Allen Ludden (b. October 5, 1917–d. June 9, 1981) was an American television emcee and game show host. He was born Allen Packard Ellsworth in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated. For many years up until his death, he was married to frequent Password player and actress Betty White. Ludden suffered stomach cancer and had a stroke, causing his death on June 9, 1981. Ludden was buried beside his father in the Ellsworth family plot in Graceland Cemetery in his hometown of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He is survived by his three children.
Shows hosted[]
- College Quiz Bowl/G.E. College Bowl (1953-1955, 1959-1962)
- Password/Password All-Stars (1961-1967, 1971-1975)
- Talking Pictures (1968 unsold pilot)
- Win with the Stars (1968-1969)
- The Joker's Wild (1968 and 1969 unsold pilots)
- You Owe it To Yourself (1973)
- Stumpers! (1976)
- The Smart Alecks (1977 unsold pilot)
- Liar's Club (1977-1979)
- Password Plus (1979-1980)
Book[]
Adam Nedeff wrote an autobiography on the popular Password host titled The Life (and Wife) of Allen Ludden which was released in hardcover and paperback by BearManor Media in September 2017.
