10 Things You Didn't Know About Woody Allen

Woody Allen has been a prominent figure in the film industry for over half a century, somehow getting around to making a film a year as well as excelling in stand-up and in writing short stories. Although he tends to keep tight-lipped about his private life, his distinct acting style and uncompromising directorial traits are instantly recognisable and have sealed his name in Hollywood legend. Here's some things you may not know about the man himself...

10. Woody Allen?

Allen was actually born as Allan Stewart Konigsberg. He started to use the name Woody Allen at 15 years old when he began his comedic career, later officially changing his name in 1952 at the age of 17 to Heywood Allen. He then made the decision to be known as 'Woody' in honour of clarinettist Woody Herman, thus becoming Woody Allen.

Born on the 1st of December 1935 at 10:55 pm EST, Allen began his life in Brooklyn, New York to his Jewish Mother and Father as well as his younger sister Letty. Contrary to his neurotic and nerdy on-screen persona he was a popular kid growing up and particularly enjoyed sports, his main favourites being basketball and baseball. He is a long time New York Knicks fan and season ticket holder. Upon leaving high school, he attended NYU but was later thrown out. He has been quoted as saying the reason for this was cheating on his metaphysics final by "looking into the soul of the boy sitting next to me." Through his body of work we can see his love of New York has never weakened, with nearly all his films being set in the city. He currently still resides in his hometown.