Kalen Allen
@thekalenallen
At 28 years old, award-winning actor, producer, singer, and television personality Kalen Allen has catapulted into mainstream media, reaching millions of people worldwide across his social media platforms and through his online content. Discovered in 2018 by renowned talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, Allen first made a name for himself through his hilarious “Kalen Reacts”... READ MORE
At 28 years old, award-winning actor, producer, singer, and television personality Kalen Allen has catapulted into mainstream media, reaching millions of people worldwide across his social media platforms and through his online content. Discovered in 2018 by renowned talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, Allen first made a name for himself through his hilarious “Kalen Reacts” videos, giving colorful and witty commentary on culinary concoctions online. One of these videos caught Ellen’s attention, and after appearing on the show, Ellen knew she had found something special in Allen. She offered him an opportunity to collaborate and produce content for her digital platforms.
As Ellen’s correspondent during his time on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” he often took his infectious personality to high-profile events, such as the Billboard Music Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards. He also hosted his award-winning digital series, “OMKalen,” where he provided one- of-a-kind commentary on the week’s hot topics and trending stories. In addition, Kalen has recently joined the Food Network family. His other TV credits include CAKEALIKES, BUDDY VS. DUFF, SUPERMARKET TAKEOUT, WITH LOVE on Amazon Prime, and HBO Max’s A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW.
Allen’s videos have garnered billions of views across digital platforms and are growing on the digital front by the day. His work has also earned him many award nominations, including a Model D Award win for Best Host in a Web Series or Channel in 2018 and another for Best Celebrity Integration in a Web Series or Channel in 2019. He was also a finalist in the Best Weekly Unscripted Series and Best Use of a Digital Influencer in a Web Series categories for Model D. He was nominated for Best YouTube Comedian at the 2019 Shorty Awards. He was recently honored with the Social Influencer Award at Better Brothers Los Angeles 2019 Truth Awards and an Honoree at the 2020 Webby Awards.
Allen made his feature film acting debut in Seth Rogen’s “An American Pickle” for HBO Max. Based on the 2013 New Yorker novella “Sell-Out,” the comedy follows an immigrant worker at a pickle factory accidentally preserved for 100 years who wakes up in modern-day Brooklyn. The film, which also stars Maya Erskine (“Insecure”) and Sarah Snook (“Succession”), is directed by Brandon Trost (“The Disaster Artist”) and premiered on August 6, 2020. Allen will also be starring in the upcoming Netflix Christmas film, “Meet Me Next Christmas.”
Recently, Allen has taken on the role of judge on the Roku Original, “Celebrity Family Food Battle,” and has been the proud host of the Loveloud Music Festival since 2019. He is also excited to announce his upcoming holiday album, “Christmas Memories,” set to release in winter 2024.
Originally from Kansas City, Allen attended Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts in Film. He is currently at NYU working on his Master’s in Journalism. He has a prominent place in his heart for charity and actively supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, GLSEN, GLAAD, and Better Brothers LA. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Loveloud Foundation.
He currently resides in the New York City area.
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