and raised in Raytown, Missouri, Allen earned a Bachelor and master's degrees from the Boston University College of Fine Arts.[5] After completing his education, he moved to New York and began his career performing in an Off-Broadway music revue of material by Julius Monk in the Plaza 9 club at the Plaza Hotel.[5] He spent next four years performing sketch comedy in New York clubs, and working as an actor in radio and television commercials.[5]
In 1968, Allen was cast as Calvin Coolidge in William F. Brown and composer-lyricist Oscar Brand's musical How To Steal An Election. Earning rave reviews for his performance; he drew the attention of the producers of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and was invited to join the cast. From 1970 through 1973, he was a main cast member of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In; there he was reunited with former ClownAround co-star Ruth Buzzi.[5]
After the show ended, he returned to Missouri and resided in Kansas City. During this time he struggled with substance abuse. After receiving treatment, he recovered and worked for a time with a program that assisted boys who were emotionally disturbed.[5]
Allen resumed his career as an actor in regional theatre in Kansas City and the surrounding region, often portraying comedic roles.[5]
He died in Kansas City, Missouri of lung cancer at the age of 55.