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Jeff Allen, born Jeffrey Allen Mishler June 5, 1956[1], is an American comedian best known for his film Happy Wife, Happy Life, Revisited He is also known for his starring roles in several full-length comedy films, including: Bananas, Thou Shalt Laugh, Apostles of Comedy, and Apostles of Comedy: Onwards and Upwards. Allen currently tours the United States performing in churches, corporate venues and comedy clubs.

Comedian Jeff Allen in 2010

Early Life

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Born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Saulk Village, Illinois at age five.[2] Allen’s father, Jack Mishler, aspired to be a painter but could only support his family as a construction worker.[3] His mother, Arlene Mishler, worked for 30 years at Stauffer Chemical Company.

Early Career

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Allen began his career in 1978 in the comedy clubs of Chicago. Humiliated by the low pay and lack of respect, Allen, then a self-declared atheist, turned to drugs and alcohol.[4] In 1987 he got sober and in 1997 he became a born-again Christian. As he worked clean, in the style of Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld, churches became a significant venue for his act, which, unless specifically requested, is devoid of Christian references.

Personal Life

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Jeff Allen lives in Nashville with his wife Tami and two children (although in his act there are three). His oldest son served with the 101st Airborne in Iraq.[5]

Humanitarian Causes

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Since becoming a born again Christian, Jeff Allen has been involved with many humanitarian causes, including being an early supporter of the Bridge Ministry. For years he served as a “World Vision Artist” – performing at various events and espousing the virtues of that charitable organization which provides humanitarian aid all over the world. In 2012, Jeff Allen became allied with Gestures of Generosity sponsored by Thrivent Financial, a faith-based, $75 billion not-for-profit Fortune 500 company which provides financial and philanthropic services throughout the world. Gestures of Generosity supports multiple humanitarian causes, including intervening in human trafficking. Allen performs annually, and is a spokesperson for, Hope House International, an international ministry for orphans.

Filmography

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Discography

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Television and Other Major Appearances

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  • One‐hour comedy special, Happy Wife, Happy Life®, on the Odyssey Channel, Family Net and the Worship Network
  • Two‐time featured performer at the National Prayer Breakfast
  • Performed for the troops in Bahrain and on ships in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean
  • Comedy Central’s Premium Blend
  • Showtime
  • VH1’s Standup Spotlight
  • Grand Ole Opry
  • Montreal’s ‘’Just For Laughs’’ International Comedy Festival
  • Co‐hosted the Gospel Music Associations Pre‐Dove Awards
  • HBO’s US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado
  • Featured performer at the Inaugural Gala for President George W Bush’s Inauguration
  • Starred in national tours, ‘’Apostles of Comedy’’ and ‘’Jeff Allen & Friends: Funny People of Faith’’
  • Featured comedian on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Tours
  • Regularly heard on SiriusXM Radio, Jones Radio Network, Focus on the Family and The Blaze

Books and Other Publications

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References

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