Fred Allen And his Wife, Portland Hoffa
It was 48 years ago this evening that legendary radio comedian Fred Allen suffered a fatal heart attack while walking his dog. I'm way too young to remember them myself, but the more I read about them and listen to them on the old-time radio shows, the more I realize this was a really great show-biz couple. I mean, Portland was named for her birthplace in Portland, Oregon, and she had a sister named "Lastone" because she was supposed to be the "last one". How can you not like a family like that?
I agree. Myself being too young to hear Fred the first time around, I discovered his radio program back in the 1970's on an LP record.
Since then I've heard Fred Allen and his wife on the many recordings available, especially on mp-3 formated CD's.
Fred Allen and Jack Benny guested on each others shows, as they fought their long running "fued".
Fred also wrote a couple of books and was in several movies. The film, It's in the Bag" was good. Too bad Fred's health prevented him from
becoming more well known in the new medium of television.
Posted by: joe astley | 06/06/2006 at 04:30 PM