Marty Allen (born Morton David Alpern March 23, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He has worked as a comedy headliner in night clubs and as a dramatic actor in TV roles. Allen was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Louis and Elsie Alpern. After graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School during World War II, he joined the Air Corps. He was stationed in Italy where he attained the rank of sergeant and earned a Soldier's Medal for his bravery during a fire which happened while a plane was being refueled. His heroism also earned him a full-dress parade. After the war, Allen attended the University of Southern California where he studied journalism. He was still doing a comedy act in small clubs, but to supplement his GI Bill allotment, he became the first door-to-door dance salesman for a while. Eventually, the night club act became lucrative enough to cause him to leave college. During the 1950s, Allen worked as an opening act for stars such as Sarah Vaughan, Eydie Gorme, and Nat King Cole. It was during this time that he became part of the comedy team of Allen & Rossi with Steve Rossi.