Dave Allen (born David Tynan O'Mahony) was an Irish comedian, writer, and actor who had a major influence on British comedy. He was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1936 and grew up in a working-class family. At the age of 17, he joined the Royal Air Force and was stationed in England.
He started his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1950s. His witty and satirical style of comedy made him a popular figure in the British comedy circuit. He was known for his surreal and often absurd humour, as well as his signature deadpan delivery. He was a regular on the BBC show The Frost Report, and had his own show, Dave Allen At Large, from 1971 to 1986.
He was also a talented actor, appearing in films such as Stardust (1974), The Last Remake of Beau Geste (1977), and The Elephant Man (1980). He also wrote plays, including Spanish Fly (1973) and Dave Allen at Peace (1976).
In addition to his comedy, Allen was known for his political and religious satire. His television shows often featured sketches that poked fun at the Church of England and the British political system. He was also an outspoken critic of the Catholic Church, which led to him being banned from Irish television for several years.
Despite being banned from Irish television, he remained popular in Ireland and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Trinity College Dublin in 1997. He died of cancer in London in 2005, aged 68.
Dave Allen was a major influence on British comedy, and his unique style and wit have been cited by many as an influence on modern comedy. His surreal and often absurd sense of humour, as well as his signature deadpan delivery, have made him an enduring figure in the world of comedy.
