What is H Allen Smith Net Worth 2024: Bio, Age, Height, Family, Comedic Style, And More

Publish date: 2024-06-08

Ever wondered about H Allen Smith net worth, the prolific writer known for his wit and humor? This isn’t just about the numbers; it’s a peek into the legacy of a man who charmed words into laughter.

Join us as we explore the financial contours that shaped Smith’s literary journey, revealing insights into the value behind the name.

Contents

Quick Facts

FACTDETAIL
Real NameHarry Allen Wolfgang Smith
Popular NameH. Allen Smith
GenderMale
Birth DateDecember 19, 1907 — February 24, 1976
Age68
ParentsN/A
SiblingsN/A
BirthplaceMcLeansboro, Illinois
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityCaucasian
EducationHigh School Dropout
Marital StatusMarried
Sexual OrientationStraight
Wife/SpouseNelle Mae Simpson
ChildrenN/A
DatingN/A
Net WorthN/A
Source of WealthJournalism, Writing, Humor
Years Active1922 – 1976
GenresN/A
HeightN/A
READ:   What is Justin Wilson Net Worth 2024: Bio, Age, Height, Family, Comedic Style, And More

What is the Net Worth Of H. Allen Smith 2024?

What is the Net Worth Of H. Allen Smith 2024

As of 2024, H. Allen Smith’s net worth remains a topic shrouded in mystery. Unlike contemporary comedians like Bob Newhart and Johnny Carson, Smith’s financial details were not as publicly documented.

Bob Newhart, known for his deadpan delivery and stammering comedic style, has an estimated net worth significantly influenced by his successful television shows and stand-up career. Johnny Carson, the king of late-night television, amassed considerable wealth through his long-running stint on The Tonight Show.

In contrast, H. Allen Smith’s earnings primarily stemmed from his career as a journalist and author, with bestsellers like Low Man on a Totem Pole and Life in a Putty Knife Factory. While Smith enjoyed popularity, especially during World War II, his financial success likely did not reach the heights of television icons like Newhart and Carson.

H. Allen Smith Overview and Wiki

H. Allen Smith Overview and Wiki

Early Life and Career Beginnings

H. Allen Smith, born in McLeansboro, Illinois, embarked on a journey that would establish him as a notable American humorist and journalist.

Dropping out of high school, Smith’s early career was marked by various odd jobs, eventually leading him to the world of journalism at the Huntington Press. His move across different states, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida, was pivotal in shaping his early journalistic endeavors.

Early Beginnings in Journalism

H. Allen Smith’s career in journalism began in 1922 at the Huntington Press in Indiana. His early years were marked by a series of relocations, taking him to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky.

In 1925, while editing the Sebring American in Florida, Smith’s career took a personal turn when he met Nelle Mae Simpson, who would become his wife in 1927. The couple then moved to Oklahoma, where Smith worked at the Tulsa Tribune, followed by a stint at the Denver Post in Colorado.

READ:   What is Art Buchwald Net Worth 2024: Bio, Age, Height, Family, And More

Rise to Prominence

In 1929, Smith’s career trajectory shifted significantly when he joined the United Press as a rewrite man. This role expanded his responsibilities to include feature stories and celebrity interviews.

His talent for writing and storytelling was further recognized when he joined the New York World-Telegram in 1934, where he served as a feature writer until 1939.

World War II and Literary Success

Smith’s career reached new heights during World War II with the publication of his humor book, Low Man on a Totem Pole, in 1941.

The book became a bestseller, popular not only on the home front but also among troops on troop trains and in military camps. The success of this book, which featured an introduction by his friend Fred Allen, allowed Smith to leave the daily grind of newspaper work and embark on a freelance career.

He wrote for radio, authored a daily column for United Features Syndicate, and made personal appearances. His next book, Life in a Putty Knife Factory (1943), also became a bestseller.

Hollywood and Beyond

Smith’s success in writing led him to Hollywood, where he spent eight months as a screenwriter for Paramount Pictures. His experiences in Hollywood were later chronicled in his book Lost in the Horse Latitudes (1944).

His first three books gained international circulation in Armed Services Editions, and their popularity kept Smith on the New York Herald Tribune Best Seller List for 100 weeks.

This period of his career was marked by significant literary contributions, including editing Desert Island Decameron (1945), a collection of essays and stories by leading humorists of the time.

READ:   What is Evan Esar Net Worth 2024: Wiki, Real Name, Age, Height, Family And More

Later Writing and Diverse Contributions

In the post-war years, Smith continued to write prolifically. His novel Rhubarb (1946), about a cat inheriting a baseball team, led to sequels and a film adaptation.

He also wrote about rural life in Westchester County, New York, in Larks in the Popcorn (1948) and Let The Crabgrass Grow (1960).

Smith’s versatility as a writer was evident in his diverse range of works, including People Named Smith (1950), The Compleat Practical Joker (1953), and his futuristic fantasy novel The Age of the Tail (1955).

Magazine Contributions and Media Appearances

In addition to his books, Smith wrote hundreds of magazine articles for publications like Esquire, Holiday, McCall’s, Playboy, Reader’s Digest, The Saturday Evening Post, and The Saturday Review of Literature.

His engaging personality and wit also led to numerous appearances on radio and television, including on The Fred Allen Show and being interviewed by Edward R. Murrow on Person to Person.

Legacy and Final Years

Smith’s autobiography, To Hell in a Handbasket, was published in 1962, offering insights into his life and career. He and his wife lived in Mount Kisco, New York, for 23 years before relocating to Alpine, Texas, in 1967.

Smith passed away in San Francisco in 1976, leaving behind a rich legacy as a journalist, humorist, and writer.

His last book, The Life and Legend of Gene Fowler, was published posthumously in 1977, and his papers are preserved in special collections at Sul Ross State University and Southern Illinois University.

Personal Life and Legacy

Smith’s personal life, including his marriage to Nelle Mae Simpson and his eventual move to Alpine, Texas, paints a picture of a man who valued both love and solitude. His claim to have had the first legal drink after Prohibition adds a quirky footnote to his already colorful life.

READ:   What is John Neal Net Worth: Bio, Age, Height, Family, And More

Smith’s death in San Francisco marked the end of an era for American humor writing, but his legacy lives on through his books and the memories of those who knew him.

Social Media Accounts

All about H. Allen Smith Latest News in 2024

There is no information about his news in 2024 because he died in 1976.

FAQs about H. Allen Smith

FAQs about H. Allen Smith

Who was H. Allen Smith?

He was an American journalist and humorist popular in the 1940s and 1950s for his books and articles.

What are some of his most popular books?

Some of his notable works include Rhubarb, Low Man on a Totem Pole, The Compleat Practical Joker, and The Great Chili Confrontation.

Did he write for any magazines?

Yes, he wrote hundreds of articles for various magazines, including Esquire, Holiday, McCall’s, Playboy, Reader’s Digest, The Saturday Evening Post, and others.

Did he make radio and TV appearances?

He made several appearances on radio and television, including on The Fred Allen Show and was interviewed by Edward R. Murrow on Person to Person.

What was H. Allen Smith’s autobiography?

His autobiography is titled To Hell in a Handbasket, published in 1962.

What is he famous for in the culinary world?

He is known for competing in the first chili cookoff in history in Terlingua, Texas, in 1967, which ended in a tie.

Did he claim to have done anything notable at the end of Prohibition?

He claimed to have had the first legal drink in the United States after the repeal of Prohibition.

READ:   What is Seba Smith Net Worth: Bio, Age, Height, Family, And More

When did H. Allen Smith pass away?

He died in San Francisco in 1976.

What was H. Allen Smith’s last book?

His last book, The Life and Legend of Gene Fowler, was published posthumously in 1977.

Was he involved in acting or filmmaking?

He was known primarily for his writing, but he did have some involvement in the entertainment industry, notably credited in Playhouse 90, Rhubarb, and Low Man on a Totem Pole.

Conclusion

Exploring H. Allen Smith’s net worth on Rachelparris.com has been more than a journey through his financial legacy; it’s a celebration of a life rich in humor and wit. From his early days to the height of his career, Smith’s financial story is as captivating as his written work.

Thanks for diving into this unique slice of literary history with us, where numbers meet narratives in the most engaging ways.

ncG1vNJzZmiqkZi1prjPmqmroaNjsLC5jqFkmqScmrtuv8yiq6FlnprBbsPOq6uhZw%3D%3D