Obituary: Comedian Marty Allen, 95, known for his messy hair and his partnership of many years to singer/straight man Steve Rossi in an act that was a bit of a knockoff of the Martin-Lewis team, has died. He died from complications of pneumonia.
He and Rossi were staples of shows like The Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s. It seemed as if they appeared on the show every single week, or at least alternated with another borscht belt comedy team, Wayne and Shuster.
Allen was well-known for his catchphrase “hello dere.” His career began in the 1950s, when he worked as an opening act with partner Mitch DeWood for Sarah Vaughan, Eydie Gorme, and Nat King Cole. After their partnership ended, Allen joined up with Steve Rossi to form Allen & Rossi, with whom he found fame.
_____Allen & Rossi produced a number of hit comedy records and appeared 44 times on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” including the episode which also constituted the Beatles’ debut performance. Allen and Rossi parted ways in 1968, though they would continue to reunite for shows through the ’90s.
PETA has a lot to answer for.
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