23 Mar 2022
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

Morris Chestnut

March 23, 2022

WHO: Honoree: Morris Chestnut
Emcee: Immediate Past Chair of the Board Dwayne Gathers
WHAT: Dedication of the 2716th Star on the Walk of Fame in the Motion Picture category
WHERE: 6353 Hollywood Boulevard
WHEN: Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 11:30 A.M. PDT.

 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored entertainer Morris Chestnut with the 2,716th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, March 23, at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star was dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures at 6353 Hollywood Boulevard.

“Morris Chestnut is a man of many talents and one of Hollywood’s favorite leading men who has been seen in some of the entertainment world’s most popular television shows and films,” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  We are proud to welcome him to our famed Walk of Fame where all his fans can come and visit his star.” Added Martinez.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the popular star ceremonies and encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.
Morris Chestnut, Los Angeles born and bred, has enjoyed tremendous critical and commercial success as a film and television star for more than two decades. He is best known for his memorable roles in films such as Boyz in the Hood, The Brothers, The Perfect Holiday, Think Like a Man, and the commercially and critically acclaimed The Best Man and its successful sequel The Best Man Holiday.

Morris Chestnut currently is starring on the new FOX drama, Our Kind of People, which just finished its first season. He plays Raymond Dupont, a powerful and smooth businessman. It takes place in the aspirational world of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful Black elite have come to play for over 50 years. He is currently on the cast of the FOX drama The Resident as “Dr. Barrett Cain,”
Simultaneously, he is preparing to reprise his role as “Lance Sullivan” in the Peacock limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters.

Immediately prior, Chestnut starred in the NBC drama, THE ENEMY WITHIN. He portrayed FBI Agent Will Keaton who turns to a former CIA Operative (Jennifer Carpenter) now jailed and known as the most notorious traitor in American history for help in solving crimes.

Chestnut starred in the Fox series “Rosewood,” drama centered on a pathologist who teams up with the Miami police to help solve the city’s most challenging cases. For his performance, Chestnut received his fourth NAACP Image Award nomination in the category of “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.”

His television credits include memorable roles on the FOX series Rosewood, TNT show Legends opposite Sean Bean, FX’S first season of American Horror Story, Amazon’s Goliath opposite Billy Bob Thornton and Showtime’s critically acclaimed series Nurse Jackie which earned him the 2014 NAACP Image Award in the category of “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” for his performance as ‘Dr. Prentiss’.

He has been awarded an Image Award for his role in Nurse Jackie and been nominated for three additional Image Awards.

Chestnut’s most recent films include Screen Gems’ When the Bough Breaks, Sony Pictures’ The Perfect Guy and opposite Robert De Niro in the heist thriller film BUS 657.

He starred opposite Halle Berry in TriStar Pictures’ The Call, which became a surprise critical and commercial success. That same year, he also starred in Universal Pictures’ summer action film, Kick Ass 2, opposite Jim Carrey and Chloe Grace Moretz, and the studio’s tent pole summer comedy Identity Thief, opposite Melissa McCarthy.
He reprised his role as ‘Lance’ in Universal Pictures’ The Best Man Holiday. The film opened with $17 million during its first weekend, the fifth-largest opening for an R-rated romantic comedy, the second-highest opening for an urban romantic comedy, and the sixth-biggest opening for an urban-themed film overall. Chestnut received an NAACP Image Award nomination in the category of “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” for his performance.
Chestnut is involved in the following charities:  American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, Help the Vets, I Have a Dream, Sclerderma Research Foundation and many others.

 

21 Mar 2022
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

Francis Ford Coppola

March 21, 2022

WHO: Honoree: Francis Ford Coppola

Emcee: Ellen K, nationally syndicated radio host of the Ellen K Morning Show

Guest Speakers: Elle Fanning and Talia Shire

WHAT: Dedication of the 2715th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Motion Picture category

WHERE: 6667 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Musso & Frank Grill

WHEN: Monday, March 21, 2022, at 11:30 A.M. PDT

 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored iconic director Francis Ford Coppola with the 2,715th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on today, March 21, at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star was dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures at 6667 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the historic Musso & Frank Grill.
“Francis Ford Coppola is cinematic gold! His legendary career has been a huge part of Hollywood’s film history for decades. We are very proud to welcome him to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and we are thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of Hollywood’s most famous films, The Godfather.” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Joining emcee Ellen K, the nationally syndicated radio host of the Ellen K Morning Show were guest speakers actresses Elle Fanning and Talia Shire.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the popular star ceremonies and encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Francis Ford Coppola was born in 1939 in Detroit Michigan to Italian immigrants and grew up in New York. He graduated with a degree in drama from Hofstra University and did graduate work at UCLA in filmmaking. He trained as an assistant with filmmaker Roger Corman, working in such capacities as sound-man, dialogue director, associate producer and, eventually, director of Dementia 13, his first feature film. During the next four years, Coppola was involved in a variety of script collaborations, including writing and the rest is history.

Coppola is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of our time; a six-time Academy Award-winning director, writer, and producer—including The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Governors Award—for films such as Patton, The Godfather Trilogy, American Graffiti, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, The Outsiders and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
As the founder of the film production company, American Zoetrope, Coppola initiated and nourished the careers of talents such as George Lucas, Carroll Ballard, John Milius, Sofia Coppola, and actors Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, James Caan, Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfus, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Laurence Fishburne, Matt Dillon, and Diane Lane. As a writer, director, producer, and technological pioneer, he has created a body of work that has helped shape contemporary American cinema. Coppola is currently in pre-production on his upcoming film Megalopolis, a Roman epic set in modern times which begins production with an all-star cast in the fall of 2022.

Coppola is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his Academy Award®-winning masterwork The Godfather, which Paramount Pictures released via a limited theatrical release in Dolby Vision this past February, exclusively in Dolby Cinema at AMC Theatres in the U.S., as well as in international territories around the world. All three films in the epic trilogy have been meticulously restored under the direction of Coppola and will be made available on 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever on March 22nd.

Coppola is involved with the following charities: North Beach Citizens, Hofstra University, Khan Academy, UCLA Film school, Napa County Land Trust, St. Helena High School, and St. Helena Community Band. In addition, he’s on the board of directors for The Film Foundation.

 

28 Feb 2022
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink

Benedict Cumberbatch

February 28, 2022

WHO: Honoree: Benedict Cumberbatch

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board, Nicole Mihalka 

Guest Speakers: Director J.J. Abrams and Kevin Feige President, Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer, Marvel

WHAT: Dedication of the 2714th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of              Motion Pictures

WHERE: 6918 Hollywood Boulevard in front of The Line Store

WHEN: Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:30 A.M. PST  

 

COMMENTS:

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored actor Benedict Cumberbatch with the 2,714th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, February 28th at 11:30 a.m. PST. The star was dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures at 6918 Hollywood Boulevard in front of The Line Store.

“Benedict Cumberbatch career spans across genres – he is one of England’s prized exports and we are proud to welcome him to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  He joins many of his compatriots on our famed sidewalk of stars,” added Martinez.

Joining Emcee Nicole Mihalka, Chair of the Board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce were  speakers are Director J.J. Abrams and Kevin Feige, President, Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer, Marvel.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the popular star ceremonies and encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch has established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation with an array of emotionally searing and complex roles defining his body of work.

Cumberbatch can currently be seen starring in Jane Campion’s Academy Award-nominated film THE POWER OF THE DOG alongside Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons. For his portrayal of ‘Phil Burbank,’ he received Academy Award, BAFTA, SAG, Critics Choice and Golden Globe nominations. He also won ‘Best Actor’ from the New York Film Critics Circle. The film, which received twelve Academy Award nominations, including ‘Best Picture’, had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, followed by screenings at the Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, London Film Festival and New York Film Festival.

Cumberbatch will next be seen reprising his role as ‘Doctor Strange’ in Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS, releasing on May 6, 2022. The original film, released in 2016, grossed nearly $700 million worldwide.

Last year, Cumberbatch starred in Will Sharpe’s THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN for Amazon Studios and StudioCanal. He also served as a producer through his production company SunnyMarch. The film, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, follows the English artist, Louis Wain, as he rises to prominence at the end of the 19th century. In 2021, he also appeared as ‘Doctor Strange’ in Jon Watts’ SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME, currently the sixth highest grossing film of all time.

Cumberbatch received Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Award nominations for his portrayal of ‘Alan Turing’ in Morten Tyldum’s THE IMITATION GAME alongside Keira Knightley. The film received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Best Picture’ and the cast was nominated for a SAG Award in the category of ‘Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture’.

He was also recently part of Sam Mendes’ critically acclaimed film 1917 alongside George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. The film follows two young British soldiers on a single day at the height of World War I and received numerous awards including an Academy Award nomination in the category of Best Picture. Additionally, the film won multiple BAFTA awards including ‘Best Film’ and ‘Outstanding British Film of the Year’ and received the Golden Globe for ‘Best Motion Picture’.

Cumberbatch has starred in several Academy Award ‘Best Picture’ winning and nominated titles including Steve McQueen’s 12 YEARS A SLAVE, Steven Spielberg’s WAR HORSE, and Joe Wright’s ATONEMENT alongside Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. Additional film credits include Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT Trilogy, JJ Abrams’ blockbuster STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS alongside Chris Pine, Scott Cooper’s BLACK MASS alongside Johnny Depp and Dakota Johnson, John Wells’ AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, Thomas Alfredson’s TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, and Justin Chadwick’s THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL. He has lent his voice to animated titles such as Andy Serkis’ MOWGLI: LEGEND OF THE JUNGLE, alongside Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett for Netflix, Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier’s THE GRINCH for Universal Pictures, and Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith’s PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR for Twentieth Century Fox.

On television, he appeared as ‘Dominic Cummings’ in the Emmy and BAFTA TV Award-nominated BREXIT: THE UNCIVIL WAR. In 2018, Cumberbatch starred in David Nicholls’ PATRICK MELROSE for Showtime and SKY TV, for which he won a BAFTA TV Award, and received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. The series also garnered a BAFTA Award and Emmy Award nomination. Cumberbatch rose to international stardom in the critically acclaimed BBC series SHERLOCK, which wrapped its fourth season in 2017. For his starring role, Cumberbatch won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2014 and received three Emmy nominations, three BAFTA TV Award nominations, two SAG Award nominations and three Critics Choice nominations. In 2016, Cumberbatch’s depiction of ‘Richard III’ in the BBC’s THE HOLLOW CROWN garnered a BAFTA TV Award nomination in the category of ‘Best Leading Actor.’ The series was also nominated for a BAFTA TV Award in the category of ‘Best Mini-Series. Additional television credits include his incredibly powerful performance as ‘Stephen Hawking,’ in the BBC’s highly acclaimed drama HAWKING for which he earned his first BAFTA nomination. He received a second BAFTA nomination in 2010 for his portrayal of ‘Bernard’ in the BBC adaptation of ‘SMALL ISLAND’. Cumberbatch also received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of ‘Christopher Tietjens’ in Tom Stoppard’s BBC/HBO drama PARADE’S END based on the acclaimed novel.

In theatre, Cumberbatch starred in HEDDA GABLER, playing the role of ‘George Tesman’ at the Almeida Theatre. He reprised his role at the Duke of York’s Theatre marking his West End debut. For his performance, he received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination and won the Ian Charleson Award. Cumberbatch also starred in FRANKENSTEIN at the Olivier National Theatre for which he portrayed ‘Victor Frankenstein’ and his ‘creature’ on alternate nights. For this role, he received the Laurence Olivier Award, the Evening Standard Award, and the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award. Additional West End credits include Shakespeare’s HAMLET at the Barbican Theatre. For his portrayal of the titular character, he earned his third Laurence Olivier Award nomination.

In 2013, Cumberbatch established his production company SunnyMarch alongside his producing partner Adam Ackland. Their upcoming slate covers a variety of projects for television and film including LONDONGRAD, WAR MAGICIAN, THE 39 STEPS and END WE START FROM. He is also producing and starring in Justin Kurzel’s MORNING alongside Laura Dern and Noah Jupe. Cumberbatch also starred in and produced Kevin Macdonald’s THE MAURITANIAN, opposite Jodie Foster and Tahar Rahim. The film, which was released by STX, received a 2021 BAFTA nomination for ‘Best Film’. For their performances, Foster won a Golden Globe award and Rahim received a Golden Globe nomination. Additionally, Cumberbatch starred in and produced Dominic Cooke’s THE COURIER, alongside Rachel Brosnahan, for Lionsgate. He was also featured in and served as narrator for SunnyMarch’s documentary WALK WITH ME.

 

11 Feb 2022
Recent ceremony, Television Permalink

Dr. Mehmet Oz

February 11, 2022

WHO:          Honoree: Dr. Mehmet Oz

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Emeritus Leron Gubler

WHAT:       Dedication of the 2,712th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Television

WHERE:    6201 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Eastown

WHEN:       Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:30 A.M. PDT  

The event will be live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Dr. Mehmet Oz was honored with the 2,712th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star was  dedicated in the category of Television in front of Eastown at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard.

Joining Emcee Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Emeritus Leron Gubler to unveil the star was actor Dean Cain and Maria Menounos.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the popular star ceremonies, encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Dr. Oz was born in Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Delaware and received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University (1982) and obtained a joint MD and MBA (1986) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Wharton Business School.

Dr. Oz has won ten Daytime Emmy Awards for “The Dr. Oz Show” currently in its 13th Season and is an Attending Physician at NY Presbyterian-Columbia Medical Center.  He still performs dozens of heart operations annually. His research interests include heart replacement surgery, minimally invasive surgery, alternative medicine and healthcare policy.  He has authored over 400 original publications, book chapters, and medical books, has received numerous patents, and still performs heart surgery. He also authors a newspaper column syndicated by Hearst in 175 markets internationally.

Previously, Dr. Oz was a featured health expert on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for six seasons, spanning over 60 episodes.  He also served as chief medical consultant to Discovery Communications, where his “Transplant!” series won both a Freddie and a Silver Telly award. He also served as medical director of Denzel Washington’s “John Q” and performed in the hip-hop video “Everybody” as part of the Let’s Move Campaign.

Dr. Oz authored eight New York Times Best Sellers, including “Food Can Fix It”, “YOU: The Owner’s Manual”, “YOU: The Smart Patient”, “YOU: On a Diet”, “YOU: Staying Young”, “YOU: Being Beautiful”, “YOU: Having a Baby”, “YOU: The Owner’s Manual for Teens”, as well as the award-winning “Healing from the Heart”.  He has a regular column in Oprah Magazine and his article “Retool, Reboot, and Rebuild” for Esquire magazine was awarded the 2009 National Magazine Award for Personal Service. He co-founded Sharecare.com which won “Best Medical App” award for AskMD in 2014 and its DoctorOz app was nominated for an Emmy in 2017

Dr. Oz has been named Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Forbes’ most influential celebrity, Esquire magazine’s 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century, a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum, Harvard’s 100 Most Influential Alumni, as well as receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and AARP 50 Influential People Over 50.  He won the prestigious Gross Surgical Research Scholarship, and he has received an honorary doctorate from Istanbul University.  He was voted “The Best and Brightest” by Esquire Magazine, a “Doctor of the Year” by Hippocrates magazine and “Healer of the Millennium” by Healthy Living magazine.  Dr. Oz is annually elected as a highest quality physician by the Castle Connolly Guide as well as other major ranking groups.  He is also an honorary police surgeon for New York City.

 

Dr. Oz founded Healthcorps which emulates the Peacecorps model by putting energetic recent college graduates into high schools around the country to teach diet, fitness, and mental resilience. Over a million teens have been influenced by this nationwide program.

 

Dr. Oz Live Walk of Fame Ceremony – YouTube

 

★★★

All press must RSVP ONLY to Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame

at [email protected]

 

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.WalkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24-star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to add stars on the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction. The Walk of Fame is a free event and is open to the public.  The sponsorship funds for this special honor are used to pay for the creation/installation of the star and ceremony, as well as maintenance of the Walk of Fame. Download the official app for iPhones and Android devices at http://officialhollywoodwalkoffameapp.com

 

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – www.HollywoodChamber.net

For 100 years, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has provided leadership, business development resources, networking, and government affairs programs and services to keep the Hollywood business and residential communities safe, relevant and economically vital. Nicole Mihalka is the Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2021-2022, and Leron Gubler is President Emeritus. For more information please visit www.hollywoodchamber.net.

 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

★

WALK OF FAME SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter: @WalkofFameStar @HollywoodArea #walkoffame

Facebook: @OfficialHollywoodWalkofFame

 

04 Feb 2022
Recent ceremony, Television Permalink

Andy Cohen

February 4, 2022

WHO: Honoree: Andy Cohen
Emcees: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Board Nicole Mihalka and Immediate Past Chair of the Board, Dwayne Gathers
Guest Speakers: John Mayer, Garcelle Beauvais, Lisa Rinna
WHAT: Dedication of the 2,711th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Television
WHERE:6652 Hollywood Boulevard in front of World of Wonder Productions
WHEN: Friday, February 4, 2022 at 11:30 A.M. PST
The event will be live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com

COMMENTS:

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored television talk show host/producer Andy Cohen today with the 2,711th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was dedicated in the category of Television at 6652 Hollywood Boulevard.

“Andy Cohen is one of the most entertaining personalities in show business and always keeps all his guests on their toes.” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame “There’s never a dull moment with Andy and we’re looking forward to seeing that in action at his star ceremony.”

Joining Emcee Nicole Mihalka, Chair of the Board of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Dwayne Gathers, Immediate Past Chair of the Board to unveil the star were John Mayer, Garcelle Beauvais and Lisa Rinna. Also attending the event were BJ Novak, Bryan Lourd and Andy’s parents, Lou and Evelyn Cohen and his son Ben. Cre8 Crepes which is adjacent to Andy’s star created a special crepe to commemorate the day. The crepe called the Andy Cohen Nutty Crepe consists of whipped cream, peanut butter, choc chips, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce with two chocolate pocky sticks

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the popular star ceremonies encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Andy Cohen is an Emmy Award-winning host, producer, and author best known as the host and executive producer of Emmy-Nominated “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Bravo’s late-night, interactive talk show. Bravo recently announced that “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” has been extended through 2023. The series is the only live show in late night television and consistently makes headlines with bold interviews viewers don’t see anywhere else. Because of this, “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” has become a nightly destination for some of the biggest names in pop culture including Meryl Streep, Cher, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Reynolds, Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga. He also serves as executive producer on over 14 properties across NBCUniversal, including “The Real Housewives” franchise and hosts the network’s highly rated reunion specials.

Cohen has two channels on Sirius XM. In 2015, he launched “Radio Andy,” a personally curated channel on SiriusXM focused on pop culture, celebrities, lifestyle, relationships and the dish on all topics deep and shallow. The channel is a fun, uncensored entertainment and talk destination with celebrity hosts including Cohen, who has daily and weekly shows on air. “Andy Cohen’s Kiki Lounge,” a music-focused channel with Cohen’s all-time favorites, launched in 2021.

Recently Cohen became a New York Times best-selling author for a fourth time with the release of his latest book, “GLITTER EVERY DAY” and achieved similar success with “Superficial: More Adventures from the Andy Cohen Diaries,” “The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year” Hhis first book, titled, “Most Talkative: Stories from the Frontlines of Pop Culture.” In 2016, Cohen also launched his own book imprint Andy Cohen Books, which has printed bestsellers, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” “Not All Diamond and Rose,” “Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha,” and “The Queen V: Everything You Need to Know About Sex, Intimacy, and Down There Health Care.”

Andy Cohen and Anderson hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live for the fifth year in a row. Cohen has toured the country with Anderson Cooper for “AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen” where the dynamic duo discuss all topics deep and shallow in front of sold out audiences across the country.

In his ten years as an executive at Bravo he was responsible for an aggressive slate of unscripted series and specials including hits such as “Project Runway,” “Top Chef,” “Queer Eye For the Straight Guy,” “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” the “Million Dollar Listing” franchise, “Being Bobby Brown,” “Shahs of Sunset,” “Flipping Out,” “Make Me a Supermodel,” “Kathy Griffin My Life On the D List,” “The Rachel Zoe Project,” “Bethenny Ever After,” “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” “The Real Housewives” franchises and much more. Cohen started at Bravo in 2004 as Vice President, Original Programming and most recently, Cohen served as Bravo’s Executive Vice President of Development and Talent from November 2011 to January 2014.

Cohen received an Emmy award when season six of “Top Chef” won Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the 2010 primetime Emmy Awards and has been nominated for 18 additional Emmy Awards as Executive Producer of “Project Greenlight,” “Project Runway,” “Top Chef” and “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy.” In 2005, Cohen was awarded a Peabody Award for his role as Executive Producer of the TRIO documentary “The N Word” and another in 2008 as an Executive Producer of “Project Runway.” In 2019, Cohen was awarded the Vito Russo Award by GLAAD for making a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance. In June 2020, Andy was recognized in The Hollywood Reporter and Variety’s Most Powerful LGBTQ Players in Hollywood lists.

Cohen ran Original Programming and Development for the pop culture and arts cable channel TRIO, beginning in July 2000. He was responsible for developing and supervising all of TRIO’s original productions including the critically acclaimed original documentaries “Gay Republicans,” “Easy Riders/Raging Bulls,” and “Brilliant, But Cancelled.” He spent ten years (1990-2000) as a producer at CBS News, working on “CBS This Morning” and “48 Hours”.

Born in St. Louis, Cohen is a graduate of Boston University where he received a Bachelor of Sciences in broadcast journalism. Cohen is currently on the board of directors for charity Friends In Deed.

05 Jan 2022
Recent ceremony, Television Permalink
milo ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia

January 5, 2022

milo ventimiglia  WHO:    Honoree: Milo Ventimiglia

Speakers: Jon Huertas and producer Amy Sherman-Palladino

WHAT:   Dedication of the 2,710th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Television

WHERE:  6562 Hollywood Boulevard in front of The Hollywood Partnership

WHEN:  Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. PST

 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored actor Milo Ventimiglia, with the 2,710th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. PST.

The star was dedicated in the category of Television in front of The Hollywood Partnership, 6562 Hollywood Boulevard.

“Milo Ventimiglia is one of television entertainment’s most popular actors. Fans of the “This Is Us” and the “Gilmore Girls” will now be able to visit their favorite celebrity’s star on the Walk of Fame,” and an added bonus is that fans of the show will also see that Milo’s TV wife on “This Is Us” is next to his star!  stated Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame Producer.

Joining emcee Hollywood Chamber President Emeritus, Leron Gubler to unveil the star was actor Jon Huertas and producer Amy Sherman-Palladino.

 The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the popular star ceremonies, encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on  www.walkoffame.com.

Milo Ventimiglia currently stars on the critically acclaimed NBC drama series “This Is Us”.  He has been nominated three times for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2017, 2018, 2019) and a Critic’s Choice Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series (2019) for his portrayal of the family patriarch, Jack Pearson.  The show won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series twice and the People’s Choice Award for Best New Drama.  

“This Is Us” will premiere its final season on Tuesday, January 4th with a five-year winning streak as the #1 drama – making it the longest winning streak in television since “ER” won 10 years in a row (1994-2004). “This Is Us” continues to be one of the only broadcast network shows nominated for many of the big awards including Emmy’s Outstanding Drama Series. In total the show has amassed 59 wins and 221 nominations from various top award shows over the last 5 seasons. A new episode of “This Is Us” will air Tuesday, January 11th.

 “This Is Us” is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, and airs Tuesday’s on NBC at 9pm ET/PT.

 In 2016, Milo reprised his role of Jess in the continuation of critically-acclaimed television drama “Gilmore Girls’, which returned with four 90-minute episodes on Netflix.  His other television credits include a memorable recurring role as ‘The Ogre’ in the FOX drama “Gotham,” the Frank Darabont helmed TNT drama “Lost Angels”, NBC’s “Heroes,” the popular drama “American Dreams” and David. E. Kelley’s drama “Boston Public.”

Milo’s passion for the art of acting keeps him drawn to both studio and independent features. Milo starred in Disney’s “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” an adaptation of the international best-selling novel by Garth Stein.  The book focuses on a family dog named Enzo who evaluates his life through the lessons learned by his human owner, a professional race-car driver named Denny Swift, played by Milo. He recently starred alongside Jennifer Lopez in the romantic comedy “Second Act” and had a memorable cameo in “Creed II.”  He starred alongside Sylvester Stallone as his son in the sixth installment of the Rocky series “Rocky Balboa, in Adam Sandler’s “That’s My Boy,” and “Grown Ups 2” and alongside Nicole Kidman in “Grace of Monaco.”

Through his production company, DiVide Pictures, Milo executive produces the dramedy “Relationship Status,” which debuted at Tribeca and premiered in 2016 exclusively on the streaming video app Verizon G90. He produced and starred in the web series “Chosen,” which launched on the multi-platform entertainment network Crackle and won a Seoul Drama Award in 2015.  DiVide currently has projects in active development with a variety of networks and studios.  Also, under the DiVide banner, he launched two comic book titles with Top Cow Productions.

Milo is involved with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization (IAVA), which supports veterans who need help when they return home from the war.  He recently traveled across three continents to five countries with the USO to spend time over the holidays meeting with the servicemen and women of the Armed Forces.

19 Nov 2021
Motion Pictures, Recent ceremony Permalink
salma hayek

Salma Hayek

November 19, 2021

salma hayekWHO:          Honoree: Salma Hayek

Emcees: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board Nicole Mihalka with Chamber Vice Chair Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo

Speakers: Actor Adam Sandler and Academy Award winning Director Chloe Zhao

WHAT:       Dedication of the 2,709th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in  the Category of Motion Pictures

WHERE:   6901  Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Chinese Theatre Box Office

WHEN:     Friday, November 19, 2021 at 6:00 PM PST  

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored actress Salma Hayek Pinault tonight during a special evening ceremony  with the 2,709th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures in front of the legendary Chinese Theatre Box Office, located at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard.

“Salma Hayek Pinault is hailed as one of the entertainment world’s most respected and sought-after actresses.  It is our pleasure to honor this talented actress with her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” stated Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame Producer.

Joining emcees Hollywood Chamber Chair of the Board Nicole Mihalka and Vice Chair Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo to unveil the star were Adam Sandler and Marvel’s Eternals Academy Award-winning Director Chloe Zhao.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the popular star ceremonies, encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Salma Hayek Pinault is an Academy Award nominated actress and Emmy winning director known also for her work as a producer and her advocacy for the rights of women and immigrants.

Originally from Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Hayek Pinault began her career as an actress in Mexican telenovelas. Her first feature film was an adaptation of Midaq Alley, based on the novel by Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz. That same year she broke into the US film market with Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado, thus beginning a series of artistic collaborations with both Rodriguez and Antonio Banderas, including the films From Dusk Til Dawn, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and the Oscar-nominated Puss in Boots.

Hayek Pinault’s filmography spans multiple genres in both film and television. She has starred in both critical and commercial successes such Wild Wild West, Dogma, Grown Ups, Tale of Tales,Beatriz at Dinner and House of Gucci (which will be released on November 24) which earned her an Independent Spirit award nomination. Her range as an actor is evident in roles as diverse as Ajax in Chloe Zhao’s superhero movie Marvel’s Eternals (released on November 5) and Elsa Pedrera in NBC’s Emmy-winning 30 Rock.

In the early aughts Hayek Pinault both starred in and produced Frida, the definitive biopic of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. With her production company Ventanarosa, Hayek Pinault secured an all-star cast, acclaimed theater director Julie Taymor, and permission to film in Kahlo’s former studio. Frida received a total of six Academy Award nominations. She received Best Actress nominations for the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe award, and Screen Actors Guild, and was honored with Germany’s prestigious Golden Camera.

Since its inception, Ventanarosa has been committed to telling the stories of Latino people, focusing specifically on the lives of women. In addition to Frida, Hayek Pinault produced  ABC’s acclaimed comedy, Ugly Betty, which earned her an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Guest Actress”. She was nominated for a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for her role in Showtime’s In The Time Of The Butterflies, which she also co-produced. Other projects include the Netflix series Monarca and Showtime’s The Maldonaldo Miracle – her directorial debut – for which she won a Best Director Emmy.

Throughout her life, Hayek Pinault has consistently championed the rights of women, children, and immigrants. After lobbying Congress to extend the Violence Against Women Act, she and her husband Francois-Henri Pinault founded The Kering Foundation, which leads initiatives aimed at liberating women around the world from sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Hayek Pinault later partnered with Gucci to create Chime For Change: a program advancing education, health and justice of girls. Chime for Change recently launched the #StandWithWomen campaign to combat domestic violence against women during the coronavirus lockdown. In 2015, she visited Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon alongside UNICEF and mounted the “Chime for Education” campaign to raise money to educate refugee children. In 2017, Hayek Pinault spearheaded fundraising efforts for earthquake victims in Mexico and helped raise nearly a million dollars for UNICEF. During the disaster-relief effort, she also partnered with the Pepsico Foundation and Habitat for Humanity to deliver 180 houses for displaced victims of the earthquake. Hayek Pinault remains actively engaged in a range of pressing social justice issues and is a longtime supporter of multiple leading nonprofit organizations including Girl Effect and Fondo Semilla.

09 Nov 2021
Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink
missy elliott

Missy Elliott

November 9, 2021

  

missy elliott

WHO:          Honoree: Missy Elliott

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chair Nicole Mihalka

WHAT:       Dedication of the 2,708th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Recording

WHERE:   6212 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Amoeba Records

WHEN:     Monday, November 8, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. PST  

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly  honored  iconic Hip Hop artist / singer / songwriter/ producer / dancer Missy Elliott, with the 2,708th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today,  November 8, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. PST. The star was dedicated in the category of Recording in front of Amoeba Records at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard.

“Missy Elliott has broken through the barriers of the male-dominated Hip Hop world, and music industry as a whole, as she has led the way for many women who have followed in her footsteps. She continues to break barriers year after year and we’re thrilled to be able to honor her on the Walk of Fame,” stated Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer.

Joining Emcee Nicole Mihalka, Chair of the Board for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, to unveil the star were performers Ciara, Lizzo and longtime manager / TV & film producer, Mona Scott-Young. .

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the popular star ceremonies, encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

One of the most significant female artists in music history, Missy Elliott is a pioneer of female Hip-Hop and R&B, groundbreaking songwriter-producer, and across-the-board cultural icon. The five-time GRAMMY® Award winner – with nominations spanning three decades – has attained unprecedented success. Missy’s six studio albums have each been RIAA platinum-certified or better, marking her as the only female rapper to achieve that remarkable accomplishment.

Elliott made history as the first female Hip Hop artist ever to receive the MTV Video Music Awards’ prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award in 2019. That same year saw Elliott break new ground as the first female Hip-Hop artist and third-ever rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Elliott became the first female Hip Hop artist to receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, celebrating her lasting contributions to music and popular culture. And as if all that weren’t enough, Missy kickstarted 2020 by making history yet again, this time co-producing the Lifetime original movie The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel alongside Queen Latifa and Mary J. Blige. The Lifetime biopic   pulled in 2.7 million viewers on its debut night.

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Elliott first made waves for her inventive songwriting and production work alongside her childhood friend, Timothy Mosely a.k.a Timbaland. Together they created an innovative, idiosyncratic sound all their own, heard on a score of hits for the late Aaliyah – including “One In A Million,” “If Only Your Girl Knew” and “Hot Like Fire” – as well as such chart-topping favorites as SWV’s “Can We,” 702’s “Where My Girls At?,” Destiny’s Child’s “Confessions” and Whitney Houston’s “In My Business.”

Elliott’s milestone solo debut, 1997’s RIAA platinum certified “SUPA DUPA FLY,” proved a landmark, debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200 – the highest charting debut for a female rapper at that date. Immediately acclaimed upon release as a boundary-shattering masterpiece, “SUPA DUPA FLY” spawned a string of blockbuster hit singles, including “Sock It 2 Me,” “Hit Em Wit Da Hee,” “Beep Me 911” and, of course, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” “DA REAL WORLD” followed in 1999, showcasing the record-breaking #1 hit, “Hot Boyz (Remix) (Feat, Lil’ Mo, Nas, Eve & Q-Tip).”

2001’s “MISS E… SO ADDICTIVE” was yet another platinum-certified milestone, a worldwide sensation that established Elliott as hip-hop’s preeminent female artist. The album’s “Get Ur Freak On” redefined contemporary pop and hip hop, earning Missy her first-ever GRAMMY® Award (for “Best Rap Performance”).”  

Elliott’s massive mainstream accomplishments have extended far beyond her own solo works, including innumerable guest appearances on singles and remixes by a truly diverse span of musical artists. As one of modern pop’s definitive songwriters and producers, Elliott’s star-studded list of songwriting credits continues to grow, including collaborations with Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Katy Perry, Ciara, Monica, Toni Braxton, Faith Evans, Ginuwine, Fantasia, Jazmine Sullivan, and Justin Timberlake, among others.

Recent years have seen a series of surprise event appearances like her unforgettable performance at 2015’s Super Bowl XLIX alongside Katy Perry. In 2016, Elliott united with former First Lady Michelle Obama for “This Is For My Girls,” an all-star anthem to female empowerment performed by Kelly Clarkson, Chloe x Halle, Jadagrace, Lea Michele, Janelle Monáe, Kelly Rowland, & Zendaya.

This year, Elliott directed the City Girls “Twerkulator” video for which she won BET’s 2021 Director of the Year Award.

As part of her ongoing passion for helping disadvantaged youngsters, Elliott is involved in the following charities:  King Daughters Children’s Hospital, Minor High School Gift and The Cool Girls Charity and Girls Make Beats.

03 Nov 2021
Recent ceremony, Recording Permalink

Ana Gabriel

November 3, 2021

WHO:    Honoree: Ana Gabriel

Emcee: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo

WHAT:   Dedication of the 2,707th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in  the Category of Recording

WHERE: 6623 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Ballet Hollywood

WHEN: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. PDT  

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proudly honored the pride of Mexico and popular singer, Ana Gabriel,  with the 2,707th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. PDT. The star was dedicated in the category of Recording in front of Ballet Hollywood at 6623 Hollywood Boulevard.

“Ana Gabriel is one of Mexico’s most talented singers and composers and we are proud to include her on the Hollywood  Walk of Fame. Her many fans from around the world will be able to visit her star for many years to come,” stated Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame Producer.

Joining Emcee Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo, Vice Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, to unveil the star were former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, Henry Cardenas, CEO of Cardenas Marketing Network and entertainment news journalist Jessica Maldonado.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the popular star ceremonies, encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Ana Gabriel is an iconic Mexican singer and composer. She was born on December 10, 1955 in the small town of Guamúchil, Sinaloa, Mexico. Even as a little girl, her family always encouraged her singing and musical ability, staging reenactments of a popular radio show where she would play the first three notes from a song and her family would guess what song it was. She felt a calling to be a singer from a very young age and first performed on stage at age six, singing “Regalo de Dios” by José Alfredo Jiménez.

While in Tijuana she studied accounting and she eventually became a Certified Accountant, but she knew in her heart that music, composing, and singing with her unique voice was in her future. On December 15, 1974 she recorded her first song.

Over the course of her career, Gabriel has released 28 studio albums, three live albums, and 19 compilation albums, selling more than 40 million records worldwide. Three of her albums have reached number one on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums chart, and seven singles reached number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Ay Amor,” “Es Demasiado Tarde,” and “Quién Como Tú.” Her work earned her numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award nomination, four Latin Grammy Award nominations, thirteen Lo Nuestro Awards, as well as awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. In 2006, she received the Excellence Award at the Lo Nuestro Awards.

Ana Gabriel performed at the OTI Festival in 1985, 1986, and 1987. In 1986 wrote and composed “A Tu Lado,” which she then performed at the festival. She won third place in 1987 with an orchestral version of the pop-power ballad song “Búscame,” composed in conjunction with Tony Flores. This version was later released as a single in its album version. It climbed to the top position in Mexico, all-over Ibero-America, and broke records on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart for 14 consecutive weeks.

In 1988 Gabriel released Tierra de Nadie, which was the best-selling album in Latin America, followed by Pecado Original in 1989. The 1989 release of the album Quién Como Tú made her a musical force in Mexico. Her live album En Vivo showcased her powerful stage act and scored several hits including “En la Oscuridad” and “Destino,” which she wrote to honor her grandparents Roberto and Florencia.

Throughout the ‘90s Gabriel released an album almost every year. A versatile singer, she showcased her talent as an interpreter of many different musical styles including mariachi, ranchero, romantic ballads, and pop. She honed her skills as a songwriter and a producer, releasing Mi México, a ranchera-influenced, mariachi-backed pop album in 1991, which is the highest-selling album of her career. The album also included a tribute to Mexico’s most popular singer-songwriter, Juan Gabriel and opened the doors to her career in Europe. Her second live album, Ana Gabriel en la Plaza de Toros México, recorded in 1998, is the second-best-selling album of her career. It features 28 songs all written and performed by Gabriel and was re-released in 2007 with a DVD compilation, which sold over 2 million copies.

In 2009, after a short hiatus, she reinvigorated her career with the release of Renacer: Homenaje a Lucha Villa. According to Rolling Stone Magazine in 2018 she stood “…as the highest-ranking female artist on Billboard’s male-dominated Greatest of All Time Hot Latin Songs Artists list, opening the doors for future female pop titans like Shakira.”

In her self-produced 2016 documentary, La Historia, Gabriel tells a story of people who would incredulously ask her, “You’re going to be a singer?” And she’d always reply “Yes. I am. And I’m going to be very famous.” She credits her parents’ encouragement and her resolute character for the success of her career. Her charisma, passion, love, humility, and her

inner- and- outer beauty have secured her place as one of the best Mexican singers in the world.

As part of her ongoing passion for helping disadvantaged children, Ana Gabriel is involved with the following charities: Moviemiento RAS, Maestro Cares Foundation and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

19 Oct 2021
Recent ceremony, Television Permalink

Byron Allen

October 19, 2021

WHO:   Honoree: Byron Allen
EMCEE: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chair Nicole Mihalka
GUEST SPEAKERS: TBA
WHAT:     Dedication of the 2,706th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in  the Category of Television
WHERE:  1749 Vine Street at the famous corner of Hollywood & Vine
WHEN:  Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. PDT.

The event will  live-streamed exclusively on www.walkoffame.com

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored  Byron Allen with the 2,706th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11:30 A.M. PDT. The star was dedicated at 1749 Vine Street.

“Byron Allen has show business in his blood! His impressive career started as a young boy and just kept going. We are very proud to be able to pay tribute to Mr. Allen’s stellar career and add his name to our iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Joining Emcee Nicole Mihalka, Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, to unveil the star TBA.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the popular star ceremonies, encourages people who are unable to attend and fans around the world to watch the event exclusively on www.walkoffame.com.

Byron Allen is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group/Entertainment Studios. He was born in Detroit, Michigan. Following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the urban civil unrest occurring in Detroit and other major U.S. cities that arose from that tragic event, Allen accompanied his mother, Carolyn Folks, on a vacation trip to Los Angeles that summer to visit with family and friends. They ended up staying in Los Angeles permanently.

Allen’s interest in show business began during his childhood, when he would accompany his mother to NBC studios in Burbank where she secured a network internship, a job as a tour guide, and later as a network publicist.  Free to roam the NBC soundstages where his mother worked, Allen would sneak onto “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, sit behind Johnny Carson’s desk and play talk show host. After encouragement from Carson himself, Allen took it one step further, and at age 14, put together his first stand-up routine and began performing on amateur nights at comedy clubs throughout the Los Angeles area. After one performance, comedian and “Good Times”  sitcom star Jimmie Walker received word of Allen’s act and decided to invite the budding 14-year-old comedian to join his comedy writing team alongside promising young unknown comedians Jay Leno and David Letterman. In 1979, at age 18, Allen made his national 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.  Watching Allen’s network television debut were the producers of NBC’s “Real People”. The producers were so taken with Allen’s comfortable, relaxed style that they made him an offer the very next day to co-host what would become the first reality-based program ever broadcast on television.  He accepted, and “Real People” dominated the network’s Wednesday night prime-time for five years.

Allen’s experience hosting the show was his training ground for the business of television.  He traveled the nation with a crew and shot segments profiling real people across America’s heartland. So while he was getting his feet wet as a television personality, he was also learning the ins and outs of television production.  The experience also prepared him to take on the business of advertising and syndication, which he learned by personally calling station owners, programming directors and advertisers, one-by-one and market-by-market.

In 1993, Allen founded his television production and distribution company, Entertainment Studios (now called Allen Media Group). Headquartered in Los Angeles, Allen Media Group has offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Raleigh. Allen Media Group owns 32 ABC-NBC-CBS-FOX network affiliate broadcast television stations in  20 U.S. markets and twelve 24-hour HD television networks, including The Weather Channel, all serving nearly 180 million subscribers. Allen Media Group produces, distributes, and sells advertising for 68 television programs, making it one of the largest Independent producers/distributors of first-run syndicated television programming for broadcast television stations.

Charitable activities are also at the forefront of Allen’s endeavors. For many years, he was the annual host of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Annual “Dinner of Champions.”  Most recently, Allen was presented with the Children’s Inspiration Award from the Los Angeles charitable organization A Place Called Home.  The Children’s Inspiration Award is presented to an individual whose vision is large enough to embrace the “impossible” and whose tenacity is great enough to achieve things that “can’t be done.”  The recipient has overcome hardships and obstacles, and transcended in ways that serve as an inspiration.  In 2017, Byron Allen launched his company’s first annual Oscar Gala, an Academy Awards viewing party held on Oscar night – which raised over $1 million for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  Allen continues the annual tradition, raising additional millions of dollars for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles ever since.