Allen Kearns

Allen Kearns (August 14, 1894 – April 20, 1956) was a Canadian-born singer and actor who appeared on Broadway from 1912 to 1944. Born in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, he died in Albany, New York. He built his career as a romantic lead in Broadway musicals and is particularly associated with introducing two George and Ira Gershwin songs that became standards: "'S Wonderful," from the 1927 musical Funny Face, and "Embraceable You," from the 1930 musical Girl Crazy.

Kearns made his early Broadway appearances in the 1910s, with credits including The Red Petticoat in 1913 and Miss Daisy in 1914. He continued working steadily through the following decade, appearing in Come Along in 1919, followed by Tickle Me and Tangerine in 1921. His stage work in the early 1920s also included Lady Butterfly and Little Jessie James, both in 1923, the latter featuring Miriam Hopkins. He appeared in Mercenary Mary and Tip-Toes in 1925, and Betsy in 1926, before taking on the role in Funny Face in 1927 that would become one of his most remembered contributions to Broadway.

Following Funny Face, Kearns appeared in Here's Howe and Hello, Daddy, both in 1928, and then originated the role in Girl Crazy in 1930, introducing "Embraceable You." His later Broadway work included the play A Divine Moment in 1934, the production The American Way in 1939, and the farce The Odds on Mrs. Oakley in 1944.

Alongside his stage career, Kearns appeared in films at the close of the 1920s and into 1930. He played Gilbert Goodhue in The Very Idea and Roger Fleming in Tanned Legs, both released in 1929, and portrayed Jimmy Farnsworth in Lovin' the Ladies in 1930.