Peter Allen (1944–1992) was born Peter Richard Woolnough in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia. He showed an early interest in music and began playing piano and performing as a child.
His childhood was marked by tragedy—his father, a soldier and musician, died by suicide when Peter was just 14 years old. Despite this hardship, he pursued music passionately and by his teenage years, he was performing in local pubs and clubs.
Education
Peter Allen did not have a formal higher education. He attended Armidale High School in New South Wales but left school early to pursue a career in music. His education was largely shaped by his experiences as a performer, starting with local gigs before finding success as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer.
Career
Peter Allen (1944–1992) was an Australian singer, songwriter, and entertainer known for his flamboyant stage presence and hit songs.
Early Career (1950s–1960s)
Allen began performing as a teenager, forming the duo The Allen Brothers with Chris Bell. The group gained attention in Australia and later moved to the U.S., where they were discovered by Judy Garland. This led to Allen touring internationally and marrying Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, in 1967 (they later divorced in 1974).
Solo Career & Songwriting (1970s–1980s)
After The Allen Brothers disbanded, Allen pursued a solo career. He became a successful songwriter, co-writing major hits such as:
- “I Honestly Love You” (1974) – a No. 1 hit for Olivia Newton-John
- “Don’t Cry Out Loud” (1978) – recorded by Melissa Manchester
- “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” (1981) – co-written with Burt Bacharach and won an Academy Award
As a performer, Allen was known for his energetic stage shows, often dancing on top of pianos. His song “I Go to Rio” became a signature hit, and “I Still Call Australia Home” became a beloved Australian anthem.
Later Years & Legacy (1990s)
Allen’s Broadway musical “Legs Diamond” (1988) was a commercial failure, but he remained a popular entertainer until his passing in 1992 from complications related to AIDS. His life inspired the Australian musical “The Boy from Oz”, which later starred Hugh Jackman on Broadway.
Peter Allen is remembered as a pioneering entertainer who brought Australian music to the world stage.
Relationships
Peter Allen was married to Liza Minnelli (1967–1974), the daughter of Judy Garland. Their marriage ended in divorce, and Allen later came out as gay. He had long-term relationships with men, including fashion model Greg Connell, who passed away in 1984. His last partner was Peter McKeon.
Children
Peter Allen did not have any children.
Siblings
Allen did not have any known brothers or sisters.
Death Causes
Peter Allen passed away on June 18, 1992, due to complications from AIDS-related throat cancer. He had been battling the illness privately and died at the age of 48 in San Diego, California.
Estate Inheritor
After Peter Allen’s passing in 1992, his estate was reportedly inherited by his longtime partner, Peter McKeon, along with his family members and close associates. Since Allen had no children, his estate, including royalties from his music, was managed by his estate executors.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 1992, Peter Allen’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. His wealth came from his successful career as a singer, songwriter, and performer, with major hits like “I Honestly Love You” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”.
His estate continued to earn royalties from his music, especially through songs like “I Still Call Australia Home”, which became an iconic Australian anthem.
