Alan King biography

Synopsis

Alan King was born in New York City on December 25, 1927. He worked the vaudeville circuit at a young age, developing his stand-up comedy persona as "The Last Angry Man of the Suburbs." King made numerous television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Perry Como Show, and had several memorable film roles. He also wrote five comedic books. King died of lung cancer in 2004.

Early Career

Born Irwin Alan Kniberg in New York City on December 25, 1927, Alan King dropped out of high school and began performing music in subway stations soon after. His first professional music act was headlining Earl Knight and His Musical Knights as a teenager. He soon switched to vaudeville and stand-up comedy and became known as The Last Angry Man of the Suburbs. A popular comic, King made numerous appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Perry Como Show.

 

Later Career

In 1955, King made his film debut, and he continued to take comedic supporting roles throughout his career. Notable films include Miracle in the Rain, Bye Bye Braverman, Just Tell Me What You Want and Enemies: A Love Story. He also wrote five books, including Anyone Who Owns His Own Home Deserves It and Help! I'm a Prisoner in a Chinese Bakery. King served as producer for several projects, including the hit Broadway comedy Impossible Years and the films Lipstick and Cat??s Eye.

Alan King died of lung cancer on May 9, 2004 at age 77. He was survived by his wife, Jeanette Sprung whom he married in 1947, and their three children.