Dave Allen Wife: Who Was He Married To? (2026)

Dave Allen, the legendary Irish comedian, was married twice. His second wife was Karin Stark (later Karin Tynan O'Mahony), whom he dated from 1986 and married on December 9, 2003. His first wife was English actress Judith Stott, married from 1964 to 1983.

Who Is Karin Stark?

Karin Stark (née Stark, later Karin Tynan O'Mahony) began dating Dave Allen in 1986 and was his partner for 17 years before they married on December 9, 2003. She was his wife of 18 months at the time of his death on March 10, 2005. Their son Cullen was born approximately three weeks after Allen's death.

Marriage Timeline

Allen married his first wife, English actress Judith Stott, in 1964. They had a daughter, Jane (born 1965), and a son, Edward James Tynan O'Mahony (born 1968), who later became a comedian under the name Ed Allen. Allen was also stepfather to Stott's son Jonathan. The marriage ended in divorce in 1983. Allen began dating Karin Stark in 1986, and they married on December 9, 2003. Allen died peacefully in his sleep at home in Kensington, London, on March 10, 2005, at age 68. Their son Cullen was born about three weeks after his death.

Children

Dave Allen had three children: daughter Jane (born 1965) and son Edward "Ed Allen" (born 1968) with Judith Stott, and son Cullen (born 2005) with Karin Stark. He was also stepfather to Jonathan, Stott's son.

Career Highlights

David Tynan O'Mahony was born on July 6, 1936, in Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland. Known for his seated monologues, whiskey glass, and missing fingertip, he became one of Britain and Ireland's most beloved comedians through shows including Dave Allen at Large (BBC, 1971-1979) and The Dave Allen Show. His skeptical, anti-authoritarian humor — famously targeting the Catholic Church — always closed with his signature sign-off: "Goodnight, thank you, and may your God go with you." He received a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards in 1996, held his first painting exhibition Private Views in Edinburgh in 2001, and was dramatized in the 2018 BBC/RTÉ film Dave Allen at Peace starring Aidan Gillen. One of his trademarks was the missing top joint of his left index finger — the result, revealed after his death, of a childhood accident in an abandoned mill.

FAQ

Who was Dave Allen's wife?

Dave Allen was married twice: to actress Judith Stott (1964-1983) and to Karin Stark (2003 until his death in 2005).

How many children did Dave Allen have?

Three: Jane and Ed Allen with Judith Stott, and Cullen with Karin Stark — plus stepson Jonathan.

When did Dave Allen die?

March 10, 2005, at his home in Kensington, London, aged 68. His son Cullen was born about three weeks later.

What was Dave Allen famous for?

His BBC comedy shows, seated storytelling monologues, religious satire, and the sign-off "Goodnight, thank you, and may your God go with you."