Debbie Allen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Debbie Allen
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Allen in 2025
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Deborah Kaye Allen
January 16, 1950 Houston, Texas, U.S.
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| Education | Howard University (BA) |
| Occupation | Actress, dancer, choreographer, singer, television director, television producer |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 3, including Vivian Nixon |
| Relatives | Phylicia Rashad (sister) Condola Rashad (niece) |
Deborah Kaye Allen (born January 16, 1950) is a famous American actress, dancer, director, and producer. She has won many awards for her work in television, movies, and theater. She has earned five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2025, she received a special Academy Honorary Award for her amazing contributions to film.
Allen is most famous for her role in the TV series Fame, which was on air from 1982 to 1987. She played Lydia Grant, a dance teacher, and was also the main choreographer for the show. Her work on Fame won her a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards.
Later, Allen became a successful director and producer. She directed 83 episodes of the popular comedy show A Different World. She also starred in the TV show In the House and plays Dr. Catherine Fox in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy, where she is also a director and producer.
In 2001, Allen opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles. There, she teaches dance to young people. She is the younger sister of actress Phylicia Rashad.
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Early Life and Education
Debbie Allen was born in Houston, Texas. Her mother, Vivian, was a poet and playwright, and her father, Andrew, was an orthodontist. Allen was a talented student and earned a degree from Howard University in classical Greek literature, speech, and theater.
Overcoming Challenges
When Allen was twelve, she tried to join the Houston Ballet Academy but was not accepted. A year later, a Russian teacher saw her perform and was so impressed that he got her into the academy.
This was not the only time she faced rejection. At sixteen, she was told her body type was not right for ballet, even after she had a great audition for the North Carolina School of the Arts. These challenges made her more determined, and she decided to focus on her acting career.
Career Highlights
Allen's career began on the Broadway stage in New York City. She performed in several musicals, including Purlie and Raisin. In 1980, she played Anita in a new version of West Side Story. Her performance was so good that she was nominated for a Tony Award.
Breakthrough with 'Fame'
Allen's big break came with the 1980 movie Fame, where she played dance teacher Lydia Grant. The movie was so popular that it was turned into a TV series. Allen continued her role as Lydia Grant and became the show's main choreographer.
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In the show's opening, she famously told her students, "You've got big dreams? You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying ... in sweat." She won a Golden Globe and two Emmys for her work on the series.
Directing and Producing
After Fame, Allen started working more behind the camera as a director and producer.
A Different World
She became the producer and main director for the TV show A Different World. The show was about students at a fictional historically black college. Allen transformed the show, making it a fun and important comedy that explored the lives of young people. She directed 83 episodes of the series.
Working on Many Projects
Allen has directed over 50 different movies and TV shows. She directed the musical movie Polly and choreographed the Academy Awards show for ten years.
In 1997, she co-produced the movie Amistad with Steven Spielberg. Since 2011, she has played Dr. Catherine Fox on Grey's Anatomy and also works as an executive producer and director for the show.
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
In 2001, Allen opened her own dance school, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. It is a non-profit organization that helps young dancers achieve their dreams. She has also been a guest judge on the dance competition show So You Think You Can Dance.
Personal Life
Allen is married to former NBA basketball player Norm Nixon. They have three children: Vivian, Norman Jr., and DeVaughn. Her older sister is the famous actress Phylicia Rashad, who is known for her role on The Cosby Show.
Selected Work
Here are some of the movies and TV shows Debbie Allen has been a part of.
Film
- Fame (1980) - as Lydia Grant
- Ragtime (1981) - as Sarah
- Blank Check (1994) - as Yvonne
- Amistad (1997) - as a producer
- Fame (2009) - as Principal Simms
- Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (2020) - as herself
Television
- Good Times (1976) - as Diana Buchanan
- Roots: The Next Generations (1979) - as Nan Branch Haley
- Fame (1982–1987) - as Lydia Grant
- A Different World (1988–1993) - as a director and producer
- In the House (1995–1996) - as Jackie Warren
- Grey's Anatomy (2011–present) - as Dr. Catherine Avery Fox
- S.W.A.T. (2018–present) - as Charice Harrelson
- Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square (2020) - as a director
See also
In Spanish: Debbie Allen para niños
