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What Is A.J. Calloway Net Worth’ Net Worth
A.J. Calloway, an American television personality and entertainment reporter, has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2025. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career in television hosting and entertainment reporting. While concrete details regarding his assets, like properties and investments, remain private, his long-standing presence in the entertainment industry suggests a comfortable and well-maintained lifestyle.
Early Life and Career Beginnings of A.J. Calloway
Albert Johnson “A.J.” Calloway was born on August 29, 1974, in Newark, New Jersey, to Ava Claire Calloway and Albert Johnson Calloway Jr. He attended Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School, a prestigious Catholic institution in Newark, where he actively engaged in campus activities, including production and marketing. This early exposure ignited his passion for media and entertainment. After graduating from high school in 1993, Calloway pursued higher education at Howard University in Washington, D.C., earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997. During his time at Howard University, he was initiated into the Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and formed his first promotion company, organizing independent events for the university’s homecomings. After college, Calloway started Black Diamonds Entertainment, a promotions and marketing company dominating the African-American after-work and late-night market for over 10 years in New York City.
A.J. Calloway’s Rise to Fame: 106 & Park and Extra
Calloway’s career took a significant leap in 2000 when he became the original co-host of BET’s “106 & Park” alongside Marie “Free” Wright. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, providing a platform for hip-hop and R&B artists and attracting a massive viewership. Calloway’s engaging interviewing style and dynamic presence contributed to the show’s success, solidifying his place in the entertainment world. He co-hosted “106 & Park” for five years, until July 28, 2005. There were rumors that the hosts left because they didn’t feel their salaries were commensurate with the show’s rampant popularity, and in a 2006 interview in Vibe, A.J. admitted that he worked there for two years with no contract.
After “106 & Park,” Calloway broadened his horizons by joining “Extra” in 2005 as a New York correspondent. Over the years, he conducted numerous high-profile interviews with celebrities, earning acclaim for his professionalism and charisma. His contributions were recognized with Emmy Awards for Outstanding Entertainment News Program in 2014 and 2016. He remained with “Extra” until February 2019.
Additional Ventures and Philanthropy
Beyond television, A.J. Calloway has also engaged in various entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. He owns and operates The Collective Professional Resource Group, a consulting company focused on business development, celebrity relations, strategic marketing, promotions, and event planning. This indicates a diversified approach to income generation, supplementing his earnings from television.
Calloway also believes firmly in giving back to the community. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Calloway even returned to his alma mater Howard University and taught a graduate course pro bono on Hip Hop culture and its relation to public history, the university’s first course of its kind. He established the Build a Bridge Foundation in 2013, encouraging alumni to give back to their educational institutions. He hosted fundraisers and scholarship events during Howard University’s Homecoming Weekend to support underprivileged students, emphasizing the importance of early-career philanthropy.
A.J. Calloway’s Personal Life
In his personal life, Calloway has been married twice. He was first married to Dr. Lao Sealey, a pediatrician, in 2005, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2007. In 2013, he married Dionne Walker, and the couple has three children: Amy Belle, born in August 2013; Ava Claire, born in January 2015; and Albert Johnson Calloway III, born in March 2017. Calloway often shares glimpses of his family life, reflecting his dedication to his loved ones.
Controversies and Challenges
Calloway’s career has faced challenges, including his departure from “Extra” in 2019 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. In February 2019, he was suspended from “Extra” while being investigated for sexual misconduct, and in July 2019, his employment was terminated. These allegations have undoubtedly impacted his career trajectory. Despite these challenges, A.J. Calloway remains a notable figure in the entertainment industry. His early work, particularly with “106 & Park,” played a significant role in shaping music television and providing a platform for hip-hop and R&B artists.
