Byron Allen

Byron Allen
Medium Stand-up, television
Nationality American
Years active 1979–present
Genres Observational comedy
Subject(s) Everyday life, American culture
Spouse Jennifer Lucas (2007–present)
Children 3
Notable works and roles Co-Host of Real People
Host of The Byron Allen Show
Host of Entertainers with Byron Allen
Host of Comics Unleashed

Byron Allen Folks, known professionally as Byron Allen, is an American comedian, television producer, and the founder, owner, chairman, and chief executive officer of the U.S. television production company Entertainment Studios.

Early life and education

Allen’s interest in show business began during his childhood, when he would accompany his mother to NBC studios in Burbank where she worked as a publicist.[1] Free to roam the sound stages, Allen would sneak onto The Tonight Show set, sit behind Johnny Carson’s desk and play talk show host.[1]

At age 14, Allen put together his first stand-up routine and began appearing on amateur night at comedy clubs throughout the Los Angeles area.[1]

He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1979 and later attended the University of Southern California.

Career

Comedian Jimmie Walker saw Allen's stand-up act and was so impressed that he invited the 14-year-old comedian to join his comedy writing team alongside promising young comedians Jay Leno and David Letterman. At age 18, Allen made his television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. One of his earliest roles was as a regular presenter on the NBC series Real People during the show's entire run.

His show "Jammin" was picked up as "Kickin' It with Byron Allen" in 1992, and by the end of its run had made the list of longest-running United States television series. Allen’s foray into television production began in Los Angeles in 1993 when he founded Entertainment Studios with the launch of his first series — Entertainers with Byron Allen—a weekly, one-hour series profiling the current stars of film and television. Entertainment Studios produces, distributes, and sells advertising for 32 television series, making it the largest independent producer/distributor of first-run syndicated programming for broadcast television globally. Among the company’s top programs are: Emmy-winning Cars.TV, Emmy-nominated America's Court with Judge Ross and We the People with Gloria Allred,[2] Comics Unleashed, Comedy.TV, Beautiful Homes & Great Estates, Pets.TV, Recipe.TV, Career Day and The Young Icons. His company also made its first foray into scripted programming, producing two weekly primetime sitcoms that debuted in September 2012: The First Family[3] and Mr. Box Office.[4]

In 2009, Allen launched eight 24-hour HD television networks simultaneously: Automotive.TV, Cars.TV, Comedy.TV, ES.TV, Justice Central, MyDestination.TV, Pets.TV and Recipe.TV.[5]

Allen acquired the television assets of The Weather Channel for approximately $300 million in March 2018.[6]

Personal life

Allen married Jennifer Lucas in 2007. The couple has three children: two daughters born in 2008[7] and 2010, and a son, born in 2012.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Johnson, Allan. "Byron Allen Followed Destiny (and Carson) into Late Night TV". Orlando Sentinel.
  2. ↑ "The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announces "The 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Award Nominations"". The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. May 9, 2012. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  3. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (May 3, 2012). "Comedy Series Starring Bill Bellamy Eying 100-Episode Order, Fall Launch". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  4. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (March 21, 2012). "Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios Clears Syndicated Sitcom Block For Fall '12 Launch". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios Signs Distribution Deal With Vivicast Media". Deadline Hollywood. April 9, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  6. ↑ Palmeri, Christopher (March 22, 2018). "Comedian Byron Allen Buys the Weather Channel for $300 Million". Bloomberg. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  7. ↑ Wihlborg, Ulrica (2008-09-26). "Talk Show Host Byron Allen & Wife Welcome a Girl - Babies". People.com. Retrieved 2014-05-23.
  8. ↑ "Byron Allen Welcomes Daughter". Celebritybabies.people.com. 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2014-05-23.
  • Byron Allen on IMDb
  • Wihlborg, Ulrica (September 1, 2007). "Talk Show Host Byron Allen Marries TV Producer". People. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  • Entertainment Studios
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