Answer to the main question
Allen Ludden died on June 9, 1981 at the age of 63. His death occurred in Los Angeles, California, following a battle with stomach cancer. This verified date is drawn from authoritative obituaries and public death records reported at the time. Understanding the timeline helps clarify enduring public confusion about his health and public activity in his final months.
Allen Ludden: career overview
Allen Ludden was an American television game show host best known for hosting the panel show Password and its variants, including Password Plus and Super Password. He also hosted the syndicated version of Match Game and a number of other quiz and talk programs. His approachable style and measured delivery made him a trusted figure in living-room entertainment across multiple decades.
Health challenges and public awareness
In the late 1970s, Ludden was diagnosed with stomach cancer, a condition that became publicly known as he underwent treatment while continuing to work. He took medical leave from hosting duties at times, and his health struggles were discussed openly in interviews. The visibility of his illness raised public awareness about stomach cancer and influenced how audiences perceived his later appearances.
Key medical timeline
- 1970s: Noticed early symptoms and sought medical evaluation.
- 1979: Underwent surgery and began chemotherapy while hosting game shows.
- 1980–1981: Reduced schedule and increased hospitalizations as cancer progressed.
- June 9, 1981: Date of death in Los Angeles.
Death certificate and official records
The official death certificate listed stomach cancer as the underlying cause. Public obituaries from major newspapers and television industry sources corroborated this information. These records are consistent in naming the date and location, forming a reliable basis for clarification.
Common misconceptions about timing
Some sources have dated his death to 1980 or 1982 in error. These discrepancies often arise from confusion with periods of illness, repeats of his shows, or informal reports that were not updated after the official death certificate was filed. Cross-checking reputable obituaries and social security records resolves most of these inconsistencies.
Legacy and cultural influence
Allen Ludden’s influence extends beyond dates and causes of death. He helped define the fast-paced, personality-driven quiz show format and contributed to the rise of televised word games. Later hosts cited him as an inspiration, and his programs remain familiar to retro television audiences. His public handling of illness also set a precedent for discussing health in the public eye.
Comparative note
Compared with many of his contemporaries, Ludden died relatively young but after a long career in broadcasting. The table below summarizes the key verified attributes around his death.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | June 9, 1981 | Death certificate and major obituaries |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California | Obituaries and public records |
| Reported cause | Stomach cancer | Medical records cited in obituaries |
| Age at death | 63 years | Calculated from birth year and death date |
Quick timeline summary
- June 9, 1981: Allen Ludden died in Los Angeles.
- Primary cause: Stomach cancer, per official records.
- Age at death: 63.
- Location of death: Los Angeles, California.
- Public awareness: Illness and treatment discussed openly in interviews throughout 1979–1981.