Steve Allen

Stephen Valentine Patrick William Allen was an American television personality, radio personality, musician, composer, actor, comedian, writer, and advocate of scientific skepticism. In 1954, he achieved national fame as the co-creator and first host of The Tonight Show, which was the first late night television talk show.

Though he got his start in radio, Allen is best known for his extensive network television career. He gained national attention as a guest host on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. After he hosted The Tonight Show, he went on to host numerous game and variety shows, including his own The Steve Allen Show, I've Got a Secret, and The New Steve Allen Show. He was a regular panel member on CBS's What's My Line?, and from 1977 until 1981 wrote, produced, and hosted the award-winning public broadcasting show Meeting of Minds, a series of historical dramas presented in a talk format.

Allen was a pianist and a prolific composer. By his own estimate, he wrote more than 8,500 songs, some of which were recorded by numerous leading singers. Working as a lyricist, Allen won the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Original Jazz Composition. He also wrote more than 50 books, including novels, children's books, and books of opinions, including his final book, Vulgarians at the Gate: Trash TV and Raunch Radio.

In 1996 Allen was presented with the Martin Gardner Lifetime Achievement Award from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSICOP). He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Hollywood theater named in his honor.

Steve Allen is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 14 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues (2022), Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words (2016), 2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift (2010), 50 Years of NBC Late Night (2001), Great Balls of Fire! (1989), Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC (1988), Night of 100 Stars (1982), The Muppets Go Hollywood (1979). The recorded credits span 1950 to 2022, including 10 movies and 4 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.