Byron Allen Folks known as Byron Allen is an American comedian, Businessman, Philanthropist, and television producer. He is recognized for being the CEO of the US entertainment company Entertainment Studios. Allen Media Group is another business he owns and runs (AMG). In addition, he founded and executive produced the show Funny You Should Ask, on which he frequently appeared. He is one of Hollywood’s most successful and under-the-radar individuals.
Byron Allen Biography and Net Worth
| Net Worth $500 M |
| Full Name Byron Allen Folks |
| Birth Date April 22, 1961 |
| Age 61 years |
| Birthplace Detroit, Michigan |
| Profession Businessman, Comedian, Producer |
| Wife Jennifer Lucas |
Byron Allen Early Life
On April 22, 1961, Byron Allen Folks was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was raised in Los Angeles. Allen’s fascination with the entertainment industry started when he was a little boy and went with his mother to the NBC studios in Burbank, where she worked as a publicist. Allen, who had free reign of the sound stages, sneaked into the set of “The Tonight Show,” sit behind Johnny Carson’s desk and pretend to be the talk show host. Allen put together a stand-up act and started appearing at open mic nights at comedy clubs in Los Angeles. After witnessing Allen’s stand-up routine, comedian Jimmie Walker offered the 14-year-old to join his comedy writing team with the rising stars Jay Leno and David Letterman. Allen made his televised debut at the age of 18 on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” As the youngest standup comic to ever appear on the show, Allen holds the distinction.
Byron Allen Career
The success of his one-night performance on “The Tonight Program” led to an opportunity for Byron to co-host a new talk show named “Real People.” He made the most of the chance to learn as much as he could about producing, directing, advertising, and how the entertainment business actually made money while co-hosting “Real People” He used his free time to establish connections with numerous television stations, communicate directly with sponsors, and get to know as many people as he could behind the scenes.
With his mother, Allen started Entertainment Studios in 1993. The weekly, one-hour program “Entertainers with Byron Allen” featured profiles of current movie and television stars. Allen made history in 2009 when he became the first television entrepreneur to concurrently acquire and operate a portfolio of six 24-hour HD television networks. Pets.TV, Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV, Cars.TV, ES.TV, and MyDestination.TV are among the six networks. Today, Byron’s businesses create over 30 nationally syndicated shows that bring around $100 million annually. The world’s largest independent producer and distributor of first-run syndicated television is called Entertainment Studios.
The Weather Channel was purchased by Entertainment Studios in 2018 from NBC Universal, Bain Capital, and Blackstone Inc. When The Walt Disney Company agreed to sell the regional Fox Sports Networks as a condition of buying 21st Century Fox in 2019, he teamed up with Sinclair Broadcast Group in Diamond Sports Group, which later changed its name to Bally Sports. Allen launched an offer to purchase the Denver Broncos in February 2022, but S. Robson Walton ultimately outbid Allen.
Byron Allen Wife
In 2007, Allen married his longtime girlfriend, TV producer Jennifer Lucas in a private ceremony. Chloe and Olivia were born in August 2008 and April 2010, respectively, and Lucas was born in December 2012.
Byron Allen Awards and Achievements
Allen was chosen for the Bloomberg 50 in 2018 as one of the persons in business, entertainment, finance, politics, technology, and science whose 2018 accomplishments were particularly noteworthy. At the 2018 Goldman Sachs Builders & Innovators Summit, he was also chosen as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and at the Salvation Army’s 11th annual Christmas Kettle luncheon, he received recognition from both The Salvation Army and the Los Angeles Metropolitan advisory board. Allen received the 16th Annual Brandon Tartik off Legacy Award from the National Association of Television Program Executives in January 2019. The award was given during the annual NATPE Miami Marketplace & Conference. At the 46th annual Los Angeles Urban League Awards dinner, Allen won the 2019 Whitney Young Award.
Byron Allen TV Network Revenues
Allen made history in 2009 when he became the first television entrepreneur to concurrently acquire and operate a portfolio of six 24-hour HD television networks. Byron’s businesses now create more than 30 nationally syndicated shows that, according to “The Hollywood Reporter,” generate more than $100 million in income annually.
Byron Allen Net Worth and Real Estate
The estimated net worth of Byron Allen is $500 million as of 2022. In 2018, it was revealed that Allen had bought a $22.8 million oceanfront house in Maui. The real estate transaction was reportedly one of the most costly in Maui history. With the acquisition of a $20 million Beverly Hills property in 2019, Bryon expanded his real estate holdings. The media tycoon also purchased a 3,000-square-foot apartment at 220 Central Park South for $26.75 million in 2019. The property has three bedrooms and is located in one of New York City’s most costly residential towers. Allen once again overspent on real estate in 2020, purchasing a $27 million property in Aspen, Colorado.
