Nancy Allen — Biography

Nancy Anne Allen, born June 24, 1950, is a former American screen performer. She first gained recognition for her work in a string of films helmed by director Brian De Palma during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her career highlights include a nomination for a Golden Globe Award and three nominations for Saturn Awards. Allen, whose father was a police officer in New York City, grew up in the Bronx. She initially trained at the High School of Performing Arts, with dreams of becoming a dancer. In her early twenties, she pivoted her aspirations towards acting and moved to Los Angeles to further this ambition. Her initial significant role was portraying Chris Hargensen in Brian De Palma's 1976 adaptation of Carrie. Following this, Allen secured the leading role in Robert Zemeckis's comedic film I Wanna Hold Your Hand, released in 1978, and later took on a supporting character in Steven Spielberg's 1979 movie 1941.