The Head Butler at the White House, he held his position at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for more than three decades. Lee Daniel's 2013 film, The Butler, was inspired by his life.
Previously a waiter at several country clubs in Virginia, he started in the White House as a member of the pantry staff and moved up through the ranks to eventually become the president's primary butler.
During Ronald Reagan's tenure in the White House, Allen earned the prestigious title of Maître d'hôtel.
According to his son Charles, Allen was devastated by the death of John F. Kennedy. Allen and his wife, Helene, were married for nearly seven decades.
He was portrayed by Forest Whitaker in Lee Daniel's The Butler; however, the character was named Cecil Gaines in the film.
