Allen Funt (1914-1999) was an American television producer, director, and host, best known for his work on the television series “Candid Camera.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Funt was the son of a successful clothing manufacturer. He was educated in New York City and attended Cornell University before dropping out to pursue a career in show business.
Funt began his career as a radio actor, appearing in various shows in the 1930s. He then moved into television, appearing on a number of variety shows, including the popular “Your Show of Shows,” which starred Sid Caesar.
In 1948, Funt created the television series “Candid Camera,” which involved hidden cameras and unsuspecting members of the public. The show was a huge success, and Funt remained the host of Candid Camera for nearly 50 years. He also directed and produced a number of feature films, including the 1973 comedy “The Great American Hoax.”
Funt’s style of humor was often seen as controversial, but it was also highly influential. He was credited with helping to usher in a new era of reality television, and his candid camera techniques were widely copied.
In addition to his work in television and film, Funt was also an accomplished author. He wrote several best-selling books, including “Candidly, Allen Funt: A Million Smiles Later” (1995).
Funt was awarded several honors throughout his career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
Funt died in 1999, at the age of 84. He was remembered as an innovator of television and as a comedian who brought laughter to millions of people around the world.
