Richard Mann Allan was born on June 22, 1923, in Jacksonville, Illinois, to a father who was a farmer and a mother who was a dietitian. He was the eldest of four siblings, consisting of two brothers named Edward and Robert Jr., and a sister named Catherine.
Allan's academic journey began after completing high school, when he was awarded a prestigious scholarship to the esteemed University of Illinois, allowing him to join the esteemed Theatre Arts Department, where he was eager to hone his craft.
However, his academic pursuits were tragically cut short when he was unexpectedly drafted into the army, and subsequently assigned to the officers' laundry detail in Italy, a far cry from the bright lights of the stage.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Allan made the bold decision to relocate to the vibrant city of New York, driven by an unwavering passion to pursue a career in the captivating world of show business.
In 1945, his hard work and dedication paid off, as he landed a speaking part in the iconic Broadway musical "The Red Mill", marking a significant milestone in his journey as a performer.
Allan's remarkable achievement on the esteemed Broadway stage led to a nationwide touring production, which ultimately propelled him to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Upon arrival, he seamlessly transitioned into various stage roles, with one notable performance being in the 1948 production of "Naughty Marietta". His striking physical attributes, comprising his tall stature, dark hair, and handsome features, inadvertently drew the attention of the Hollywood film industry. Consequently, he began working as a double for the renowned Montgomery Clift in the 1951 cinematic production of "A Place in the Sun". Notably, Clift himself took notice of Allan's exceptional talent and charisma, going so far as to commend him, suggesting that Allan would have been a more suitable star for the film.
Allan's cinematic endeavors throughout the 1950s were marked by a series of film appearances, frequently sharing the screen with some of the most iconic actresses of the era, a veritable Who's Who of Hollywood royalty, including the legendary Esther Williams, the ravishing Betty Grable, the sultry Ava Gardner, the talented Susan Hayward, and the charming Mitzi Gaynor.
His most significant and enduring role to date, however, was his 1953 starring turn alongside the incomparable Marilyn Monroe in the blockbuster film "Niagara", a cinematic masterpiece that earned him a prestigious Photoplay citation as "One of America's Most Promising Newcomers", a testament to his undeniable talent and potential for greatness in the world of cinema.
Allan's initial accomplishments were overshadowed by a tumultuous tenure at Twentieth Century Fox, during which he struggled to find his footing and faced numerous setbacks. Despite his early promise, he was relegated to minor, uncredited parts, and eventually, his contract was terminated due to his insistence on maintaining creative control over a specific film project. This drastic turn of events left Allan feeling disenchanted with the Hollywood machine, prompting him to abandon the industry and seek new opportunities in Germany.
Allan's professional journey took a significant turn as he made the decision to relocate back to the United States, where he collaborated with the talented Diane Hartman to form a renowned nightclub act known as "Hartman & Allan".
This dynamic duo's performances captivated audiences in the popular nightclub, with their captivating stage presence and impressive skills. However, fate had other plans, and the nightclub ultimately ceased operations in 1961, marking the end of Allan's illustrious career as an entertainer.
Person Biography:
Allan's life was marked by a series of significant events, including his early success as a performer, his partnership with Diane Hartman, and the eventual closure of the nightclub that had been the hub of his career. Despite the setbacks, Allan's legacy lived on, serving as a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
Allan embarked on a new professional path in the 1960s, opting for a career as a skilled masseur, thereby creating a deliberate separation from the glamour and excitement of the show business world. This marked a significant shift in his life, as he sought to disentangle himself from the bright lights and bustling atmosphere of the entertainment industry.
He eventually relocated to the charming town of Prospect, Kentucky, where he made his home until his untimely passing on September 6, 1999, at the ripe age of 76.
