Byron Allen, born Byron Allen Folks on April 22, 1961, is an American businessman, film and television producer, and comedian. He founded the U.S. media company Entertainment Studios, which is involved in television production, broadcasting, film production, and digital media.
Born in Detroit and later moving to Los Angeles, Allen initially pursued a career in stand-up comedy. After appearing on The Tonight Show, he expanded into television, becoming a host for NBC’s Real People. In 1993, he established Entertainment Studios, marking the start of his successful media career.
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Byron Allen’s Net Worth
Byron Allen, with a net worth of $800 million, bought a $22.8 million oceanfront estate in Kihei, Maui, in 2018. The 7,300-square-foot residence, built in 2015, sits on a three-quarter-acre plot with 130 feet of beach frontage.
It has five bedrooms, coral stone exterior, mahogany interior, elevator, 500-bottle wine cellar, open-air spa, 1,700 square feet of lanais, a swimming pool, and a three-car garage.
Early life
Byron Allen was born in Detroit and lived there until 1968, when he moved to Los Angeles with his mother after her divorce. His interest in show business began in childhood, accompanying his mother, Carolyn Folks, to NBC Studios in Burbank, where she worked as a publicist.
At age 14, Allen created his first stand-up routine and started performing on amateur nights at comedy clubs in Los Angeles. He attended Fairfax High School in Los Angeles and later studied at the University of Southern California.
Career
At 14, Byron Allen joined Jimmie Walker‘s comedy writing team with Jay Leno and David Letterman. He debuted on The Tonight Show at 18, becoming its youngest comedian. NBC then cast him in Real People. Allen co-wrote and co-starred in the CBS film Case Closed, hosted The Byron Allen Show, and opened for musicians like Dolly Parton.
In 1993, he founded CF Entertainment, later Entertainment Studios, producing low-cost TV programs. By 2022, the company was valued at over $4.5 billion. In 2024, Allen bid $14.3 billion for Paramount Global.
Personal life
Byron Allen married TV producer Jennifer Lucas in 2007. They have three children. Allen is on the Motion Picture & Television Fund Board of Governors. He has homes in Aspen, Maui, Los Angeles, and New York City.
In 2022, he purchased a two-home compound in Beverly Hills from Jeffrey Skoll for $22 million and a Malibu mansion previously owned by Tamara Gustavson for $100 million.
What networks does Byron Allen own?
Allen’s influence spreads across various media sectors. He owns the Weather Channel and a plethora of TV stations and over-the-air networks. This includes, but isn’t limited to, Pets.TV, Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV, Cars.TV, ES.TV, MyDestination.TV, Justice Central.TV, The Grio Television Network, This TV, and Pattrn.
Conclusion
From holding the mic in comedy clubs to commanding an impressive media empire, Byron Allen’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and adaptability. With an estimated net worth of $800 million, he remains a beacon of success in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.
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FAQs about Byron Allen Net Worth
- Is there a difference between Byron Allen and Bryon Allen?
Yes, while both are noteworthy in their respective fields, Bryon Allen is a professional basketball player, and Byron Allen is a comedian and media mogul. - How tall is Byron Allen?
The television producer and comedian stands at 5 feet 7 inches. - What were Byron Allen’s major milestones in his career?
Establishing CF Entertainment and the acquisition of The Weather Channel rank among his significant achievements.
