Dave Allen Biography: Funeral, Wife, Cause of Death, Age, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Videos, Parents, Children

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Dave Allen, an Irish comedian and social satirist, became famous for his unique style of observational comedy delivered in an informal, conversational manner. Known for his laid-back demeanor, Allen often performed while seated on a high stool, holding a drink and cigarette.

His humor was marked by irreverent takes on societal norms, politics, and religion, particularly Catholicism, which garnered both laughter and controversy. His long-running show, Dave Allen at Large, made him popular in the UK and beyond.

Profile

• Full name: David Tynan O’Mahony
• Nickname: Dave Allen
• Date of birth: July 6, 1936
• Age at death: 68 years
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
• Nationality: Irish
• Profession: Comedian, satirist, actor
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Father – Gerard Tynan O’Mahony (journalist)
• Siblings: Four siblings, including an older brother who was a priest
• Spouse: Karin Stark (m. 1964, divorced); Sarah Kendell (m. 2003 until his death)
• Children: Edward James Tynan O’Mahony, Cullen O’Mahony, and Jane O’Mahony
• Relationship status: Married at the time of death
• Religion: Atheist (although raised Catholic)
• Ethnicity: Irish
• Net worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Born on July 6, 1936, in Tallaght, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland, Dave Allen grew up in an Irish Catholic family, though he later became known for his atheistic views. He passed away at the age of 68. His father, Gerard Tynan O’Mahony, was a journalist and editor, a profession that introduced Allen to storytelling early on. Allen‘s childhood was spent in a devoutly Catholic environment, which later became a recurring theme in his comedy as he questioned and mocked the doctrines he grew up with.

Allen attended local schools in Dublin and then briefly joined the workforce, primarily in journalism and entertainment-related jobs. His Catholic upbringing and education provided a foundation for the recurring religious satire he would later incorporate into his comedic work.

Personal Life

Dave Allen‘s first marriage was to English actress Karin Stark in 1964, with whom he had a son, Edward James Tynan O’Mahony. The marriage ended in divorce, after which Allen had a son and a daughter from a later relationship. In 2003, he married Sarah Kendell, his partner until his passing. Allen had a close but tumultuous relationship with the Catholic Church, often discussing his atheism publicly while incorporating religious satire into his shows.

Career

Dave Allen‘s career began with small performances and stand-up gigs across Dublin. His first major break came with a comedy tour in Australia in the early 1960s, which led to a television opportunity with The Dave Allen Show. Upon returning to the UK, he joined the BBC and starred in Tonight with Dave Allen (1968), quickly gaining traction. His signature style—monologues interspersed with sketches while seated on a stool—solidified his image and unique approach to stand-up.

In the 1970s, Allen became a prominent figure on British television with the long-running show Dave Allen at Large, where he introduced audiences to his satirical, often controversial, views on topics like religion, politics, and social conventions. This show not only showcased his monologues but also included sketches lampooning religious figures, which drew significant media attention and even led to an unofficial ban on his appearances on Irish state broadcaster RTÉ. Despite the controversies, Allen‘s wit and humor earned him respect and a loyal fanbase.

In addition to comedy, Allen also took on acting roles, such as his performance as Mr. Darling and Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the London Coliseum, alongside Maggie Smith in 1973. He appeared in Alan Bennett’s One Fine Day (1979) and continued creating new material for his shows on the BBC throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1996, he received a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards, marking his impact on comedy.

Awards

• British Comedy Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award (1996)

Net Worth

Dave Allen‘s net worth at the time of his death in 2005 was estimated to be around $3 million. His earnings were accrued primarily through his successful comedy shows, particularly on the BBC, and the royalties from his televised performances and comedy tours.

Death

Dave Allen passed away in his sleep on March 10, 2005, at his home in London. His passing marked the end of a distinct voice in comedy, remembered for his insight, satire, and the ability to provoke both thought and laughter on sensitive topics.

Controversy

Allen‘s career was marked by frequent controversies, largely due to his critical views on Catholicism and organized religion. His stand-up routines often mocked religious rituals, a theme that resonated throughout his career. On Dave Allen at Large, for example, sketches featured Allen as the Pope and other clergy figures engaging in exaggerated, humorous scenarios that included satire of religious rituals and figures. This irreverent take on religion led to widespread debates in both media and the public, especially among Irish Catholic communities, some of whom viewed his work as offensive.

One recurring controversy was Allen‘s decision to identify as an atheist, often questioning and criticizing religious practices and ideas. This stance alienated some Catholic audiences but also won him fans who appreciated his bold commentary on sensitive topics.

His shows occasionally drew criticism from British MPs, who questioned the appropriateness of his humor, particularly after he made a joke about the monotony of working life and the symbolic role of clocks. Allen‘s criticism extended beyond religion to societal norms, discussing issues such as aging, work routines, and the conventions of daily life.

Despite the criticism, Allen defended his right to comedic expression, arguing that his purpose was not to offend but to explore and question the status quo. His fearlessness in addressing taboo subjects, particularly religion, set him apart from other comedians of his time, creating a lasting legacy in the world of satire.

Social Media

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Filmography

• The Dave Allen Show (1968–1969)
• Tonight with Dave Allen (1968–1969)
• Dave Allen at Large (1971–1979)
• One Fine Day (1979)
• The Unique Dave Allen (1998, BBC retrospective)
• Dave Allen (1981–1990, later series)

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