Byron Allen

Byron Allen Folks, better known professionally as just Byron Allen (born April 22, 1961), is an American comedian and television producer, who founded and is the chairman and chief executive officer of U.S. television production company Entertainment Studios.

Early life and education

Allen was born in Detroit, Michigan. He began doing stand-up comedy as a teenager in Los Angeles, California.

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. 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.

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.

He graduated from Los Angeles High School in Hollywood, 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. Allen holds the distinction of being the youngest standup comedian ever to have performed on the show.