+ Fred Allen (May 31, 1894 – March 17, 1956) was an American comedian whose absurdist, topically pointed radio show (1932–1949) made him one of the most popular and forward-looking humorists in the so-called classic era of American radio.

As another reviewer already observed the Texaco Star Theater was not ALWAYS hosted by Fred Allen. Fred Allen is listed among the Great American Humorists along with Mark Twain, Robert Benchley, and S.J. In the case of the Edgar Rice Burroughs (creator of Tarzan, and John Carter of Mars and the man who helped the town of Runnymede, California give itself a much-needed face-lift under the new name of Tarzana)it was really two shows in one. Fred Allen, the well-known comedian who went on to star in radio, television, and film, was born John Florence Sullivan in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1894 and educated at Boston University.

His Broadway shows include "The Passing Show of 1922" and "The Greenwich Village Follies".

Many of the problems faced by these later comics were prefaced in Allen…

Fred Allen, Actor: It's in the Bag!. Perelman. From the beginning of his radio career he was beset with problems, hitting him from all directions. He was one stages most talented wits when he was lured onto radio in 1932.

Fred Allen was a true wit of his time. His work laid the foundation for such later greats as Johnny Carson, George Carlin, Jay Leno and David Letterman.