Steve ALLEN was an American comedian, actor, musician, and writer who is best known for hosting the first version of The Tonight Show in the 1950s. He was born Stephen Valentine Patrick William ALLEN on December 26, 1921 in New York City. He began his career as a radio writer and performer in the 1940s, and went on to become one of the most popular television personalities of the 1950s. He hosted the first version of The Tonight Show from 1954 to 1957, and was succeeded by Jack Paar. ALLEN was also an accomplished musician, playing the piano, clarinet, and saxophone. He wrote over 50 books, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1993.