Trivia

Alan King would often get sued by airline companies and insurance companies for speaking negatively about them in his comedy routines.

In January 1961, he was the emcee for a portion of President John F. Kennedy's inaugural party.

Known for his angry monologues, railing against suburbia and everyday mores. The popularity of these tirades led to frequent regular guest appearances on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and 'The Tonight Show'.

Dropping out of high school, he was schooled instead in rimshot comedy by Milton Berle in the Catskills.

Developed a fondness for drinking and gambling during his years on the Las Vegas circuit. He credited his family for helping him curb his problems.

Thrived on social humor and life's annoyances. Jerry Stiller once called him "the Jewish Will Rogers".

Son of Russian immigrants. Grew up on Manhattan's Lower East Side.

Hosted the Academy Awards in 1972.

Produced the Broadway plays "The Lion in Winter" and the revival of "Dinner at Eight".

Worked with such directors as Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma, Sidney Lumet, and Irwin Winkler.

Was the Abbot of the New York Friars Club and attended all celebrity roasts until shortly before his death.

Three children: Robert, Andrew and Elaine Ray.

Played drums and formed a group called Earl Knight and His Musical Knights while a teenager.

Was a Democrat.

Was the youngest of eight children.

Alan King claimed that as Alan Knight he won 20-straight professional boxing matches in Canada before losing to a fighter named King. He suffered a broken nose in the defeat.

Alan King said he took the last name (King) in tribute to the boxer who broke his nose, ended his undefeated boxing record of 20-0 and ended his boxing career.

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 307-309. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.

He appeared in four films directed by Sidney Lumet: Bye Bye Braverman (1968), Le Gang Anderson (1971), Just Tell Me What You Want (1980) and Le prince de New York (1981).

Alan King claimed he fought as a professional boxer in Canada under the name, Alan Knight. He said he fought twice a week.

Enjoyed playing golf and tennis.