Dave Allen, an Irish-born comedian and actor, died peacefully on 10th March, 2005, at the age of 68. He was best known for his stand-up routines, which often featured black humour, and for his wry observations on the human condition, often heavily reliant on improvisation. He began his career as a stage actor, appearing in numerous plays and musicals, before making his television debut in 1962. As one of the first comedians to appear on British television, he was highly acclaimed, and a household name by the late 1960s. As well as his featured appearances on television, he created multiple shows, such as the BBC's Dave Allen Show, Channel 4's Dave Allen At Large, and Thursday Night Live, which he hosted from 1995 until 1997. His career was distinct for the absence of conventional 'jokes', and he often used props such as crackers and chairs to tell stories. A mastery of physical comedy and characterisation rounded his performances. In his latter career, he notably took parts in the television series Father Ted, and the films Queen of the Damned and 28 Days Later. Dave Allen will be remembered fondly as a ground-breaking comedian and beloved entertainer.