Person Biography:
Irwin Allen was a renowned American film and television producer, director, and screenwriter. Born with a passion for the movie industry, he initially worked as a journalist before venturing into film production. His breakthrough came with the documentary "The Sea Around Us" (1953),which won an Academy Award for Best Documentary. This success led him to produce and direct a string of popular films, including "The Big Circus" (1959),"The Lost World" (1960),and "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" (1961).
Allen's fascination with science fiction led to the creation of several successful television shows, such as "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" (1964),"Lost in Space" (1965),"The Time Tunnel" (1966),and "Land of the Giants" (1968). The 1970s marked a significant period in his career, as he became a household name with the massive success of "Airport" (1970) and subsequent disaster movies like "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972) and "The Towering Inferno" (1974).
Allen's personal life was marked by his marriage to actress Sheila Allen (Sheila Matthews) in 1974. He continued to work in the entertainment industry, producing and directing films like "Swiss Family Robinson" (1975) and "The Swarm" (1978),as well as television shows. Despite a few box office flops, Allen remained active in the industry until his passing in 1991. His legacy continues to be celebrated through the website dedicated to his memory, run by his widow.
