Allen Swift facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allen Swift
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|---|---|
| Born |
Ira Stadlen
January 16, 1924 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | April 18, 2010 (aged 86) New York City
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| Occupation | Voice actor |
| Years active | 1946–2010 |
| Spouse(s) | Lenore Loveman |
| Children | 3 (including Lewis J. Stadlen) |
Ira Stadlen (born January 16, 1924 – died April 18, 2010) was an American voice actor. He was known professionally as Allen Swift. He became famous for giving voices to cartoon characters like Simon Bar Sinister and Riff-Raff. These characters were on the popular Underdog cartoon show. He chose his professional name from famous people he admired: radio comedian Fred Allen and writer Jonathan Swift.
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Allen Swift's Amazing Career
Allen Swift had a long and exciting career in entertainment. He was a TV host, a voice actor for many cartoons, and even wrote for shows.
Early TV Host Days
Allen Swift started as an early television star. He hosted The Popeye Show from 1956 to 1960. Later, he became a children's TV show host called "Captain Allen" on WPIX in New York City. Kids loved watching him!
Giving Voices to Cartoons
Swift is most famous for his work on the Underdog cartoon show. He created the voices for the tricky villains Simon Bar Sinister and Riff-Raff. He also voiced Clint Clobber.
He lent his voice to many characters in The Bluffers. He was also in the 1960s underwater puppet show Diver Dan. You might also hear his voice in some of the Tom and Jerry cartoons made between 1961 and 1962. He even worked on Sesame Street.
Working with Rankin/Bass
Allen Swift also did many voices for Rankin/Bass productions. He voiced most of the characters in their movie Mad Monster Party?. He was also in the TV special The Enchanted World of Danny Kaye: The Emperor's New Clothes. In that show, he was the voice of a character named Musty.
The Howdy Doody Show
Swift provided many character voices for the NBC Howdy Doody Show. The show's main star, Buffalo Bob Smith, voiced Howdy Doody. But when Buffalo Bob had a heart attack, Allen Swift stepped in. He learned Howdy's voice over a weekend. Then, he voiced Howdy Doody for more than a year!
Writing for TV and Stage
Allen Swift was also a talented writer. He became the second comedy writer for the Howdy Doody show. He also wrote a play called Checking Out.
Voices for Commercials and More
You might have heard Allen Swift's voice in old commercials. He was the original voice of the Frito Bandito for Fritos Corn Chips in the 1960s. In the 1970s and 1980s, he was the talking drain in Drano TV commercials. He also played Captain Cupcake in Hostess Brands commercials.
Allen Swift's Life and Family
Allen Swift was married to actress Lenore Loveman. They had three children. One of his children is the actor Lewis J. Stadlen. Allen Swift lived in Manhattan, New York City. He was also a skilled painter, creating beautiful landscapes and figures.
His Passing
Allen Swift passed away at his home on April 18, 2010. His friend, director Gene Deitch, said that Swift had been dealing with health problems for several years.
Filmography
Allen Swift lent his voice and talents to many projects. Here are some of them:
| Years | Film/Show | Roles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947-1960 | Howdy Doody | Most of the characters' voices | |
| 1956-1960 | The Popeye Show | Host | |
| 1960-1963 | King Leonardo and His Short Subjects | Odie Cologne, Itchy Brother, Tooter Turtle, narrator in "King and Odie" segments | |
| 1961-1962 | Tom and Jerry | Tom/Jerry/Various others | Gene Deitch era |
| 1964-1967 | Underdog (TV series) | Simon Bar Sinister/Riff Raff | |
| 1960s | Fritos Commercials | Frito Bandito | |
| 1966-1967 | The Beagles | Tubby, Scotty | |
| 1967 | Mad Monster Party? | Count Dracula, Igor, the Monster, Claude the Invisible Man, Ghoul the Invisible Boy, Boobula (Count Dracula's son), Ron Chanley the Werewolf, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Rosebud the vulture, Harold, Harvey, Post Office Boss | |
| 1971-1972, 1976 | Sesame Street | Voices in three animated segments | |
| 1972 | The Enchanted World of Danny Kaye | Mufti, Ivan | Television special |
| 1974 | Where the Wild Things Are | Narration (original soundtrack) | |
| 1976 | Checking Out | Writer | |
| 1986 | The Bluffers | Many characters | |
| 2000 | Courage the Cowardly Dog | Hunchback |
