James H. Allen

James H. Allen (May 15, 1928 – July 28, 2015) was an American actor who portrayed the clown character Rusty Nails and was the host of various children's television shows in the Portland, Oregon television market from 1957–1972. His program on KPTV was the second-longest running children's program in Portland, second only to Ramblin' Rod Anders.[1]

"Rusty Nails" redirects here. For other uses, see Rust Nail.
Allen as "Rusty Nails", circa 1974

He hosted shows on KOIN, KPTV, and KATU as Rusty Nails. In 1998 he wrote an autobiographical book called "Send in the clowns".[2]

Rusty Nails inspired Portland's Matt Groening to create Krusty the Clown for The Simpsons.[3]

Allen died on July 28, 2015, of congestive heart failure at the age of 87 after a month of hospice care surrounded by his family and friends in Portland. He was survived by his wife of 60 years, Georgia, four children and nine grandchildren.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Rusty Nails' Cartoons". Archived from the original on 2012-12-20. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  2. Allen, James (1998). Send in the clowns. Shiloh Publishing House. ISBN 1891879014.
  3. "James Allen, the beloved 'Rusty Nails,' dies at 87", by Nuran Alteir, The Oregonian
  4. "Beloved Portland entertainer 'Rusty Nails' dies at 87". KOIN news. July 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.


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