Background
Allen was born in Scottsville, Virginia.
Allen was born in Scottsville, Virginia.
That was the first time in my life I had ever seen my father cry." He was invited to the funeral, but chose to stay at work to prepare for the reception, because "Someone had to be at the White House to serve everyone after they came from the funeral.".
Allen"s life was the inspiration for the 2013 film The Butler. He worked as a waiter for many years, in "whites-only resorts and country clubs", including The Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, and a club in Washington. He started in the White House in 1952 as a "pantry man", a job which involved basic tasks such as dish washing, stocking and cleaning silverware.
Over the years Allen rose in his position, becoming the butler to the president
Allen was particularly affected by the death of President Kennedy in 1963. But then he got up and put his coat back on.
He said, "I"ve got to go back to work." But in the hallway, he fell against the wall and started crying. He retired in 1986. The couple had one son, Charles Allen.
Eugene Allen died at the Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Maryland on March 31, 2010.
His death was caused by renal failure. lieutenant placed Allen"s life in the context of changing race relations and the personalities of the presidents he"d served. lieutenant ended with the story of how the couple intended to vote for Obama together but Helene died just before the election,
They talked about praying to help Barack Obama get to the White House.
They’d go vote together.
She’d lean on her cane with one hand, and on him with the other, while walking down to the precinct. And she’d get supper going afterward..On Monday Helene had a doctor’s appointment.
Gene woke and nudged her once, then again. He shuffled around to her side of the bed.
He nudged Helene again.
He was all alone. The story had an immediate impact. Columbia Pictures bought the film rights to Allen"s life story, and he was invited to the new president"s inauguration, where he commented, "That"s the manitoba.Whew, I"m telling you, it"s something to see.
Seeing him standing there, it"s been worth it all."
Allen and other workers who served presidents were featured in a 32-minute documentary, Workers at the White House, directed by Marjorie Hunt and released on a 2009 Digital Video Disc, White House Workers: Traditions and Memories by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
Allen"s life was the inspiration for the 2013 film The Butler. Danny Strong"s screenplay was inspired by the 2008 Washington Post article. The film departs from the facts of Allen"s life.
The central character, "Cecil Gaines", is only loosely based on the real Allen.