Born Allen Packard Ellsworth, Allen Ludden was a popular American television presenter best remembered for anchoring many versions of the game show “Password.” He also served as the host of the well-liked game program GE College Bowl.
Before making the transition to television, he worked as a youth advisor for radio and magazine articles.
His radio program for teenagers, “Mind Your Manners,” was wildly successful. Allen Ludden Sings His Favorite Songs is an album by singer-songwriter Ludden.
Few people are aware of his time spent in the U.S. Army as the officer in command of entertainment for the Pacific theater, despite the fact that he was relatively well-known for his work as a television personality.
Regarding Ludden’s honors and achievements, he once won the “Horatio Alger Award.” The “Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host” was also given to him.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame star, which is next to the star of his second wife (Betty White), honors the American figure posthumously.
Allen Ludden’s Date of Birth and Parents
In Mineral Point, Wisconsin, USA, on October 5, 1917, Allen Packard Ellsworth was given the name Allen Ludden. His mother Leila M. Allen was a stay-at-home mom, while his father Elmer Ellsworth was an ice trader.
His mother remarried electrical engineer Homer Ludden, Jr. when his father passed away at the early age of 26 due to the Spanish flu pandemic. Allen became Allen Ellsworth Ludden after being given his stepfather’s last name.
Allen Ludden’s Education
He went to the University of Texas to study.
Allen Ludden’s Wife
On the subject of his personal life, Ludden wed Margaret McGloin in 1943. The couple had a son, David, as well as two daughters, Sarah and Martha.
Following McGloin’s cancer death in 1961, Ludden wed the twice-divorced Betty White. On June 14, 1963, the couple exchanged vows and remained together until Ludden’s death.
Allen Ludden’s Career
Initially, Allen Ludden served in the American Army, where he oversaw the Pacific theater’s entertainment as an officer. He was released from the army in 1946 with the rank of captain.
Ludden worked with teenager magazines and radio in the late 1940s and early 1950s as a youth advisor.
Following this, he began hosting game programs such as “GE College Bowl,” “The Joker’s Wild,” and “Password.” He hosted many variations of “Password,” including “Password Plus.”
He also worked as the host of the discussion program “Allen Ludden’s Gallery” as a contestant on “The Gong Show.” The American celebrity was also a writer; he produced a number of books and novels.
In 1964, RCA Records issued his first album as a performer, “Allen Ludden Sings His Favorite Songs.” Ludden sometimes took the stage in plays and other acting productions.
Allen Ludden’s Death
Allen Ludden received a stomach cancer diagnosis at the beginning of 1980. At the age of 63, he passed away on June 9 of the following year. Alongside his father, he was laid to rest in the Graceland Cemetery in Mineral Point, Wisconsin.