Penelope Allen

Biography

Penelope Allen, also known as Penny Allen, is an American actress and acting coach whose career spans both stage and screen. She is best known for her role as Sylvia, the head bank teller held hostage in Sidney Lumet’s acclaimed film Dog Day Afternoon (1975).

Early Life and Training

Allen trained at the prestigious Actors Studio in New York City, honing her craft in a rigorous theatrical environment. She performed with notable theater companies including the Theatre Company of Boston, the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.

Stage Career

On Broadway, Allen appeared in productions such as Enemies (1972), A Streetcar Named Desire (1973), and King Richard III (1979), where she played Lady Anne. Her stage work extended to Off-Broadway and regional theaters, showcasing her versatility in both classical and contemporary roles.

Film and Television

Allen's film debut was as a solo chorus girl in Oh! What a Lovely War (1969). She went on to play Mattie Earp in Doc (1971), Annie in Scarecrow (1973), and had roles in Resurrection (1980), The Bedroom Window (1987), and Bad Lieutenant (1992). In The Thin Red Line (1998), she portrayed Witt’s mother.

Her television appearances include roles in Sybil (1976), The Scarlet Letter (1979), and American Playhouse (1981).

Personal Life

Penelope Allen was previously married to Charles F. Laughton.

Throughout her career, Allen has demonstrated a commitment to her craft, contributing significantly to theater and film.