Steve Allen Biography

Stephen “Steve” Allen was an American television personality who was best known for revolutionizing the concept of television talk shows when he became the first host of ‘The Tonight Show’. The multifaceted personality first started his career as a radio presenter before moving on to television. He is also a talented musician and has composed thousands of songs—more than 14,000 to be specific. Over his long and productive career spanning over five decades, he has presented many radio shows, hosted talk shows and game shows on television, worked as a comedian, composed music, played the piano, authored several books and also appeared in some films. Much loved and respected for his versatility, he is best known for his television career. Born to a famous comedienne, the show business was just a natural choice for the active young boy. He inherited his charisma and sense of humour from his mother who was once credited to be “the funniest woman in vaudeville." He shot to national recognition when he was asked to fill in as a guest host on ‘Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts’ and ended up presenting a comic routine that had the audience rolling with laughter. This launched him in his career as a highly successful entertainer and television personality.