Doubling Down with the 007 Double – John Allen

By Joan S. Peck

It’s not every day that a man gets approached by an agent in 1996 who spotted his grey beard in a Boca Raton restaurant and offered him a gig, throwing an actor into Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago swimming pool. Enter John Allen, the three-time Cloney Award Winner James Bond lookalike Sean Connery impersonator and Tribute Artist tops in the celebrity lookalike field. That award, as well as his six Reel-Awards, are considered Oscars in the celebrity impersonator industry.

They told him, “We’ll give you some beautiful girls, lots of martinis, and some nice cars to stand next to. And we’ll pay ya’. What do you think?”

John Allen has thrilled audiences worldwide with his James Bond appearances adding an elegance and sophistication expected from James Bond. Whether acting as Master of Ceremonies and recreating Sean Connery’s famous voice while handing out awards or interacting with VIPs, John’s on-stage ease and professionalism make every event exciting and memorable. That has earned him the privilege to work alongside Sean Connery as his stand-in double.

“I go to the biggest parties in the United States and around the world, and I’m the star of the party, so that’s not a bad thing,” John says.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, John Allen became a professional actor at 16, touring with Summer Stock Productions, working with Howard Keel, Jean Wilder, Arlene Francis, Sir John Gillgood, and many others. Today, he has great respect for Sean Connery, the man whose image has given him a second, exciting life.

John Allen has often been in Las Vegas, performing at different venues. Recently, he was at the 64^th floor Skyfall Lounge at the Delano. Sometimes when John is in Las Vegas performing, he stays with Rob Garrett (the renowned Neil Diamond impersonator), and when Rob performs in Florida, he stays with John. A happy, mutual arrangement.

A favorite gig? “I enjoyed working with Sean Connery as his stand-in for four days for a German Tea Company. It was a lot of fun! Sean Connery earned $1 million a day. I worked for much less.” [laughs].

“Another favorite was filming a commercial for Samsung in Auckland, New Zealand. It comprised a Korean actress, a beautiful model, and me.”

When did your impersonation of Sean Connery take off? “In 2007, with it being 007, things began to get very busy. Combine that with being photographed with Sean Connery, and my career really took off.”

“A funny story is when I worked with Jane Seymour in Washington D.C. She was the speaker, and I was the host for a payroll company out of Texas at their convention. I stayed at the Gaylor Palms Hotel, and the manager asked if I was pleased with my accommodations. I told him it wasn’t up to Sean Connery’s standards, and I was given the Presidential Suite. Later, he sent me up a bottle of bourbon.” [laughs].

What is upcoming for John Allen? “I’m getting calls almost every day now. I’m going to be working with the CIA! It’s for the men who used to work in the CIA who are running security companies who are having the conference.”

“Also, I have an engagement at Star Island near Miami, where all the movie stars and famous people live. I won’t know who hired me until I get there. It’s very hush-hush, and I’m not allowed to take pictures. I’ve been to several parties for Tiger Woods and others.”

“I really care about the people having a good time, having fun. I introduced [one honored guest] into her Majesty’s secret service and said, ‘his name is 008.’ It’s the shtick I do.”

Fun-loving John Allen lives in Ocean Ridge, Florida, where he rides his bike daily and walks the beach. After a gall bladder infection gone awry a year ago, John Allen is grateful to be alive and determined to live each day with gusto. That’s just who he is.

Find John Allen on his website:  www.johnallen007.com, or on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/johnallen007#