Allan Jones (actor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Allan Jones
Jones in 1945.
Born	Theodore Allen Jones (1907-10-14)October 14, 1907 Old Forge, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	June 27, 1992(1992-06-27) (aged 84) New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Singer, actor
Years active	1928–1992
Spouse(s)	Marjorie Buel ​ ​ (m. 1929; div. 1936)​ Irene Hervey ​ ​ (m. 1936; div. 1957)​ Mary Florsheim Picking ​ ​ (m. 1958; div. 1964)​ Esther Marie Villavincie ​ ​ (m. 1967)​
Children	2, including Jack Jones

Allan Jones (born October 14, 1907 – died June 27, 1992) was a talented American actor and singer. He had a powerful tenor voice.

Many people remember Allan Jones for his roles in two famous movies. These were A Night at the Opera (1935) and A Day at the Races (1937). In these films, he starred alongside the hilarious Marx Brothers. He also appeared in popular musical movies like Show Boat (1936) and The Firefly (1937). In The Firefly, he sang his most famous song, "The Donkey Serenade."

Early Life and Music

Allan Jones was born in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a nearby town called Scranton. His father and grandfather were coal miners from Wales. Allan even worked in the coal mines for a short time when he was young.

But Allan had a different dream. He left the mines to study singing at New York University. His family loved music. Allan once said that his father and grandfather both had beautiful singing voices. His grandfather even taught music lessons. Allan's father wanted to be a singer, and he lived that dream through Allan.

On Stage

Allan Jones also performed on Broadway. Broadway is famous for its live theater shows in New York City. He appeared in a few musicals there. These included Boccacio in 1931, Roberta in 1933, and a show called Bitter Sweet in 1934.

Film Career

Allan Jones and Jane Frazee in When Johnny Comes Marching Home, 1943

Allan Jones starred in many musical films during the 1930s and 1940s. His most well-known musical movies were Show Boat (1936) and The Firefly (1937). In The Firefly, he first sang "The Donkey Serenade," which became his signature song.

He is often remembered for his roles in the first two films the Marx Brothers made for MGM. He played the romantic lead in A Night at the Opera (1935) and A Day at the Races (1937). He acted opposite actresses like Kitty Carlisle and Maureen O'Sullivan.

His role in A Night at the Opera was very popular. This helped him get the lead role of Gaylord Ravenal in the 1936 movie Show Boat. He starred with Irene Dunne in this film. Many other famous singers wanted this part, but Allan got it. In Show Boat, he showed off his great acting and singing skills.

Allan Jones also made a short appearance in the 1936 film Rose Marie. He sang parts from famous operas like Romeo et Juliette and Tosca. His last film for MGM was Everybody Sing (1938). In this movie, he starred with Judy Garland and Fanny Brice. He introduced the popular song "The One I Love" in this film.

In 1940, Allan Jones moved to Universal Studios. There, he made two more musicals. These were The Boys from Syracuse and One Night in the Tropics. One Night in the Tropics was also the first movie for the comedy duo Abbott and Costello. After these films, he continued to star in other musicals. He even reunited with Kitty Carlisle in Larceny with Music (1943). That same year, he appeared as himself in the musical Crazy House. He sang "The Donkey Serenade" again in that movie.

Recordings

Allan Jones made many recordings throughout his career. Most of his songs were recorded for RCA Records. His 1938 recording of "The Donkey Serenade" was very successful. It was one of RCA Victor's best-selling single records ever.

Radio Shows

In the mid-1940s, Allan Jones had his own radio show. It was called the Old Gold Show and aired on CBS radio. He starred alongside pianist Frankie Carle.

Later Years and Hobbies

Allan Jones continued to perform well into the 1980s. He starred in many stage musicals. Some of these included Man of La Mancha, Paint Your Wagon, Guys and Dolls, and Carousel.

In 1980, he appeared on an episode of the TV show The Love Boat. His son, Jack Jones, who is also a famous singer, played his estranged son in the episode.

Besides acting and singing, Allan Jones had another interesting hobby. He bred and raised racehorses on his ranch in California.

Family Life

Allan Jones was married four times during his life. He was married to actress Irene Hervey from 1936 to 1957. Their son is the well-known American pop singer Jack Jones.

Death

Allan Jones passed away in June 1992 at the age of 84. He died in New York City.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Allan Jones para niños