Woody Allen

NAME Woody Allen (Original name: Allan Stewart Konigsberg)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Renowned as a prolific filmmaker, actor, comedian, and playwright. Woody Allen is celebrated for his distinctive comedic style and contributions to American cinema.

BIRTH Born on December 1, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Woody Allen was born into a Jewish family. His mother, Nettie, worked as a bookkeeper, and his father, Martin, held various jobs, including serving as a jewelry engraver and waiter.

His younger sister, Letty Aronson, would later become a collaborator in his film ventures.

CHILDHOOD Growing up in Brooklyn, Allen developed an early passion for movies and comedy. He began writing jokes and short stories in his youth, displaying an early flair for humor.

EDUCATION Attended Midwood High School in Brooklyn but showed a greater interest in self-education, spending time in libraries and immersing himself in literature.

CAREER RECORD Allen’s journey began with writing for television alongside luminaries like Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner.

His humor pieces graced the pages of The New Yorker.

As a stand-up comedian in Greenwich Village, he perfected the art of the monologue, revealing an insecure, fretful persona.

He later transitioned to writing and directing films. His filmography includes classics like Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Midnight in Paris.

APPEARANCE Woody’s appearance defied Hollywood norms. His nebbish charm—glasses, disheveled hair, and intellectual aura—was his signature.

Woody Allen in 2016

FASHION Well, let’s just say he made tweed jackets and oversized glasses cool.

CHARACTER Woody Allen is characterized by his intellectualism, introspection, and a somewhat neurotic on-screen persona. His off-screen personality is known for being private and reserved.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Allen's humor is cerebral, filled with wit, wordplay, and a touch of self-deprecation. His comedic style often delves into the complexities of relationships, morality, and existential dilemmas. The Louisville Lip of comedy, he delivered punchlines with a dash of existential angst. 

Here are some examples of Woody Allen's wit:

On Relationships: "I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown."

On His Films: "I took a speed-reading course and read War and Peace in twenty minutes. It involves Russia."

On Death: "I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens."

On Intelligence: "I don't want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying."

On Money: "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."

On Reality: "More than any time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly."

On Therapy: "I am at two with nature."

On Aging: "You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred."

RELATIONSHIPS His love life mirrored his films: complex, unconventional, and often controversial. Frrom Diane Keaton to Mia Farrow, his romantic entanglements fueled tabloids.

Allen relationships include marriages to actresses Harlene Rosen and Louise Lasser. 

His most controversial relationship was with Mia Farrow, with whom he had a long-term partnership. The relationship ended amidst a highly publicized scandal.

MONEY AND FAME As a highly successful filmmaker, Woody Allen has amassed considerable wealth and fame throughout his career, earning numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards.

FOOD AND DRINK His diet? Perhaps a dash of existential soup, seasoned with neurotic spices. But he never turned down a good bagel.

Known for his love of New York cuisine, Allen has frequently depicted scenes set in iconic Manhattan restaurants in his films. His personal culinary preferences are private.

MUSIC AND ARTS Annie Hall. Remember that movie? Woody Allen, neurotic charm offensive in full swing, paired with the divine Diane Keaton looking like a walking vintage clothing store?  Well, it all started at the LA Film Festival, that sunny land of palm trees and questionable celebrity tans on March 27, 1977. They screened the movie there first, and let me tell you, it went over like a free mimosa at brunch.

Fast forward a bit, and guess what?  The folks at the Writers Guild of America, those folks who know a good script when they see one (even if it is riddled with Woody Allen's neuroses),  voted Annie Hall the funniest screenplay ever. 

Allen's films are often infused with jazz music, reflecting his appreciation for the art form. 

He is a skilled clarinetist. Every Monday evening, Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band take the stage at Manhattan's Carlyle Hotel, where they specialize in performing classic New Orleans jazz from the early twentieth century. A unique house rule dictates that Allen cannot be addressed by any member of the audience. Should someone break this rule and attempt to speak to him, they are promptly ejected from the club.

LITERATURE An avid reader, especially of Dostoevsky, Kafka, and other authors exploring existential themes.

He is a published author. Allen has written humorous essays, plays, and his memoir, Apropos of Nothing.

NATURE Woody’s New York was a character in itself—the city’s streets, parks, and cafes. Nature? Well, Central Park was his backyard.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Allen plays the clarinet, enjoys magic tricks, and is a passionate movie buff.

Woody was a popular student and adept baseball and basketball player at high school. 

Athletics? Well, he ran marathons of introspection.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Although not a significant focus in his public life, Allen's intellectual pursuits suggest an appreciation for scientific and mathematical concepts.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Allen's films often explore philosophical and existential themes, reflecting his interest in questions of morality, meaning, and the human condition.

SCANDAL Woody Allen became embroiled in a highly publicized scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct with his adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow. The controversy has had a lasting impact on his public image.

His relationship with actress Mia Farrow ended acrimoniously in 1992, after Woody Allen confessed to a relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of she and her former partner André Previn.  Allen and Soon-Yi Previn married on December 23, 1997 and have adopted two daughters. 

Soon Yi Previn and Woody Allen at the Tribeca Film Festival

MILITARY RECORD Woody’s battles are fought on celluloid, not battlefields. His weapon? The camera.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Allen has spoken openly about his hypochondria and anxiety.

His variety of neuroses include: arachnophobia (spiders), entomophobia (insects), heliophobia (sunshine), cynophobia (dogs), altophobia (heights), demophobia (crowds), carcinophobia (cancer), thanatophobia (death), misophobia (germs). He admits to being terrified of hotel bathrooms.

HOMES Allen has owned various homes throughout his life, including residences in New York City. His homes reflect a penchant for comfort and simplicity.

TRAVEL New York was his canvas, but Europe beckoned. From Parisian boulevards to Venetian canals, he wandered.

DEATH  Woody’s legacy endures, but the reel eventually fades. His final scene? Yet unwritten.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Extensive filmography, numerous television appearances, and countless interviews.

ACHIEVEMENTS Woody Allen's achievements include multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Annie Hall. He is considered one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.

His 16 Oscar Nominations for Best Original Screenplay as of 2024 are a record for that category.

Source Encyclopaedia of Trivia