Allen Kearns
Actor
About Allen Kearns
Allen Kearns was a distinguished Canadian-born actor and singer who became one of the most reliable romantic leading men on the Broadway stage during the 1920s and early 1930s. Born in Brockville, Ontario, in 1894, he moved to New York to pursue a career in the theater, making his Broadway debut as early as 1912 in 'The Red Petticoat.' Kearns is most celebrated for his association with the music of George and Ira Gershwin, having the distinct honor of introducing several of their most enduring standards to the world. His transition to the silver screen occurred during the early talkie era, where he appeared in a handful of RKO productions such as 'Tanned Legs' and 'Lovin' the Ladies.' Despite his screen presence, his heart remained in the theater, where he continued to perform through the mid-1940s in both musicals and straight plays. He passed away in 1956 in Albany, New York, leaving behind a legacy as a quintessential 'juvenile' lead of the Jazz Age.
The Craft
On Screen
Kearns was known for his 'juvenile' leading man archetype, characterized by a charming, affable, and light-hearted stage presence. As a singer, he possessed a clear, melodic voice perfectly suited for the sophisticated syncopation of Gershwin and the lyrical wit of the era's top composers.
Milestones
- Introduced the Gershwin standard ''S Wonderful' in the Broadway musical 'Funny Face' (1927).
- Introduced 'Embraceable You' alongside Ginger Rogers in the original Broadway production of 'Girl Crazy' (1930).
- Starred as the romantic lead in the RKO comedy 'Lovin' the Ladies' (1930) opposite Richard Dix.
- Introduced 'That Certain Feeling' with Queenie Smith in the 1925 musical 'Tip-Toes'.
- Performed in over 18 major Broadway productions spanning three decades.
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized in musical theater history for introducing multiple Great American Songbook standards.
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Allen Kearns played a pivotal role in the dissemination of the Great American Songbook. By being the first to perform songs like ''S Wonderful' and 'Embraceable You,' he helped define the vocal style of the 1920s musical comedy. His work bridged the gap between the formal operetta style of the early 1900s and the more modern, jazz-influenced musical theater that would dominate the mid-20th century.
Lasting Legacy
Kearns is remembered by theater historians as the 'Gershwin leading man.' While his film career was brief, his contributions to the original stagings of landmark musicals ensure his name appears in nearly every comprehensive history of Broadway. He represents the sophisticated, urban charm that characterized the 'Roaring Twenties' entertainment scene.
Who They Inspired
His clear diction and rhythmic phrasing influenced subsequent generations of musical theater performers who sought to balance the demands of character acting with the technical requirements of jazz-inflected scores.
Off Screen
Allen Kearns maintained a relatively private life outside of his theatrical engagements. He was born in Canada and later relocated to the United States, where he spent the majority of his professional life in New York City and eventually retired to Albany.
Education
Trained in vocal performance and stagecraft during the early 1910s before entering professional theater.
Did You Know?
- He was the first person to sing 'Embraceable You' on a public stage.
- In the 1927 show 'Funny Face,' he was billed alongside the legendary sibling duo Fred and Adele Astaire.
- He appeared in the original Broadway debut of Ethel Merman in 'Girl Crazy' (1930).
- Though primarily a singer, he successfully transitioned to 'straight' comedy and farce in films like 'The Very Idea'.
- He performed in London's West End in a 1926 production of 'Tip-Toes'.
- His film 'Lovin' the Ladies' was based on the 1919 play 'I Love You' by William LeBaron.
In Their Own Words
Introducing a song like ''S Wonderful' was simply part of the job then; we didn't know we were making history. (Attributed context: Reflecting on his Gershwin years)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Allen Kearns?
Allen Kearns was a prominent Canadian-born actor and singer who starred as a romantic lead in numerous Broadway musicals and early Hollywood films during the 1920s and 30s.
What films is Allen Kearns best known for?
He is best known for his roles in early RKO talkies, specifically 'Lovin' the Ladies' (1930), 'Tanned Legs' (1929), and 'The Very Idea' (1929).
When was Allen Kearns born and when did he die?
He was born on August 14, 1894, in Brockville, Ontario, and passed away on April 20, 1956, in Albany, New York.
What is Allen Kearns' most significant contribution to music?
He is historically significant for being the first actor to introduce several George and Ira Gershwin classics, including ''S Wonderful' and 'Embraceable You'.
What was Allen Kearns' acting style?
He was the quintessential 'juvenile' lead, known for a light, charming acting style and a melodic singing voice that suited the sophisticated musical comedies of the Jazz Age.
Did Allen Kearns work with any famous stars?
Yes, he performed alongside major icons including Fred and Adele Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Ethel Merman, and Miriam Hopkins.
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Films
1 film
