Raymond Gilmore Allen (born March 5, 1929) is an American actor best known for his appearances on television in the 1970s. He had recurring roles as Ned the Wino on the series Good Times, as Aunt Esther's husband, Uncle Woody on the NBC sitcom series Sanford and Son, and as mechanic Merle the Earl on Starsky and Hutch. He reprised his role as Uncle Woody Anderson in the Sanford and Son spin-off, The Sanford Arms. Allen also made guest appearances on The Jeffersons, What's Happening!!, The Love Boat and the film Wattstax.
Actor who appeared in several popular 70s series. His unusual speech patterns and facial expressions often got him typecast playing drunk characters. He is probably best known for playing Uncle Woody on Sanford and Son (1972). He fell ill for a time in the 1980s and was not seen on television, leading many to believe that he had passed away. However, he has kept a low profile since his acting days and has lived in Lancaster, California with his daughter.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Gus Brown and Midnight Brewster
1985
TV Movie
The Jeffersons
1978
TV Series
Zeke
The Love Boat
1978
TV Series
Mr. Cory
Starsky and Hutch
1976-1978
TV Series
Merl 'The Earl' / Merl the Earl
What's Happening!!
1978
TV Series
Mr. Stone
Good Times
1974-1977
TV Series
Ned the Wino
Sanford and Son
1974-1977
TV Series
Uncle Woodrow 'Woody' Anderson
Darktown Strutters
1975
Six Bits
Insight
1975
TV Series
Old Man
Fight That Ghost
1946
Fast Delivery Bill (as Ray Allen)
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
Wattstax
1973
Documentary special thanks
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Wattstax
1973
Documentary
Himself
Known for movies
Sanford and Son (1974-1977) as Uncle Woodrow 'Woody' Anderson
$700,000
