Robert Allen

Biography

Robert "Tex" Allen, also known as Bob Allen, emerged as a prominent actor in the realm of feature films and B-movie westerns from 1935 to 1944. Born Irvine E. Theodore Baehr on March 28, 1906, in Mount Vernon, New York, Allen graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1924 and Dartmouth College in 1929 with a degree in English. Before his acting career took off, he held various jobs, including laboring as a truck driver and working at a bank that succumbed to the Great Depression. He briefly explored aviation as a commercial pilot with Curtis Flying Service.

Allen's film career began in 1926, leading to a contract with Paramount Pictures in 1929, where he gained early recognition in the Marx Brothers' classic, "Animal Crackers." In 1935, he joined Columbia Pictures, which marked the start of his significant roles. His breakthrough came with the lead in "Love Me Forever" (1935), earning him a Box Office Award, followed by a nomination for an Academy Award for his portrayal in "The Life of Lafayette" (1936).

After stepping into the shoes of cowboy star Ken Maynard, Allen starred in the Bob Allen Ranger series, collaborating with director Spencer Gordon Bennet and sidekick Wally Wales. Despite losing the role to Roy Rogers, he continued to appear in numerous films. Beyond the silver screen, Allen made his mark on Broadway, participating in original productions of "Show Boat" and "Auntie Mame." He transitioned to a real estate broker in 1964 but occasionally returned to theater, including a notable role in the 1972 revival of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."