Sian Barbara Allen, born Barbara Susan Levy on July 12, 1946, in Reading, Pennsylvania, embarked on a journey of artistic expression, studying at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse from 1964 to 1965.
Her breakthrough performance as Kathleen, a mentally-challenged individual, in the 1972 film "You'll Like My Mother" opposite Patty Duke, Rosemary Murphy, and Richard Thomas, garnered her a Golden Globe nomination for "Most Promising New Actress" in 1973.
During her work on "You'll Like My Mother," Allen met and fell deeply in love with the actor playing her character's psychopathic brother, Richard Thomas. The couple's romantic relationship lasted for several years throughout the 1970s, with Thomas later starring as John-Boy in the popular TV show "The Waltons" (1972).
When the writers of "The Waltons" sought to create a love story for John-Boy in the first season, Thomas suggested that his real-life girlfriend, Allen, play his on-screen love interest. Allen appeared as Jenny Pendleton in the episode "The Love Story" (1973) and in "The Thanksgiving Story" (1973),earning Thomas his Emmy award in 1973.
Allen's subsequent work included portraying the titular character, Peggy Johns, in the 1973 TV movie "Scream, Pretty Peggy" alongside Bette Davis and Ted Bessell. Throughout the 1970s, she maintained a steady presence in television, appearing on popular shows such as "The Rockford Files" (1974),"Ironside" (1967),"Bonanza" (1959),"Gunsmoke" (1955),and many others.
In addition to her acting career, Allen also wrote a script for an episode of the fourth season of "Baretta" (1975). Her final on-screen appearance was in the "L.A. Law" (1986) episode "Whatever Happened to Hannah?" (1990).
After marrying and giving birth to a daughter, Allen decided to conclude her acting career, instead choosing to channel her creativity into writing. As the older sister of flash-fiction author, editor, and teacher Meg Pokrass, Allen draws inspiration from her family's literary heritage.
Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, Allen continues to nurture her creative spirit, exploring new avenues of expression and artistic expression.
