Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1922
DIED
2018
Marty Allen Obituary
Allen died in Las Vegas of complications from pneumonia with his wife and performing partner of the last three decades Karon Kate Blackwell by his side, Allen's spokeswoman Candi Cazau told The Associated press.
Allen, known for his greeting and catchphrase "hello dere," was a living link late in life to a generation of long-dead superstars with whom he shared a stage, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne and Elvis Presley.
Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.
He first found fame as half of the duo Allen & Rossi with partner Steve Rossi, who died in 2014. Allen & Rossi appeared 44 times on "The Ed Sullivan Show," including the episodes where the Beatles performed and most of America watched.
"Everyone remembers those shows with The Beatles, and they were great, but we appeared on all the shows," Allen said in 2014. "There wasn't a talk show on TV that didn't want Allen & Rossi."
The duo appeared regularly on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" and "The Merv Griffin Show." They also toured comedy clubs nationwide, headlined shows at major Las Vegas casinos and released a series of hit albums until their amicable breakup in 1968.
Allen then took on a series of serious roles on daytime television and made-for-TV movies, and was a regular on "The Hollywood Squares" and other celebrity-themed game shows.
He was a regular entertainer on the Las Vegas Strip for much of his life, and tributes from there poured in Monday night.
"We have lost another iconic Las Vegas entertainer, Marty Allen," Las Vegas magician Lance Burton tweeted. "What a funny man who brought joy to millions of people for 95 years."
Ventriloquist and Strip luminary Terry Fator tweeted that "Las Vegas and show business lost a legend tonight.... and I lost a friend."
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried tweeted, "Farewell to one of the funniest people onstage and off.
Allen was born in Pittsburgh and served in Italy in the Army Air Corps in World War II, earning a Soldier's medal for valor.
He was married to Lorraine 'Frenchy' Allen from 1960 until she died in 1976.
Then in 1984 he married Blackwell, a singer-songwriter who became his performing partner in his last decades and acted as the goofy Allen's "straight man" just as Rossi did half a century earlier.
He kept making crowds laugh into his mid-90s.
"It's unbelievable to be 94 years old," Marty Allen told a New York audience in 2016. "My wife says, 'What do you want for your birthday?' I told her, 'An antique.' So she framed my birth certificate."
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
121 Entries
Joe DeHoyos
May 6, 2020
RIP Mr. Marty Allen ✝.
Thank you for your service in the military of our nation/the USA, in the army air Corp. And thank you for bringing laughter to our household in the 1960s and beyond. We needed that laughter and you just being you, could give us that much needed laugh. You were/are a comedy genius. Plus I still remember your commercial with the wallet and the contents falling out. That was a good one.
RIP soldier !
Philip Howard
December 31, 2018
This man was a very funny person to see his TV shows on YouTube
S B
September 8, 2018
What a tremendous gift Mr. Allen had in making people laugh! Its the best medicine. May his surviving family and friends find solace in the fact that he brought so much joy to many fans.
Darlene
June 9, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends
of Mr.Marty Allen.
May the words at John 6:44 bring you
comfort at this most difficult time.
How you can show support
April 6, 2018
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Lynda Guess
March 30, 2018
May God's holy spirit continuously comfort the Allen family, relatives and friends as you grieve the loss of your love one
Donna Mucci
March 23, 2018
Marty, You were there my whole life and being a client, friend & family member. Im so lucky to have known you . I will never forget the night i came home from working at Wendys. You were having dinner at my Mom & Dads. I was teased and many laughs, how i looked in my uniform. RIP Hugs
We will all Miss You The Mucci Family. XOXO'S
March 21, 2018
To the family and friends of Marty Allen sorry for the Loss of your dear love one, Psalm 90:10 says that people who live past 80 years are especially strong. May you find comfort through prayers as he rest in Gods memory.
Robert Bruce
March 16, 2018
Marty i will miss the phone calls and the advice you gave me ,love you brother ,i will also rember the ships we both worked on Robert Bruce
March 10, 2018
Very sorry for your loss, please find comfort in knowing that God promises to swallow up death forever.(Isaiah25:8)
DBallard
Henry Fleming Wood
March 9, 2018
I Known Marty For Over Twenty Plus Years. May Marty RIP
March 8, 2018
https://www.prlog.org/12696114-mr-hello-dere-celebrating-the-life-of-legendary-comedian-marty-allen.html
March 6, 2018
So many people felt the same way I did about Marty. We will all miss him. May you gain comfort as you remember the good times.
Art Schwartz
February 27, 2018
I was saddened to hear of Marty's passing. Marty and my father were good friends. They went to school together in Pittsburgh and remained acquaintances for quite some time. I was fortunate to meet Marty and Frenchy back in 1972 at their home near LA. It is a visit I remember to this day. My dad, who also just passed, spoke fondly of Marty and was very proud to mention that Marty was the recipient of the Soldier's Medal for bravery. Though I only met him once, I will miss him and will remember him fondly, not just for his theatrical work, but for how kind he was to entertain us during our visit to his home. Again, my condolences. - Art Schwartz
Ramona & Canisha
February 23, 2018
To the Allen Family
At this grievous time you may feel as Eccelesiates 3:4 states, "a time to weep and a time to laugh. " Please take solace in knowing that Marty bought a lot of humor to many generations and that is pleasing to our happy God. Psalms 144:15.
Sue Kasparek
February 23, 2018
You have our sympathies. We met him once in Las Vegas while walking down the hall to his performance. He came out from a hidden doorway into the hall and scared the daylights out of me! He laughed and laughed at my reaction! What a good time we had that evening. He will be missed.
February 23, 2018
Extending heartfelt condolences to family, friends and fans of Marty. I enjoyed his contribution to the entertainment industry for many years. He will truly be missed. May your treasured memories comfort and strengthen you during the difficult days ahead.
February 23, 2018
Heartfelt sympathy to Marty Allen's wife and other family members. May God be with you to give you comfort and peace. Psalm 57:1
Chris
February 23, 2018
What a great guy who never stopped making me laugh. I met him at Gam Wash a Chinese restaurant by the old Roosevelt's Raceway.He joined us after the races and it was one of the most memorable nights we ever had after the track. May he rest n peace..
I
February 21, 2018
Sir. Marty Allen,
What a wonderful man and entertainer! Class, wit and major enthusiasm rolled into one.
One of the Highlights of my former Vegas Living / Performing as a Concert Tenor for 14 years.
I loved Marty instantly and he loved me and my hair! I found Marty to be one of the
most real, genuine, kind and incredibly talented artists on earth.
"What a True Star!"
The Highlight of Vegas as well as Mary Kaye from The Mary Kaye Trio and Singer Michaelina.
huguette shaver
February 20, 2018
we lost the nicest guy and fabulous comedian this world has known. hello dere in heaven.
February 20, 2018
My condolences to your family, to brought brightness and love into this world but most importantly laughter.
Ed Peters
February 19, 2018
RIP MARTY I met you and received your autographed picture in 1968 when I was a patient at Great Lakes Navel Hospital. I was wounded in Vietnam serving with the 3rd Marine Division. Your visit was greatly appreciated and I will always have fond memories of meeting you. Ed Peters SEMPER FI
Bill
February 19, 2018
Thank you ...
Lia West
February 19, 2018
RIP Marty, a truly funny man! Saw him in Vegas a few times after we moved here and he was still cracking people up. I watched them as a child and he was always funny to me. Very friendly and down to earth as was his lovely wife/partner. Wish i could find the pictures we took at that last show we watched at Vegas WORLD years ago, he was a hoot. Our heartfelt condolences to you and yours...
February 19, 2018
You made our family laugh since i was a child. R. I.P.
February 19, 2018
Juanita
February 18, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May God comfort each of you during your time of mourning.
Susan Barlow Stephens
February 18, 2018
So sorry, so sad to hear of Marty Allen's passing . Peace be with you, Keep them laughing in heaven,
Bill Collins
February 18, 2018
To this day, Marty brings a smile to me when I remember him running into the audience and switching purses, hats, you name it, from bewildered patrons! Exceptionally funny and gifted man. RIP, Marty, and thanks for a ton of laughs!
Joe Sullivan
February 18, 2018
Excellent person, had the luck to meet him decades ago. Rest in Peace.
Katherine Leann Ladd
February 17, 2018
Funny, funny man!!!! I grew up with he and Steve Rossi - I'd laugh so hard my sides would hurt. Bet he and Steve are having a grand reunion. Love you Marty!
Katherine Leann Ladd, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Lmb
February 17, 2018
Sincere condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort give the family peace and strength during this most difficult time. Numbers 6:26. Time will pass and the pain will lessen. But the wonderful memories of someone special will be present forever. Deepest sympathy!
Valenda Newell
February 17, 2018
PRAYERS
February 17, 2018
Five sparrows sell for two coins of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows. Watched him as a young boy growing up my sincere condolences for your loss.
February 17, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Koby Dean Fisher Sr
February 16, 2018
My , Uncle Raymond Sr Would Watch Hollywood Squares With Peter Marshall & Mr. Marty Allen Would Be On Most Of Times In The Early 60s & 70S Before , His Daughter Christina Was Born ..... & Son Raymond Jr Was Born ..... So , 4 The Final Marty God , Bless The King & America My Brother ...... Corinthians 1:13:03 , Matthew 20:13 , Joel 2:16 , Joshua 15:05 , John 8:32 , Mark 8:28 , & Chronicles 1:5:21 ...........
Stephen Cecere
February 16, 2018
Sorry for your loss Kate. Stephen J. Cecere (Lester
Sheldon Kanner
February 16, 2018
It was a honor to call you my friend
Buckeye Admirer
February 16, 2018
Thanks for the laughs, still fresh in memory over all these years. You were brave, quick-thinking, kind and endearing, Mr. Allen. We will miss you so much.
Condolences to family, friends, colleagues, and admirers of Allen and Rossi everywhere.
Rey Criollo
February 16, 2018
ALLEN AND ROSSI TOGETHER AGAIN !
I saw Steve and Marty at the Rialto Theater in Joliet a few years ago. Great Show! Marty's wild hair and zany humor with Steve's pipes, and of course "Hello Dere!"
Gonna Miss You, Marty.
February 16, 2018
Great kind man rest in peace sir.
February 16, 2018
Sorry for your loss. May God of all tender merch comfort you in your time of sadness.
Movie in
February 15, 2018
Marty had have a long and fullfilled life he have touched the lives of many. My deepest condolences to wife.m.n
Eleanor Ostrovitz
February 15, 2018
God bless my friend . may you rest in peace , some day I hope we meet again. I loved you Marty. Hello dare. To Karon my heart goes out to you. Eleanor ostrovitz Las Vegas Nv.
D P
February 15, 2018
To the family,someone who made people have smiles in their hearts has left us in a earthly way but the memories that can be shared of his life will continue forever.Tthanks for the memories,may God who gives comfort to those who mourn ,be right there for you also to strengthen you.Marty will be missed.
ANNETTE & DEB BRAUTMAN
February 15, 2018
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE LOSS OF MARTY--HE WAS THE LIGHT OF SO MANY PEOPLES LIVES, ESPECIALLY OURS-THOUGHT HE WOULD GO ON FOREVER, BUT NOBODY GETS OUT OF LIFE ALIVE--KARON, YOU WERE SUCH A JOY IN HIS LIFE AND GIVE HIM DECADES OF ADDITIONAL LIFE--WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND YOU HAVE OUR HEATFELT SYMPATHY--WE'LL TALK SOON--
Kathy Nelson
February 15, 2018
I remember Marty Allen bringing laughter and joy into my family's living-room many,many times as I was growing up. I am so sorry to hear he has passed away. My deepest sympathies to the Allen family. May your prayers be heard by God and may He bless you to be comforted by the peace He gives. Psalms 68: 19, 20; Romans 15: 33 ❤
February 15, 2018
Marty had a kind and gentle soul.I use to save him the newspaper at grocery store when he was in town. Treated every one with dignity..You will forever be remembered..Went to see his show many many times. He and Wife put on a wonderful show and you always left laughing.RIP my friend. Keep them laughing in Heaven..
February 15, 2018
God bless ...
February 15, 2018
RIP Marty, a dear friend and loved one that we were blessed to have him in our lives. Karon, we know you will miss him dearly, but he will be with you always in your heart and great love and memories.
Karon, you as well, blessed us with your friendship and we will always treasure you. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers. and we will continue to keep you in our lives. We send our hugs and love to you and your family. Please keep in touch.
Sincerely love you;
Welkay (Larry) & Zsofia
Ray & Wende Link
February 15, 2018
May the family find peace and comfort in knowing all sickness, all pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
R D
February 15, 2018
RIP (you will be missed)
Irene Sidoti
February 15, 2018
Marty you made everyone laugh Your Hello Dere was just a great opening . That will be missed . I will always remember you when I came to visit you and Karon at your home that was such a great honor to have lunch with you both. Rip my dear Friend and Good Bye Dere
K.C. Jones
February 15, 2018
Condolences to the families, He was a Great Comedian he will be sorely missed.
Rocky Scirocco
February 14, 2018
I remember watching Marty on the Ed S. Show. R.I.P. Old Friend. Rocky Scirocco
T WALKER
February 14, 2018
I remember seeing him on TV .. genuinely funny. May the family and friends draw comfort from each others and the words at Psalm 147:3
CF*
February 14, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Allen family and friends at this difficult time.
S S and family
February 14, 2018
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family Mr. Marty Allen. I am truly sorry for your loss. May you be consoled by knowing that God has the power to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who mourn.
Isaiah 61:1, 2
February 14, 2018
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
February 14, 2018
I am so very sorry for your loss. And it is never easy losing a loved one and death. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Ray Allen
February 14, 2018
Sympathy & kindest regards to family & friends. God bless 1 & all. Take care. I remember Marty at the Holiday House in Monroeville, PA which ain't there anymore.
Terry Earle
February 14, 2018
Enjoyed your comedy act thank you for the years of entertainment.
February 14, 2018
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11
February 14, 2018
R.I.P. Marty!!!You was a very funny man and I loved watching you perform.
February 14, 2018
Keep'em smiling in Heaven Marty!
February 14, 2018
My condolences to the family of Mr. Marty Allen. May the memories of him from this day forward bring comfort you all.
A Caring Neighbor
February 14, 2018
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the Allen family. May God grant solace during this most challenging time. Marty was truly an amazing and accomplished man of integrity. He will be truly missed. With Love & Prayers
Gerald Nicholoff
February 14, 2018
Rip marty my prayers are with ur family keep them smiling up their
G.P.
February 14, 2018
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Allen Family. May God be your strength and refuge during this difficult time.
Joseph Bruno
February 14, 2018
RIP Mr. Funny Man. We saw your act in Las Vegas
thirty years ago. The show was great. I remember your appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show when
we were in junior high school. They were priceless.
You were a comedic legend & fantastic performer.
Thank you for your contribution to show business.
You will truly be missed. Our condolences to your
family. We will light a yearly memorial candle
for you & your wife @ our church. Thank you
for some great memories. Rest in Peace.
Sonya Williams
February 14, 2018
He will be missed,
I remember him growing up, such a funny person.
May the God of comfort be with your family.
Number 6:24-26
James E. Hurst
February 14, 2018
Thanks for all the GREAT LAUGHS, you are an AMERICAN TREASURE.
February 14, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
CC.
February 14, 2018
Mr. Allen kept us laughing, and I'm so sorry for your loss. May 'God' continue to be with the Family during this most difficult time.
Pete
February 14, 2018
In 1978 when I was 20 and working as a waiter, I had the privilege of serving A POT OF COFFEE to Mr. Allen and two business partners. He was very polite, friendly, and sincere. Gave me $50 for a $7 bill, said "keep it young man, thank you for the great service," shook my hand and smiled. It was an awesome memory of not just a funny comedian, but a wonderful individual. Rest in Peace Mr. Allen. Thank you.
Darlene Spitzer
February 14, 2018
My husband Al and I met him on our first Princess Cruise. We talked to him for a few minutes & asked if we could get our pics taken with him. He said, "only if you buy my wife's CD." Funny guy & a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed.
Yvonne
February 14, 2018
So sorry to learn of Marty's death. He was a funny talented comedian. Condolences to his family.
Dave Mann
February 14, 2018
To the Allen family:
Marty Allen was the first true celebrity I ever met at LAX Airport when I was 9. I saw him perform at the long-gone Edgewater Beach Marine Room in Chicago. One could never tire of his comedy. Also saw him in a movie, "Last of the Secret Agents".
Rest in peace. Job well done.
Michael Rose
February 14, 2018
Ill always remember Marty as a kind man. I worked with his sister in Pittsburgh years ago. Marty would come to the jewelry store and shop for gifts for his friends for the holidays. Rest In Peace
Les Breese
February 14, 2018
I'll always have fond memories of watching Allen and Rossi on the old TV variety shows...many laughs! With Marty Allen's passing, we have lost yet another member of "The Greatest Generation." My sincere condolences to Marty's family, friends, and fellow fans at this sad time.
Ricky Akers
February 14, 2018
Thanks for making me laugh and smile through out the years Marty, may God bless.
SUE ANN
February 14, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Stan Halen
February 14, 2018
Good-bye dere Marty!
Leslyn Lloyd
February 14, 2018
RIP Marty. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your friends.
February 14, 2018
My condolences to Mrs. Allen. They don't come like Marty anymore. He was a classic. May the God of peace be with you.
Patty Warren
February 14, 2018
My heart goes out to Karen and family for his most wonderful life. I was always a fan and friend. Sincerely, Patty Warren aka Patty Plenty(Hawaii)
Sally
February 14, 2018
We sadly say goodbye to Mr Allen. He will be missed dearly by so many of us who love him so much. Yes we are sad but we know that this is only temporary. We will see Mr Allen again. May we all cherish the memories and draw close to God. God love you.
he brought sunshine
February 13, 2018
Jane Lee Holmes
February 13, 2018
If I live as long as Marty Allen, I have thirty years left Marty's life has been an inspiration, showing us how kindness, and generosity of spirit will make us happy. Sending genuine sympathy to Marty's loved ones; he's going to be missed so much by so many.
Thank you, Marty!
Joan
February 13, 2018
What a funny man. I remember when he was on with the Beatles which was in 1964 on black and white TV on the Ed Sullivan show.
My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
M
February 13, 2018
For Marty Family I will never for get this great Man. . All my Prayers. I liked him on The Big Valley.
kim
February 13, 2018
Sincere condolences to the Allen family. May happy memories of your loved one and the words of Isaiah 57:15 provide you with much comfort.
Showing 1 - 100 of 121 results
Make a Donation
in Marty Allen's name
How to support Marty's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Marty Allen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored