“Steve Allen was a ‘hero’ in the popular culture. In the Golden Era of Hollywood

he was a giant, a man who entertained millions upon millions for so many years

with his effervescent wit and charm. But what made Steve truly heroic was what

he did in his final years, so courageously championing a national cause to

restore a sense of decency to the industry he so dearly loved and which has so

clearly lost its way. He never wavered in his determination to return Hollywood

to its foundation as a force for good in American society.

I was privileged to have met Steve and worked with him in promoting character development. I have never met a man that was so energetic and committed to kids as Steve. His constant pursuit to stop the trash the media is giving our children will be his legacy even more than the hundreds of entertaining moments on the NBC Tonight Show.

Rarely have I ever known a man more humble, and more decent. To his wife Jayne

and to his family I offer my deepest sympathy. She has lost a husband and

they have lost a father, and a grandfather. America has lost a role model.

– Gene Bedley