I remember how, in the late 1990s, Steve Allen took out ads in newspapers demanding more decency in the entertainment industry. I was so touched by that, so impressed, that I never forgot him.
At a bus stop 10 years ago I used to see people digging through trash looking for food or something valuable. That was when the economy was supposed to be good!?!? When the US budget deficit wrecks the economy, everyone will be poor again!
My applause to those married couples that stayed together through good times and bad tried to treat each other well and take good care of their children
My mom and dad went through the 'Great Depression' like many millions did. They were VERY poor. Married in 1942 and started a life together. Two kids, and they both worked. Dad was successful and rose through the ranks to become an exec. at a major corporation. Mom left the workforce to raise us two. My father loved us very much and spent his off hours at home and took us on lots of vacations across this great country. They stayed married forever. Dad went first at 79. Mom died at 97 and we miss them very much. They spent their time with each other and we two kids. We were a tight knit family. Thanks mom and dad. It just came naturally for you two, didn't it. A great couple.
I loved Steve Allen. He was such a trendsetter and could be hilarious. I'm so glad that you David interviewed this icon. He was so spot on about no training as well as marriage. And life. Didn't know the grief he experienced but do we ever know? He was honest. I was offered three different jobs while teaching but I had no desire to leave my sons. Thank you David for another interviewing masterpiece.❤
Thank you David Hoffman for putting on this segment that EVERYONE should watch. It is Steve Allen's articulate description on how things were and what things have become. Nothing but life wisdom here. In his last words he described fathering as 90% just being there for your children, just showing up.
The most intellectual comic ever. He invented Late Night TV. He wrote books. He hosted meeting of the minds. He was a musical improvisational genius. He was NEVER given the credit and status he deserved from Hollywood.
I forget how decent people could be. Thank you for sharing this. What a good man. Imagine the great Steve Allen going through this level of deprivation in the US. What a decent man to remember, after a long successful career, the kindness of a person providing him sustenance in that single bean burrito.
On October 30, 2000, Allen was involved in a minor traffic crash while travelling to visit his youngest son at home in Los Angeles. A driver struck the side of Allen's car while backing out of a driveway, causing Allen to suffer a ruptured blood vessel, among other injuries, though he apparently did not realise he was seriously hurt. After Allen arrived at his son's home, he took a nap and died in his sleep. At first, it was believed that he had a heart attack. However, Allen's autopsy revealed that he actually died from hemopericardium, caused by injuries sustained in the crash. Though the condition was partially caused by atherosclerosis, the death was ruled accidental. According to his widow, Jayne Meadows, "Typical of Steve, [who] was the dearest, sweetest man: He was hit by a man, backing into him, breaking all of his ribs, that pierced his heart ... and when he got out of the car, he said to the man, 'What some people will do to get my autograph.'"
@SherryHill-k5y I find it fitting that, just as I was reading your comment to me, I was playing Eva Cassidy's beautiful version of, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
@Moral_Imperative Yes, he was one of those wonderfully eloquent people in life, that you hoped would've been granted the means to share his wisdom eternally, with his name to remain on the lips of generations to come.
"My fellow anglos by enlarge treated me coldly and rudely.' Amen to that! Ive traveled the continent, 48 states in the US, 27 in Mexico, 6 provinces in Canada. I'm formally dressed and as WASPy as can be. The people who belonged in my own race and class were the ones who gave me headaches
Steve Allen was as a child the first person that caught my attention and id struggle to stay up to watch his late night show. He was a pioneer of comedy and his live skits with people like Louie Nye had viewers laughing. His innovative " man on the street" were epic talking to folks outside the studio with insanely funny questions. His show was routinely semi organized mayhem never knowing what direction the show was going. As you can probably tell the guy had an impact on my sense of comedy and humor..👍
I have always like Steve Allen he was immense talent as you mention in your description. As devastating as the great depression was, I enjoy hearing stories from those who live through it.
"The difference between the richest man and the poorest is but a day of hunger and an hour of thirst." Kahlil Gibran "Humor is a social lubricant that helps us get over some of the bad spots." Steve Allen
@@drewpall2598 Both are beautiful quotes, and perfectly fitting with one another. Wasn't there always room for one more at the table, until someone created a dress code? 💖🌞✨
One of the classiest guys in show business history, and you would have no idea -- if he hadn't told you -- that this polished gentleman came from such an impoverished background.
It's never too late to learn. I have many regrets over my past behaviors and although I cannot change the past, I have to look at today as a new beginning and move forward. The pain of the past does not go away, but your attitude about the pain can.
"I was thrilled to have garbage to eat." What a recollection! Took 10 years to recover from the Depression. If the current generation ever goes through that - I can not imagine/nor think that they would make it. They don't have the right stuff.
There is nothing special about you or your generation. People have been surviving for millions of years and will continue to do so despite the baby boomers.
David, I never tire of watching your content. To hear these people such as Steve Allen among others brings back many memories with much laughter and joy. This interview leaves me dumbfounded every time I watch it. Many people who made our sides split often had a lot of profound wisdom about life and what is important. It is truly a joy to hear from those who knew how to whistle along the way when times were really tough. We all could really take a lesson from those who came before us. Thanks Dave, for this gem!
There is no denying true hunger is an equalizing force. We do the best we can with what we have, and pray grace covers us in the in-between. What an amazing interview, again you have done so many, thank you Mr. Hoffman ✨
This fleshes out Steve Allen the man. My first introduction to him was "Meeting of Minds" on PBS... had no idea he was the first host of the "Tonight Show".... Thanx ! ...
It was 1990s era Game Show Network that introduced me to him, thanks to What's My Line and I've Got A Secret. As a result, despite being young, I knew it was a big deal when he died in 2000 (though I didn't know until years later that it was the result of a car accident).
My parents used to watch him on the Tonight Show when they were able, and liked him much. I was too young then, but I remembered. And when, decades later, some of those shows became available in other media, I've had the pleasure of seeing what was so appealing. Johnny Carson is often remembered as the primo interviewer and showman in his long-running stay, and at his best he was hilarious. But I doubt he could have gone as far as fast without having Steve Allen to prime the late-night audience with his humor, good nature, and insight. For me, his show isn't really reminiscing, since it was a little before my time. It's more like an insight into the country's temperament when I was too young to understand it for myself. I'm not one to believe in "good old days", but there are some things, like his show, I'd be happy to see come around again.
Thank you for posting this interview. Steve Allen,he is one of my faves of late night T.V. . At the age of 11,and 12 my mother would give me permission to stay up late and watch his show . What a treat. I saw many entertainers on his program. Man what a treat for me to view this interview. THANK YOU!
Jeeze….! And this from an elite Hollywood icon - who people these days are prone to despise…. He’s almost sounding like a full-blown, modern day mystic! _WOW!_ 🥃🍷👍
I have heard this one before, by Steve himself. What a man. Great insight. Great critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is running in short supply these days.
I can remember seeing this video. Steve Allen has one of the most recognizable voices. Another great clip to ponder. Spot on about kids needing their parents. What would he say now?
I appreciated this piece. I grew up watching reruns of his talk show, taped/filmed at TAV Studio on Vine between Salma and Sunset. Only the original front door facade remains. Merv Griffin purchased the studio, and The Merv Griffin Show was recorded there. My first job in Hollywood was with Merv Griffin, then I became a cue card guy. For two decades, from '78 until the mid-'90s, I worked with Steve Allen numerous times, too many to count. Steve Allen was the nicest man I would have ever had the pleasure to work with. His sense of humor always knocked me off my feet. A few funny moments live, too. The Hollywood Christmas Parade being one. One year, we were rehearsing, and a school band was playing in the back. I told the producers I needed a headset so I could hear Steve. They said, not to worry, the Band won't be playing when we go live. Rehearsal started over, and everything was fine until we went live. The BAND was blaring, and I couldn't hear a thing! Steve, live, started laughing; I started laughing, slightly panicked until they got the band to STOP; I heard Steve say into the microphone, "My cue card guy can't hear me." WE jumped right into the dialog and made another moment in Hollywood history. Yeah, the cue card got blamed. (Hollywood, it's always somebody else's fault. Touché!)
What an amazing story. Watching him on TV as a kid, I just assumed he was always a celebrity in waiting. His beautiful wife, Jayne Meadows was also an extraordinary woman. She was a psychic.
What a rare man, performer, and brilliant comic. People hide behind a mask today when in all honesty, they are more people like that today both in entertainment, music and acting. Here we are today in a world of great mess.
He was way ahead of his time in every way. First to do the desk interview with guests, night show. He took cameras out in the street. He boosted rock and roll and Elvis . Side splitting humor, he had brought out in guests and audiences as well. He came full circle by admitting he was less than stellar with his first kids. In the fullness of time…they get it. Any of the super stars of the 50's, basically same story. They were doing it with nothing to follow. War had ended five years before, life skills for family were being invented. These parents graduated WWII. They all knew the Great Depression. To be thrown into those conditions as a child and young adult-it’s a wonder anybody survived. Look at Steve Allen’s personality. He doesn’t upstage anybody. He brings richness to any conversation. Who’d you most want to be stranded with on desert island? Many people would say what I do….Steve Allen.
The Great Depression destroyed families. Perhaps people didn't get divorced like they did after the war, but men deserted families, domestic violence and suicide spiked, people starved. And then the war brought its own problems. So I think people can be forgiven for their reactions to external forces and wanting to try something different, or they were forced to. His connection to Kerouac has always fascinated me. Steve Allen was a real cat.
Steve Allen was the best. “Meeting of Minds” was a great program. One of the greatest Americans. This interview was very insightful and he was so articulate. Never knew this about him.
This is brilliant in its simplicity and honesty. Steve Allen was a multi talented genius. Watch his performance as Benny Goodman in the movie of the same name.
Almost sounds like forbidden knowledge. How nice to hear someone speak with experience before the digital connections. Real life beats the hell out of screens
In the early 90s, I was 19, living on my own. I lost my job and apartment in the same week. Trying to gain employment without an address or phone was impossible. Turns out that as a white male with no address, I was ineligible for any form of government aid. I learned a lot about people and life that summer, and yes, I was very grateful that it happened during the summer.
Steve Allen is an entertainer I always, always loved. I remember watching clips of the Tonight Show when it was helmed by him. His laugh was infectious. If he had a comic on the show doing their monologue, his laugh in the background was always unmistakable. This interview is not a surprise to me. I always knew he was a highly intelligent man and some would say genius. His conclusions on poverty and the family and parenting are spot on. Sadly a lot of men never figure these things out.
I worked with Steve in the 1980's and, when it came to his employees and compensation issues, found him uncannily selfish in how he handled them. After seeing this video I think back at what I saw back then and wonder if what I witnessed was a man who was having flashbacks to what happened to himself in his youth.
What an absolutely brilliant and off the cuff comment by him about his life as a parent. He was one of the millions and millions of great dads back then. I sure had one and I knew it.
It's really sad that most Americans (in particular) will never know Steve Allen who was a hero for me growing up in 1960's. We live in an antithetical country at the moment Would that this video could get 300 million views. Smock Smock
i just learned of this person. I started watching him not knowing who he was but his voice, delivery and words captured me. I now know who Steve Allen is.
Thanks for this. I'll never forget his TV show "Meeting of Minds" where he played 4 characters from history in a lively 'impossible' discussions on numerous topics. (taping the different sequences) in a round-table discussion. Can't do that without about a 180 IQ. Try to score those show clips if you can...he'd more even more of an anomaly in today's cranially-hampered times.
Well, considering how shaky things might be getting with the orange genius, I'm praying we don't have to experience extreme depression era hardships this fine gentleman did. Thanks for posting this. I haven't thought about Steve since decades.
I remember Steve Allen from the Tonight Show in the '50's. And all the periphery of great comic regulars. Mr. Allen was the greatest of all the Tonight Show hosts. Some of his regular comics who made names for themselves: Don Knotts, Tom Poston, Bill Dana, Louis Nye, others.
A brilliant commentary on our current troubled times many years after this video was made. Best of luck to us all as our world crumbles before our eyes.
dad was born 1928. And those years stayed with him. Even though he made good money, worked at Lockheed, (electronic warfare) had a Los Altos home (things were more normal in the 1960's, as far a home prices went) but he reused his paper lunch bag, over and over. He commuted with others. (humans at one time would put more than one person in a car and go to work together). He would barter for the nickel on some deal. He did his own car repairs. wearing well worn clothes.... And those traits went with his kids.
You MUST be a decent enough human being to appreciate Steve Allen’s candor about things that have so much emotional hurt attached to them. There are things I have experienced which are far less degrading than eating garbage, and I would still not tell anyone. Ergo, Allen gets my respect for this!
David Hoffman I have complimented you before as a national treasure, every movie you put on stirs my interest and educates me, thank you again for your insight!🏴
This man is right on in his thinking. Sure, there are outlier scenarios….I unfortunately became one of those to some extent. But, this man’s overall thesis constructs a better life for yourself, those you love, and the society that surrounds us all.
I like his wisdom, especially at the end of the video. He rhetorically asks why children of leaders are so messed up; his answer is that because "daddy is on the road a lot". I'm not so sure that there is an easy solution for this, but it's important to know.
WOW!!!I am very impressed! I thought Steve Allen was just a Talk show host and Comedian but I was wrong! He was very intelligent! These statements in this video are true and helpful to all. VERY NICE VIDEO!! I enjoyed viewing it! Thank You!❤❤❤😊
I agree with him. I starved for a while due to my inability to claim social security (UK) as I couldn't stand the coercive control and abuse meted out by our Dept of Work & Pensions. I skipped for food ('dumpster-dived') and there were occasions when I ate and drank garbage. On one occasion I was cycling and slammed on the brakes because I saw an apple in the gutter and realised I couldn't afford to ignore the vitamins and sugar. When I tell people about this time I get sympathy or pity reactions, which I hate because I see it as a very educational experience when I learned a lot about myself and about my stamina, determination and ability to survive. This was partly due to being part of a supportive community of like-minded people and having status within that community that assisted my survival and self esteem. My life circumstances are stable now but I retain a joy in simple things and have no wants beyond my immediate physical needs. I count the life experience a thing of value.
That's why I spent hours everyday with my now 14 years old son since he was born. The only legacy I can leave behind is a son with a heart overflowing with love and joy.
I remember how, in the late 1990s, Steve Allen took out ads in newspapers demanding more decency in the entertainment industry. I was so touched by that, so impressed, that I never forgot him.
I REMEMBER THOSE ADS! USA Today ran them regularly!
And he was no conservative!
At a bus stop 10 years ago I used to see people digging through trash looking for food or something valuable. That was when the economy was supposed to be good!?!? When the US budget deficit wrecks the economy, everyone will be poor again!
What a humble man. He was a big star in his day but very down to earth.
And FUNNY!
There are some stories of him being a jerk
@@TJ-kk5zf There are stories of practically everyone being a jerk ... if you're into malicious gossip.
@@sven8957 celebrities don't get to be celebrities by being nice to people
And a very bright guy.
Humility. Sensitive. Thanks Steve for being a good person.
He died 11 years after filming this in 2000.
First Class Man, period.
Wise words about parental neglect. Money is important but it's not everything. Very little can replace human connection.
this guy makes more sense in 5 minutes than MOST vids do in 30.
My applause to those married couples that stayed together through good times and bad tried to treat each other well and take good care of their children
My mom and dad went through the 'Great Depression' like many millions did. They were VERY poor. Married in 1942 and started a life together. Two kids, and they both worked. Dad was successful and rose through the ranks to become an exec. at a major corporation. Mom left the workforce to raise us two. My father loved us very much and spent his off hours at home and took us on lots of vacations across this great country. They stayed married forever. Dad went first at 79. Mom died at 97 and we miss them very much. They spent their time with each other and we two kids. We were a tight knit family. Thanks mom and dad. It just came naturally for you two, didn't it. A great couple.
I loved Steve Allen. He was such a trendsetter and could be hilarious. I'm so glad that you David interviewed this icon. He was so spot on about no training as well as marriage. And life. Didn't know the grief he experienced but do we ever know? He was honest. I was offered three different jobs while teaching but I had no desire to leave my sons. Thank you David for another interviewing masterpiece.❤
^ THIS
@RichardL-yz8fm Sincere thanks.❤
Staying married in a bad marriage is worse for kids
Thank you David Hoffman for putting on this segment that EVERYONE should watch. It is Steve Allen's articulate description on how things were and what things have become. Nothing but life wisdom here. In his last words he described fathering as 90% just being there for your children, just showing up.
Wait til you find out how stock market crashes occur.
The most intellectual comic ever. He invented Late Night TV.
He wrote books. He hosted meeting of the minds.
He was a musical improvisational genius.
He was NEVER given the credit and status he deserved from Hollywood.
Poor people who have nothing are the most giving.
I forget how decent people could be. Thank you for sharing this. What a good man. Imagine the great Steve Allen going through this level of deprivation in the US. What a decent man to remember, after a long successful career, the kindness of a person providing him sustenance in that single bean burrito.
That means he didn't suffer very long. Obviously. There would be more to remember and it would be difficult to remember it.
On October 30, 2000, Allen was involved in a minor traffic crash while travelling to visit his youngest son at home in Los Angeles. A driver struck the side of Allen's car while backing out of a driveway, causing Allen to suffer a ruptured blood vessel, among other injuries, though he apparently did not realise he was seriously hurt.
After Allen arrived at his son's home, he took a nap and died in his sleep.
At first, it was believed that he had a heart attack. However, Allen's autopsy revealed that he actually died from hemopericardium, caused by injuries sustained in the crash.
Though the condition was partially caused by atherosclerosis, the death was ruled accidental.
According to his widow, Jayne Meadows, "Typical of Steve, [who] was the dearest, sweetest man: He was hit by a man, backing into him, breaking all of his ribs, that pierced his heart ... and when he got out of the car, he said to the man, 'What some people will do to get my autograph.'"
@@oscarwilde5473 I had no idea what caused his death until your comment. Jayne was the love of his life and vice versa. He was some guy. ❤
Thanks for the story. I always liked him. He really was as nice of a human being as he appeared to be. I wish I had his temperament.
@SherryHill-k5y I find it fitting that, just as I was reading your comment to me, I was playing Eva Cassidy's beautiful version of, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
@Moral_Imperative Yes, he was one of those wonderfully eloquent people in life, that you hoped would've been granted the means to share his wisdom eternally, with his name to remain on the lips of generations to come.
Somebody should make Trump to listen to that,
Wow! I always loved Steve Allen’s humor and intelligence, but this is an endearing glimpse of his humility and humanity.
He was one of the BIGGEST stars of the Fifties. One of the greatest of his time. Not just a comedian. Articulate and intelligent.
Steven Allen was a favorite of mine. He was a product of hard times as were my parents. Thanks David.
Ditto and my Dad loved his comedy.
@@MaryEllenBurgoon Your Dad had good taste.
Steve Allen ..one of the all time good guys...
"My fellow anglos by enlarge treated me coldly and rudely.' Amen to that! Ive traveled the continent, 48 states in the US, 27 in Mexico, 6 provinces in Canada. I'm formally dressed and as WASPy as can be. The people who belonged in my own race and class were the ones who gave me headaches
I've had the same experience.
we are an arrogant and selfish lot, aren't we?
All of the above people are giving me a headache. 🤯
36 years later, what he says is still ringing true.
Steve Allen was a national gem. Just listen.
He is one of my all time favorite people ever. Talented, funny, profound...truthful. Nobody like Steve Allen.😊
Steve Allen was as a child the first person that caught my attention and id struggle to stay up to watch his late night show. He was a pioneer of comedy and his live skits with people like Louie Nye had viewers laughing. His innovative " man on the street" were epic talking to folks outside the studio with insanely funny questions.
His show was routinely semi organized mayhem never knowing what direction the show was going. As you can probably tell the guy had an impact on my sense of comedy and humor..👍
Yes, my sister and I really enjoyed watching his show. No many good moments, creative, the 7up commercials just everything.
Steve Allen was a very impressive gentleman. I used to really enjoy him. This is excellent.
I have always like Steve Allen he was immense talent as you mention in your description. As devastating as the great depression was, I enjoy hearing stories from those who live through it.
"The difference between the richest man and the poorest is but a day of hunger and an hour of thirst."
Kahlil Gibran
"Humor is a social lubricant that helps us get over some of the bad spots."
Steve Allen
@@drewpall2598 Both are beautiful quotes, and perfectly fitting with one another. Wasn't there always room for one more at the table, until someone created a dress code? 💖🌞✨
@@MGMG-lc2fe 😊✌🧡
I was born in 1962, and this interview casts a lot of light on my relationship (or lack thereof) with my parents.
One of the classiest guys in show business history, and you would have no idea -- if he hadn't told you -- that this polished gentleman came from such an impoverished background.
It's never too late to learn. I have many regrets over my past behaviors and although I cannot change the past, I have to look at today as a new beginning and move forward. The pain of the past does not go away, but your attitude about the pain can.
Makes more sense on why Steve clicked with Kerouac. Thank you for sharing! ☺️
"I was thrilled to have garbage to eat." What a recollection! Took 10 years to recover from the Depression. If the current generation ever goes through that - I can not imagine/nor think that they would make it. They don't have the right stuff.
People find their way. They do what they have to do to survive
There is nothing special about you or your generation. People have been surviving for millions of years and will continue to do so despite the baby boomers.
@@LeahLuciB Exactly. You develop the right stuff if needed. It's just pure luck if you go through life never needing it.
David, I never tire of watching your content. To hear these people such as Steve Allen among others brings back many memories with much laughter and joy. This interview leaves me dumbfounded every time I watch it. Many people who made our sides split often had a lot of profound wisdom about life and what is important. It is truly a joy to hear from those who knew how to whistle along the way when times were really tough. We all could really take a lesson from those who came before us. Thanks Dave, for this gem!
What a brilliant, eloquent, wise man. This is the first I’ve ever heard of him
There is no denying true hunger is an equalizing force. We do the best we can with what we have, and pray grace covers us in the in-between. What an amazing interview, again you have done so many, thank you Mr. Hoffman ✨
@MGMG-lc2fe... Well said! may grace from above always be looking out for you. MG 😊🧡✌
@drewpall2598 Look out for us all and send extra blessings for you Mr. Drew💖🌞✨
@@MGMG-lc2fe Thanks you MG 😊🧡✌🙏
This fleshes out Steve Allen the man. My first introduction to him was "Meeting of Minds" on PBS... had no idea he was the first host of the "Tonight Show".... Thanx ! ...
thanks for the reference I didnt know this show
It was 1990s era Game Show Network that introduced me to him, thanks to What's My Line and I've Got A Secret. As a result, despite being young, I knew it was a big deal when he died in 2000 (though I didn't know until years later that it was the result of a car accident).
My parents used to watch him on the Tonight Show when they were able, and liked him much. I was too young then, but I remembered. And when, decades later, some of those shows became available in other media, I've had the pleasure of seeing what was so appealing. Johnny Carson is often remembered as the primo interviewer and showman in his long-running stay, and at his best he was hilarious. But I doubt he could have gone as far as fast without having Steve Allen to prime the late-night audience with his humor, good nature, and insight. For me, his show isn't really reminiscing, since it was a little before my time. It's more like an insight into the country's temperament when I was too young to understand it for myself. I'm not one to believe in "good old days", but there are some things, like his show, I'd be happy to see come around again.
This is the best video ever on the internet. Thank you. I went through the same challenges.
Excellent advice from a wonderful man.
Good interview.
Great video, thanks for this wonderful share! Wonderful story & Gentleman 👍
He's right. And now we aren't prepared for, or educated, about how to deal with aging parents.
This is a gem. When someone searches the vast ocean called internet I hope they come across this gem. #InternetGemArchive
Thank you
Thank you for posting this interview. Steve Allen,he is one of my faves of late night T.V. . At the age of 11,and 12 my mother would give me permission to stay up late and watch his show . What a treat. I saw many entertainers on his program. Man what a treat for me to view this interview. THANK YOU!
I was literally thinking about this clip all day today, and here you posted it!
Jeeze….! And this from an elite Hollywood icon - who people these days are prone to despise…. He’s almost sounding like a full-blown, modern day mystic! _WOW!_ 🥃🍷👍
I admired this man so much. ❤
I have heard this one before, by Steve himself. What a man. Great insight. Great critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is running in short supply these days.
One word comes to mind thinking of this wonderful American ...
"Classy"
Thank you Mr. Allen!
I can remember seeing this video. Steve Allen has one of the most recognizable voices. Another great clip to ponder. Spot on about kids needing their parents. What would he say now?
Thanks!
Thank you Fred
A lot of wisdom spoken here by Steve Allen .
I appreciated this piece. I grew up watching reruns of his talk show, taped/filmed at TAV Studio on Vine between Salma and Sunset. Only the original front door facade remains. Merv Griffin purchased the studio, and The Merv Griffin Show was recorded there. My first job in Hollywood was with Merv Griffin, then I became a cue card guy. For two decades, from '78 until the mid-'90s, I worked with Steve Allen numerous times, too many to count. Steve Allen was the nicest man I would have ever had the pleasure to work with. His sense of humor always knocked me off my feet. A few funny moments live, too. The Hollywood Christmas Parade being one. One year, we were rehearsing, and a school band was playing in the back. I told the producers I needed a headset so I could hear Steve. They said, not to worry, the Band won't be playing when we go live. Rehearsal started over, and everything was fine until we went live. The BAND was blaring, and I couldn't hear a thing! Steve, live, started laughing; I started laughing, slightly panicked until they got the band to STOP; I heard Steve say into the microphone, "My cue card guy can't hear me." WE jumped right into the dialog and made another moment in Hollywood history. Yeah, the cue card got blamed. (Hollywood, it's always somebody else's fault. Touché!)
I love him continuously working on his relationships from his words he paid more attention than most, though hindsight hmmm it’s still in the heart
Steve Allen was a friend of my Dads according to Mom, when he worked at NBC in the 1950s
What an amazing story. Watching him on TV as a kid, I just assumed he was always a celebrity in waiting. His beautiful wife, Jayne Meadows was also an extraordinary woman. She was a psychic.
What a rare man, performer, and brilliant comic. People hide behind a mask today when in all honesty, they are more people like that today both in entertainment, music and acting. Here we are today in a world of great mess.
He was way ahead of his time in every way. First to do the desk interview with guests, night show. He took cameras out in the street. He boosted rock and roll and Elvis . Side splitting humor, he had brought out in guests and audiences as well.
He came full circle by admitting he was less than stellar with his first kids. In the fullness of time…they get it.
Any of the super stars of the 50's, basically same story. They were doing it with nothing to follow.
War had ended five years before, life skills for family were being invented.
These parents graduated WWII. They all knew the Great Depression. To be thrown into those conditions as a child and young adult-it’s a wonder anybody survived.
Look at Steve Allen’s personality. He doesn’t upstage anybody. He brings richness to any conversation.
Who’d you most want to be stranded with on desert island? Many people would say what I do….Steve Allen.
I think he also wrote the Tonight Show theme music.
Steve was always my favorite talk show host.
Very humble and very articulate. I liked how he remembered the Hispanic man who gave him the burrito and shared what he could, all those years later
Absolutely Illuminating from the veteran comic........will pass this on to many, especially the younger ones.
Thanks a whole bunch for this upload!
Wisdom shared. So beautiful. Thank you!
Love this. I enjoyed watching Steve Allen in my youth but have never seen this interview!
Wow. This is culturally priceless David. TY
The Great Depression destroyed families. Perhaps people didn't get divorced like they did after the war, but men deserted families, domestic violence and suicide spiked, people starved. And then the war brought its own problems. So I think people can be forgiven for their reactions to external forces and wanting to try something different, or they were forced to. His connection to Kerouac has always fascinated me. Steve Allen was a real cat.
I love Steve Allen. He was funny and positive.
Steve Allen was the best. “Meeting of Minds” was a great program. One of the greatest Americans. This interview was very insightful and he was so articulate. Never knew this about him.
Some of the most heartfelt sage advice anyone could hear pertaining to being a spouse/partner and being a parent.
Refreshingly sincere, truthful and wise
Wow. What a great interview. Im really touched by his words. May his soul rest in peace.
This is brilliant in its simplicity and honesty. Steve Allen was a multi talented genius. Watch his performance as Benny Goodman in the movie of the same name.
Almost sounds like forbidden knowledge. How nice to hear someone speak with experience before the digital connections. Real life beats the hell out of screens
In the early 90s, I was 19, living on my own. I lost my job and apartment in the same week. Trying to gain employment without an address or phone was impossible. Turns out that as a white male with no address, I was ineligible for any form of government aid. I learned a lot about people and life that summer, and yes, I was very grateful that it happened during the summer.
Steve Allen is an entertainer I always, always loved. I remember watching clips of the Tonight Show when it was helmed by him. His laugh was infectious. If he had a comic on the show doing their monologue, his laugh in the background was always unmistakable.
This interview is not a surprise to me. I always knew he was a highly intelligent man and some would say genius. His conclusions on poverty and the family and parenting are spot on. Sadly a lot of men never figure these things out.
Thanks for this post.
I worked with Steve in the 1980's and, when it came to his employees and compensation issues, found him uncannily selfish in how he handled them. After seeing this video I think back at what I saw back then and wonder if what I witnessed was a man who was having flashbacks to what happened to himself in his youth.
What an absolutely brilliant and off the cuff comment by him about his life as a parent. He was one of the millions and millions of great dads back then.
I sure had one and I knew it.
It's really sad that most Americans (in particular) will never know Steve Allen who was a hero for me growing up in 1960's. We live in an antithetical country at the moment Would that this video could get 300 million views. Smock Smock
i just learned of this person. I started watching him not knowing who he was but his voice, delivery and words captured me. I now know who Steve Allen is.
Thanks for this. I'll never forget his TV show "Meeting of Minds" where he played 4 characters from history in a lively 'impossible' discussions on numerous topics. (taping the different sequences) in a round-table discussion. Can't do that without about a 180 IQ. Try to score those show clips if you can...he'd more even more of an anomaly in today's cranially-hampered times.
Steve Allen, one of The Greats!
Well, considering how shaky things might be getting with the orange genius, I'm praying we don't have to experience extreme depression era hardships this fine gentleman did. Thanks for posting this. I haven't thought about Steve since decades.
Wow, what a candid common sense interview! Thank you for sharing!
I remember Steve Allen from the Tonight Show in the '50's. And all the periphery of great comic regulars. Mr. Allen was the greatest of all the Tonight Show hosts. Some of his regular comics who made names for themselves: Don Knotts, Tom Poston, Bill Dana, Louis Nye, others.
- Lenny Bruce, who is still too controversial for you modern folk.
Good god. Everyone needs to hear this and take it in their heart.
What a guy - only new his comedy - great timeless advice - God ✝️, Family, Love ❤️ the basics never change nor should
A brilliant commentary on our current troubled times many years after this video was made. Best of luck to us all as our world crumbles before our eyes.
dad was born 1928. And those years stayed with him. Even though he made good money, worked at Lockheed, (electronic warfare) had a Los Altos home (things were more normal in the 1960's, as far a home prices went) but he reused his paper lunch bag, over and over. He commuted with others. (humans at one time would put more than one person in a car and go to work together). He would barter for the nickel on some deal. He did his own car repairs. wearing well worn clothes.... And those traits went with his kids.
You MUST be a decent enough human being to appreciate Steve Allen’s candor about things that have so much emotional hurt attached to them. There are things I have experienced which are far less degrading than eating garbage, and I would still not tell anyone. Ergo, Allen gets my respect for this!
David Hoffman I have complimented you before as a national treasure, every movie you put on stirs my interest and educates me, thank you again for your insight!🏴
His recollection of fellow Anglos speaks volumes. Mexican American kindness also speaks volumes.
Steve Allen 🌹🍃
such great remembrances and lessons .
thank you 🕯️
Honest and real. Love also his show segment featuring Kerouac where he does the accompaniment.
I held Steve Allen in highest esteem. He was brilliant and immensely talented.
Always loved Steve Allen, a kind and wise man.
This man is right on in his thinking. Sure, there are outlier scenarios….I unfortunately became one of those to some extent. But, this man’s overall thesis constructs a better life for yourself, those you love, and the society that surrounds us all.
What an amazing human being
Thank you, David! Bless you. 🙏🏻
I like his wisdom, especially at the end of the video. He rhetorically asks why children of leaders are so messed up; his answer is that because "daddy is on the road a lot". I'm not so sure that there is an easy solution for this, but it's important to know.
WOW!!!I am very impressed! I thought Steve Allen was just a Talk show host and Comedian but I was wrong! He was very intelligent! These statements in this video are true and helpful to all. VERY NICE VIDEO!! I enjoyed viewing it! Thank You!❤❤❤😊
I agree with him. I starved for a while due to my inability to claim social security (UK) as I couldn't stand the coercive control and abuse meted out by our Dept of Work & Pensions. I skipped for food ('dumpster-dived') and there were occasions when I ate and drank garbage. On one occasion I was cycling and slammed on the brakes because I saw an apple in the gutter and realised I couldn't afford to ignore the vitamins and sugar.
When I tell people about this time I get sympathy or pity reactions, which I hate because I see it as a very educational experience when I learned a lot about myself and about my stamina, determination and ability to survive. This was partly due to being part of a supportive community of like-minded people and having status within that community that assisted my survival and self esteem.
My life circumstances are stable now but I retain a joy in simple things and have no wants beyond my immediate physical needs. I count the life experience a thing of value.
That's why I spent hours everyday with my now 14 years old son since he was born. The only legacy I can leave behind is a son with a heart overflowing with love and joy.
So glad David Hoffman's channel showed up my feed.. got some catching up to do.