Corey Allen

Corey Allen obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from UCLA in 1954, where he was honored with the Best Actor award from his department. He starred in the UCLA film "A Time Out of War," which garnered accolades, winning the Academy Award as well as top honors at the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals for Best Short Film. Following his graduation, Allen took part in around twenty theatrical productions in the Los Angeles region. His talent caught the attention of director Nicholas Ray, who cast him as "Buzz" in the iconic film Rebel Without a Cause (1955). This role opened the door for Allen to secure prominent parts in a range of films, including Private Property (1960), Party Girl (1958), Darby's Rangers (1958), and The Chapman Report (1962). Additionally, he made appearances in notable television series such as Perry Mason (1957) and Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955).

Simultaneously, Allen founded, directed, and co-produced the Freeway Circuit Theatre, which toured the Southwest for six seasons. He directed various Equity productions across Los Angeles, embarking on a directorial career in television and film that spanned three decades. During this time, he helmed three feature films and numerous television movies, including the Emmy-winning The Ann Jillian Story (1988). He developed around twelve pilots for series like Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and Murder, She Wrote (1984). His work earned him two Directors Guild nominations and an Emmy for Best Direction on Hill Street Blues (1981). Allen also dedicated time to teaching acting, holding workshops at the Actors Workshop and the Margie Haber Studio. Columbia College-Hollywood honored him with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his contributions to their acting and directing programs.