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Debbie Allen Headshot

Debbie Allen

Also Credited As: Deborah Allen

Birth Place: Houston, TX, USA

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BIO

For her vast body of work, Ms. Allen has earned three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, a Drama Desk, an Astaire Award (for Best Dancer), and the Olivier Award. She holds four honorary Doctorate degrees and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was appointed by President George W. Bush to represent the United States as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance.


She has been artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for over 15 years, creating original works with the legendary Arturo Sandoval and James Ingram, such as: Pepito’s Story, Brothers of the Knight, Dreams, Alex in Wonderland, Soul Possessed, Pearl, Dancing in the Wings and Oman O Man. Her long list of directing and producing credits include television classics such as FAME, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Jane the Virgin, Empire, A Different World, Everybody Hates Chris, Stompin’ At The Savoy, Polly, That’s So Raven, Cool Women, Quantum Leap, The Fantasia Barrino Story, and on stage, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She is currently Executive Produce/Director/Actress on ABC's Grey’s Anatomy.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1986
Charity Hope Valentine

Charity

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1981
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1980
Anita

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1978
Alice

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Performer 5 [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2008]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Choreographer

Movies

Fame
[ 1980 ] Lydia
Ragtime
[ 1981 ] Sarah
Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling
[ 1986 ] Michelle
Mona Must Die
[ 1994 ] Betty
Blank Check
[ 1994 ] Yvonne
Out-of-Sync
[ 1995 ] Manicurist
Forget Paris
[ 1995 ] choreographer
Amistad
[ 1997 ] producer
Everything's Jake
[ 2000 ] Librarian
The Painting
[ 2001 ] Bertha Lee Gilmore
All About You
[ 2001 ] Ruth
Tournament of Dreams
[ 2007 ] Rhonda Dillins
Next Day Air
[ 2009 ] Ms. Jackson
A Star for Rose
[ 2013 ] Rose
A Jazzman's Blues
[ 2022 ] choreographer

TV Shows

A Different World
Dr. Langhorne, Debbie Allen
Everybody Hates Chris
Gun Woman, Mother
Fame
Lydia Grant, The Good Witch of the South
Grey's Anatomy
Dr. Catherine Avery
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Lola, Precious
In the House
Jackie Warren
S.W.A.T.
Charice Harrelson
The Love Boat
Reesa Marlowe, Selena Moore

Awards and Nominations


winner
Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Revival

Debbie Allen, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Helen Hayes Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production

Debbie AllenDreams


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production

Debbie AllenBrothers of the Knight

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Debbie Allen , Sweet Charity


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Debbie Allen, West Side Story

Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Debbie Allen, West Side Story

Videos

News


String Quartet Ethel Releases 'Persist' Album with Flutist Allison Loggins-Hull

Acclaimed string quartet ETHEL has released their eighth album Persist, for which the group reconvened with the dynamic flutist Allison Loggins-Hull. Listen to it here.
Photos: Ricky Martin Headlines AHF World AIDS Day Concert

Ricky Martin had a sold-out crowd on their feet as he headlined AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s annual World AIDS Day concert at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, Florida Monday night. Take a look at photos from the evening here!
Chita Rivera KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Tony Award Fetches 70K at Bonham's Auction

One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) were auctioned online at Bonhams this week.
Video: THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT New Trailer with Kerry Washington

Netflix has released a new trailer for Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington. The movie will hit the streamer on December 20, following a small theatrical release on December 6. Watch the trailer now.
Interview: Adrian Kohler’s Continually Bringing Life to the LIFE & TIMES OF MICHAEL K

Read our interview with Adrian Kohler of the LIFE & TIMES OF MICHAEL K from The Tony Award-winning Handspring Puppet Company and the Baxter Theatre Centre.
Nevada Ballet Theatre Announces 41st ANNUAL BLACK & WHITE BALL

Nevada Ballet Theatre announced its 2025 Woman of the Year, recognizing a prominent figure for her contributions to the arts and community.
The Estate of Chita Rivera to be Auctioned at Bonhams

One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) will be auctioned online at Bonhams.
A 2024 Broadway Holiday Streaming Guide

From Sabrina Carpenter's new Christmas special to musical classics like Albert Finney's Scrooge, find out which holiday streaming titles will bring a Broadway fan some extra joy this year.
Ricky Martin to Headline AHF World AIDS Day Concert

Global superstar Ricky Martin will headline the annual World AIDS Day concert, presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS service provider. The event takes place on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, Florida.
Cast of MJ, Halle Bailey & More Will Take Part in A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS on NBC

The special will showcase iconic Motown legends performing holiday favorites and Hitsville U.S.A. classics alongside the biggest stars performing exclusive solos, unexpected duets and exciting group medleys in a riveting night of music. We have all of the details here!
Video: TikTok Dancer Kim Hale Continues to Pursue Broadway Dreams

Following a one-night stint in Chicago on Broadway, viral dancer Kim Hale hopes to make her dreams a reality by booking a role in a Broadway show. Watch a recent interview with Hale here!
Video: Christopher Jackson, John Riddle & More Join 'Freedom Advances' Campaign

NEWorks Productions is leveraging its influence in the creative arts space to encourage more Americans to vote this election cycle through a non-partisan civic initiative, “Freedom Advances”. Learn more!
YoungArts 2025 Application to Close Next Week

The YoungArts 2025 application deadline is approaching in one week. Aspiring artists aged 15-18 can apply for recognition and support in various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and writing. Learn more and see how to apply.
Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop Opens 2024-25 New Play Reading Season with SCORPIO'S TAIL

Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop announced the 2024/25 season with a new play reading of SCORPIO'S TAIL by Alan Kilpatrick, directed by Garland Thompson Jr., in partnership with the Billie Holiday Theatre.
Meet the Cast of SUNSET BOULEVARD, Now in Previews on Broadway

The new revival of Sunset Blvd. is currently playing the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Get to know who's who in the cast of the show, led by Nicole Scherzinger.
Cast Set for MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey revealed the cast for their upcoming production of MACBETH, featuring a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces. The production appears this fall on the Main Stage of the acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey for the first time in two decades. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Pacific Resident Theatre Extends THE SPY WHO WENT TO REHAB Through October 6

Pacific Resident Theatre has announced an extension of 'The Spy Who Went Into Rehab' through October 6, featuring Jason Culp, son of Robert Culp, in a James Bond-type role.
Celebrity Cast Revealed for DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 33

The celebrity cast and their professional dancing partners for Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars was announced on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Cohosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the series returns for its 33rd season TUESDAY, SEPT. 17 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), simulcast LIVE on ABC and Disney+, and available next day on Hulu.
Anna Delvey, Phaedra Parks, and More Join DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 33

The “Dancing with the Stars” season 33 celebrity cast and their professional dancing partners have been announced! The cast was revealed on September 4 on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The Billie Holiday Theatre Reveals 2024/25 Season Lineup

The Billie Holiday Theatre has announced details for its 2024-25 season. Learn more about the season lineup here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Debbie Allen been in?

Debbie Allen has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Debbie Allen been in?

Debbie Allen has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Debbie Allen been nominated for?

Best Revival (Olivier Awards) for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Dreams, Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Brothers of the Knight, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Charity, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for West Side Story and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for West Side Story.

What awards has Debbie Allen won?

Debbie Allen has won the Best Revival award at the Olivier Awards for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. She also received the Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production award at the Helen Hayes Awards for Brothers of the Knight. Additionally, she won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for West Side Story.

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