Debbie Allen

Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
Birthday: January 16, 1950

With notable credits on stage as an actress and on TV as an actor, producer, director and choreographer, Debbie Allen has become one of the more diversified talents in TV. The career of this dynamic, award-winning singer-dancer has been an inspirational beacon to Black women in the entertainment industry. On Broadway, Allen was a fiery Anita in the 1980 revival of "West Side Story" and a high-kicking prostitute with a heart of gold in Bob Fosse's 1986 revival of "Sweet Charity". She began appearing regularly on TV in the…more

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Credits

Career Milestones

2009
Played the school's principal in the feature remake of "Fame"
2008
Directed the all-African-American Broadway production of Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," co-starring sister Phylicia Rashad
2007 to 2009
Was a frequent guest judge on the FOX reality dance competition, "So You Think You Can Dance"
2006 to 2009
Directed the CW sitcom, "Everybody Hates Chris"; created and executive produced by Chris Rock
2005 to 2008
Directed episodes of the sitcom, "Girlfriends" (UPN, 2005-2006; The CW, 2006-2008)

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Awards

1997
Producers Guild of America Award: Visionary Award
1991
Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
1983
Golden Globe Award: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
1983
Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
1982
Primetime Emmy Award: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography