Keith Allen (actor)
Keith Howell Charles Allen (born 2 September 1953) is a British actor, comedian, musician, singer-songwriter, artist, author and television presenter. He is the father of singer Lily Allen and actor Alfie Allen, and brother of actor and director Kevin Allen.
Early life and education
Allen was born on 2 September 1953 in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales, the second of three children, the son of Edward Charles Owen, a Royal Navy submariner. His younger brother is actor Kevin Allen. He spent his early years near Swansea and in Malta, and most of his childhood in Gosport while his father served in Portsmouth. At the age of eleven he was sent to Brentwood boarding school in Essex when his father was posted to Singapore. He was expelled from the school at the age of thirteen. At the age of fifteen he was sent to a borstal after repeatedly being caught stealing, later saying that he "had a great time" there.
Early career
After having several jobs during the 1970s, including a job as a stagehand from which he was sacked after joining Max Bygraves' chorus line on stage naked, Allen first found success as a stand-up comedian, opening for rock bands such as The Clash.