The Eccentric Woody Allen And His Surprising Journey

Woody Allen has had a revered career that has spanned over five decades. Yet the writer, director and comedian has also been plagued by some of Hollywood’s greatest scandals. Here is the hidden story behind the award-winning cinematic icon.

Rough Start

Woody Allen was born Allen Stewart Konigsberg on December 1, 1935 and changed his name to Heywood, aka Woody, when he was just seventeen. Allen grew up in Brooklyn, New York with his sister and parents. The future star had a troubled relationship with his strict mother and a difficult early home life.

Smart Woody

Woody has always had a flair for eccentric behavior. He entertained his fellow classmates with his magic and card tricks. He studied at Public School 99 and Hebrew school for eight years. A graduate of Midwood High School, he was an avid baseball player during his school years.

Developing His Style

At just fifteen, the budding comedian began selling original jokes to a local newspaper. Later, he began working as a comedy writer for television. His career in stand-up comedy started in the 1960s. He cultivated a unique style of neurotic and insecure comedy, getting laughs with his self-deprecating humor.

First Failures

Woody seems to always have had controversial romances. Few fans know that Allen was actually married from 1956 to 1959. He married Harlene Rosen, who was just 17 at the time, when he was twenty. In fact, after their bitter divorce his ex-wife sued him for defamation when he referenced her as “the Dread Mrs. Allen” in his standup act.