Born:
December 01, 1935
in
New York
Best Known For:
His comedy films.
Early-life:
Born Allan Stewart Konigsberg on December 1, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York. His mother was a book-keeper, his father an engraver and waiter. He has a younger sister, Letty Aronson, who now produces his films. At 15 Allen began selling jokes to newspapers. Two years later, he adopted his stage name, and was already earning more money than his parents. On leaving school he enrolled at New York University, but dropped out after failing part of his film course.
Career:
Allen grew tired of simply writing, and decided to try stand-up. He proved successful, then moved into films, both penning and appearing in What's New Pussycat? in 1965. Since then he's become one of the world's most prolific film-makers, writing, directing and starring in such movies as Manhattan, Mighty Aphrodite and Everyone Says I Love You. He's been nominated for a Best Screenplay Oscar 13 times, winning for Annie Hall and Hannah and Her Sisters. More recent hits include You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, Midnight in Paris, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Blue Jasmine.
Quote:
"My one regret in life is that I am not someone else."
Trivia:
Away from film-making, he plays clarinet in a jazz band, enjoys watching the New York Knicks basketball team and has written several plays.