Byron Allen facts for kids

Byron Allen (born Byron Allen Folks on April 22, 1961) is an American businessman, film and television producer, and comedian. He is the founder of Allen Media Group, a big media company in the U.S. This company creates TV shows, owns TV channels, makes movies, and works with digital media.

Allen was born in Detroit, Michigan. He later moved to Los Angeles. He started his career doing stand-up comedy. After appearing on The Tonight Show, Allen began working in television. He became a host for NBC's Real People. In 1993, Allen started his own company, which is now known as Entertainment Studios.

Byron Allen's Early Life

Byron Allen was born in Detroit. He lived there until 1968. Then, he moved to Los Angeles with his mother. His mother, Carolyn Folks, worked as a publicist at NBC Studios. Young Byron often went with her to work. This is where he first became interested in show business.

When he was 14, Allen created his first comedy routine. He started performing at amateur nights in comedy clubs around Los Angeles. Allen went to Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. He later attended the University of Southern California.

Byron Allen's Career in Entertainment

Starting in Comedy

The famous comedian Jimmie Walker saw Byron Allen perform. Walker invited the 14-year-old Allen to join his comedy writing team. Other young comedians on the team included Jay Leno and David Letterman.

In 1979, at age 18, Allen appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He was the youngest comedian ever to perform on the show. He used this chance to learn more about the TV industry.

Moving to Television

After The Tonight Show, NBC hired Allen. He became a reporter for their show Real People. This was his first role on a major TV network. Allen also helped write and star in the 1988 CBS TV movie Case Closed. From 1989 to 1992, he hosted his own show, The Byron Allen Show. He also toured as an opening act for famous musicians. These included Dolly Parton, Gladys Knight, and Lionel Richie.

Building a Media Empire

In 1993, Allen started his own production company. It was first called CF Entertainment. Later, it became Entertainment Studios. His goal was to create affordable TV shows. The first show was Entertainers with Byron Allen. On this show, Allen interviewed celebrities.

He filmed these interviews at special events called "press junkets." Movie companies set up equipment for media at these events. This allowed Allen to make his show without spending a lot of money. At first, his business model was tough. He offered the show to TV stations for free. In return, they shared advertising money with him. This was a new way of doing business. It was so hard that Allen's home faced problems, and he even lost phone service. He had to use a payphone for business calls.

In 2003, the company changed its name to Entertainment Studios. In 2012, Allen started making scripted shows. These included the sitcoms The First Family and Mr. Box Office. Later, Entertainment Studios began buying other companies. They bought the film distributor Freestyle Releasing and TheGrio. They also bought The Weather Channel. By 2022, his company was worth billions of dollars.

In 2022, Allen tried to buy the Denver Broncos, a football team. He was not successful. In 2023, he also tried to buy BET Media Group but was outbid.

Awards and Recognition

Byron Allen has received many awards for his work.

• In 2018, he was named one of the "Bloomberg 50." This list recognizes people with important achievements in business and entertainment.
• He was also honored by The Salvation Army for his contributions.
• In 2019, Allen received the Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award. This award celebrates leaders in the television industry.
• He also received the Whitney Young Award from the Los Angeles Urban League.
• In 2023, the African American Student Union at Harvard Business School gave him their first "Legendary Honor."

Byron Allen's Personal Life

Byron Allen married TV producer Jennifer Lucas in 2007. They have three children together. Allen is also on the Board of Governors for the Motion Picture & Television Fund. This group helps people in the entertainment industry.

Allen owns homes in several places, including Aspen, Maui, Los Angeles, and New York City. In 2022, he bought two homes in Beverly Hills, California. He also bought a large house in Malibu, California.

Byron Allen's Filmography

Television Appearances

Film Appearances

Byron Allen's Crew Work

Byron Allen has also worked behind the scenes as an executive producer or creator for many films and TV shows:

• 47 Meters Down - Executive Producer
• 47 Meters Down: Uncaged - Executive Producer
• Arctic Dogs - Executive Producer
• Case Closed - Co-Executive Producer
• Comics Unleashed - Executive Producer
• Funny You Should Ask - Creator, Executive Producer
• The Hurricane Heist - Executive Producer
• The World's Funniest Weather - Creator, Executive Producer