This
slim, handsome, blond young actor has been working his way up
in series and TV-movies since the early 1980s, occasionally making
a hit with recurring and regular roles. Born in California, Chad
Allen began acting early, with roles in such TV series as "St.
Elsewhere" (NBC), as Ed Flanders' autistic son, "Webster"
(ABC, 1985-86), "Highway to Heaven," "The Wonder
Years" and "In the Heat of the Night". He also
worked onstage in Los Angeles-area productions of "Sister
Mary Ignatius Explains It All To You", "A Man Called
Peter" and "Oliver!"
Allen got his first notable role as the headstrong pre-teen son
of Deidre Hall (and younger brother of Shannen Doherty) on the
heartwarming family drama "Our House" (NBC, 1986-1988).
He also played the cooler of the two school friends competing
for Staci Keanan on "My Two Dads" (NBC, 1987-1990).
His most fulfilling role to date, however, was Matthew, the eldest
(and most strong-willed) of the orphans adopted by "Dr. Quinn,
Medicine Woman" (CBS, 1993-98). The role gave Allen a showcase
for his maturing talents. In 1996, his character was even elected
sheriff.
The politically active
actor is involved in such groups as MADD, The American Diabetes
Association, The Autistic Children's Foundation and Angel's Flight,
a teen halfway house. He also appeared in a 1988 anti-drug special,
"Straight Up" (PBS). (©hollywood.com) |