Debbie Allen Headshot

Debbie Allen

Also Credited As: Deborah Allen

Birth Place: Houston, TX, USA

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Debbie Allen 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.

Debbie Allen Photos

Debbie Allen 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]

Debbie Allen Productions

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

Debbie Allen 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

Debbie Allen 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

Debbie Allen 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

Debbie Allen Videos

Debbie Allen News


LaChanze And Lar Lubovitch To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory Commencement


Join the Boston Conservatory at Berklee as they honor three-time Tony Award-winning actor and producer LaChanze and internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Lar Lubovitch at their commencement ceremony on May 11.

Review: CHOIR BOY at The Studio Theatre


What did our critic think of CHOIR BOY at The Studio Theatre? Relevant. Mindful. Heartbreaking. Boundary-pushing. Powerful. Making its regional debut in Arkansas, Tarell Alvin McCraney’s CHOIR BOY at The Studio Theatre, 320 W 7th St, in Little Rock, is all of these things and more......so much more.

Meet the Cast of UNCLE VANYA, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


Uncle Vayna is back this season courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater. This version of the play features a new translation by Heidi Schreck and is directed by Lila Neugebauer.  Meet the cast of Uncle Vanya here!

Meet the Cast of THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News, officially begins previews tonight, March 29. The musical  will open at The James Earl Jones Theatre on Monday, April 22. Meet the cast of The Heart of Rock and Roll here!

Meet the Cast of SUFFS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


Following a sold-out, extended run at The Public Theater, Shaina Taub’s new musical Suffs is marching to Broadway! Meet the cast of Suffs here!

Video: Watch Joey Fatone, AJ McLean, & Melissa Rouch on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW


Catch the latest episode of THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW featuring guests Joey Fatone, AJ McLean, and Melissa Rouch. Don't miss the exciting discussions and fun video moments. Tune-in to watch host Jennifer Hudson give her NAACP Image Award acceptance speech for “The Jennifer Hudson Show” winning this year's “Outstanding Talk Series!” 

Interview: Bruce Nozick Slickly Wears His BESPOKE OVERCOAT


Currently at Pacific Resident Theatre, Wolf Mankowitz’ The Bespoke Overcoat which opened March 9, 2024. Marilyn Fox & Dana Jackson co-direct the cast of: Harry Herman, Robert Lesser, Bruce Nozick and Tobias Echeverria. Had the chance to cover Bruce with some queries on bespoking his Overcoat. 

M.A.D.D. Rhythms Reveals 2024 Events, Appearances, Performances & Company Updates


 M.A.D.D. Rhythms has revealed events, classes, appearances and more scheduled for 2024. See full programming and learn more about the company!

Video: The Best of Donna McKechnie


Tony Award-winner Donna McKechnie is back on Broadway this spring! As BroadwayWorld previously reported, she just assumed the role of Madame Morrible in Wicked. To celebrate Donna's triumphant return to the Broadway stage, we've rounded up just a few videos of our favorite performances from Broadway past.

CRAZY FOR YOU to be Presented at Nazareth University Arts Center


Experience the magic of George and Ira Gershwin's classic music in CRAZY FOR YOU at Nazareth University Arts Center in April. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: The Best of Robyn Hurder


Robyn Hurder is coming back to Chicago, and that's swell! Before her big return to the Ambassador Theatre, check out videos of some of our favorite Robyn performances.

Allison Loggins-Hull Tours DIAMETRICALLY COMPOSED To College Park, Boston and Philadelphia


Join Allison Loggins-Hull on her tour Diametrically Composed, exploring themes of motherhood and artistry. This unique program, featuring works from fellow composers Alicia Hall Moran, Sarah Kirkland Snider, Jessica Meyer, and Paola Prestini, is set to visit College Park, Boston, and Philadelphia in April 2024.

Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz Will Lead THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL; Full Cast Revealed!


The full cast has been revealed for the upcoming Broadway production of The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News. Find out who is starring in the musical here!

Interview: Ever Busy Director/Choreographer Camille A. Brown On Creating INK & More


Debbie Allen presents Camille A. Brown & Dancers: ink January 12th and 13th at The Wallis. ink “explores self-empowerment, Black love, brotherhood, and resilience that examines aspects of Black life that are too often appropriated, rewritten, or silenced.” I had the chance to chat with director/choreographer Camille A. Brown before her flying from New York to her Wallis rehearsals.

Maurice Hines Has Passed Away at 80


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that tap icon Maurice Hines has passed away at 80.

Videos: Watch Tituss Burgess, Lin-Manuel Miranda & More Perform at the Kennedy Center Honors


This year's honorees include Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah, and Dionne Warwick. Watch videos of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ariana DeBose, Tituss Burgess, Dove Cameron, Marc Shaiman, Cynthia Erivo, Christine Baranski, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Gladys Knight now!

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!


There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

The Joyce Theater Foundation to Present Eight Edition of American Dance Platform


The Joyce Theater Foundation is continuing its mission to bring the best in dance to its New York City stage in the eighth iteration of American Dance Platform.

Broadway Streaming Guide: Holidays 2023 - Where to Watch WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL & More


From Hannah Waddingham's new Christmas special to classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol, see which holiday streaming titles are sure to bring any Broadway fan some extra merriment this year. Check out our complete guide to what Broadway fans should be streaming this holiday season on Netflix, Peacock, Disney+, and more now!

Debbie Allen 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?

Debbie Allen has been nominated for several awards, including Best Revival at the Olivier Awards for "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof," Outstanding Choreography at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Dreams" and "Brothers of the Knight," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Sweet Charity," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "West Side Story," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "West Side Story."

What awards has Debbie Allen won?

Debbie Allen has won the following awards: Best Revival at the Olivier Awards for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Brothers of the Knight, and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for West Side Story.

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