Allen Funt was a television pioneer who entertained millions of viewers with his hidden camera show Candid Camera. He was also a producer, director, writer and actor who made two documentary films and several books based on his show. But what was the cause of his death and how did it affect his career and legacy?
The Life and Career of Allen Funt
Allen Funt was born on September 16, 1914 in New York City to a Jewish family. His father was a diamond wholesaler and his mother was a homemaker. He graduated from high school at age 15 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Cornell University. He also studied at Columbia University and Pratt Institute.
He started his career in the art department of an advertising agency, but soon moved to the radio department. He wrote for Truth or Consequences and assisted Eleanor Roosevelt with her radio commentaries. He also developed a passion for pranks and gags, which he used to amuse his friends and family.
During World War II, he served in the Army Signal Corps and became fascinated by the wireless portable recorders. He used them to record the reactions of unsuspecting people to various situations, such as being asked to pay for free samples or being told that their car had no engine. He called his show The Candid Microphone and it aired on ABC Radio from 1947 to 1948.
He then experimented with a visual version of his show by making a series of short films called Candid Microphone. These films led to his entrance into television in 1948 with Candid Camera, which became one of the most popular and longest-running shows in TV history. The show featured ordinary people being caught off guard by humorous and sometimes outrageous scenarios, such as talking mailboxes, trick coffee cups, or disappearing finger holes in bowling balls. The show ran on various networks and in syndication until 1990, with Funt as the host and producer.
Funt also made two feature films based on his show: What Do You Say to a Naked Lady? (1970) and Money Talks (1972). He also wrote three books: Candid Kids (1964), Candidly, Allen Funt: A Million Smiles Later (1976), and Eavesdropper at Large: Adventures in Human Nature with “Candid Camera” (1985). He also recorded several albums of candid conversations, such as The Animal World of Allen Funt (1959) and Candid Phone (1961).
Funt was married twice and had five children, including Peter Funt, who followed his father’s footsteps and became the host of Candid Camera in the 1990s. Funt was also a philanthropist who donated his recordings and films to Cornell University and established a fellowship at Syracuse University for postgraduate studies in radio and television.
The Cause and Effect of Allen Funt’s Stroke
In 1993, Funt suffered a stroke that paralyzed him on the right side of his body and impaired his speech. He was forced to retire from his show and his public life. He spent his last years at his home in Pebble Beach, California, where he died on September 5, 1999 at the age of 84. The cause of his death was complications from the stroke.
The stroke had a devastating impact on Funt’s career and legacy. He was unable to continue his show or make any new projects. He also lost control over his finances and had to sell some of his assets, such as his art collection and his mansion in New York. He also faced legal disputes with his former wife Marilyn Laron over alimony payments and with CBS over royalties from Candid Camera.
However, Funt’s stroke did not diminish his influence on the television industry and the culture at large. His show inspired many other reality-based shows, such as COPS, The Real World, Punk’d, Jackass, Impractical Jokers, and many more. His show also taught people to laugh at themselves and appreciate the humor in everyday life. His catchphrase “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera!” became a part of the American lexicon.
Funt was honored with many awards and recognitions for his work, such as an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, a Golden Globe Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and an induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He was also praised by many celebrities and critics who admired his creativity and originality.
Allen Funt was a visionary who changed the face of television with his hidden camera show Candid Camera. He was also a talented producer, director, writer and actor who made many other projects based on his show. He was a prankster who loved to surprise people with funny and unexpected situations. He was also a humanitarian who cared about education and social issues. He was a legend who left behind a legacy of laughter and smiles.
