Debbie Allen
Also Credited As: Deborah Allen
Birth Place: Houston, TX, USA
Latest News on Debbie Allen:
Video: Debbie Allen Previews Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE (Nov 25, 2025)
Bradley Stryker, Tripp Taylor, and More Join JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE (Nov 24, 2025)
Photos: Inside the 2025 Academy’s Governors Awards with Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez & More (Nov 17, 2025)
Video: Debbie Allen Previews Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE (Nov 25, 2025)
Bradley Stryker, Tripp Taylor, and More Join JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE (Nov 24, 2025)
Photos: Inside the 2025 Academy’s Governors Awards with Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez & More (Nov 17, 2025)
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
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From left, athlete Norm Nixon and actor Debbie Allen arrive for the opening night performance of ?Blues for an Alabama Sky? at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum on April 13, 2022, in Los Angeles,
Date:
04/14/2022
From: Photos: BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY Opens At Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum
CHANDRA WILSON, ELLEN POMPEO, JAMES PICKENS JR., CHRIS CARMACK, JUSTIN CHAMBERS, DEBBIE ALLEN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KRISTA VERNOFF (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), SHONDA RHIMES (CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KEVIN MCKIDD, JESSE WILLIAMS, BETSY BEERS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KAREY BURKE (PRESIDENT, ABC ENTERTAINMENT), KIM RAVER, GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI, CAMILLA LUDDINGTON, KELLY MCCREARY, JAKE BORELLI, LINDA KLEIN (CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)
Date:
10/15/2019
From: Photo Flash: ABC's GREY'S ANATOMY Celebrates 350 Episodes
CHANDRA WILSON, ELLEN POMPEO, JAMES PICKENS JR., CHRIS CARMACK, JUSTIN CHAMBERS, DEBBIE ALLEN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KRISTA VERNOFF (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), SHONDA RHIMES (CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KEVIN MCKIDD, JESSE WILLIAMS, BETSY BEERS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KAREY BURKE (PRESIDENT, ABC ENTERTAINMENT), KIM RAVER, GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI, CAMILLA LUDDINGTON, KELLY MCCREARY, JAKE BORELLI, LINDA KLEIN (CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), ALEX LANDI
Date:
10/15/2019
From: Photo Flash: ABC's GREY'S ANATOMY Celebrates 350 Episodes
ELLEN POMPEO, JAMES PICKENS JR., CHRIS CARMACK, JUSTIN CHAMBERS, DEBBIE ALLEN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KRISTA VERNOFF (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), SHONDA RHIMES (CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KEVIN MCKIDD, JESSE WILLIAMS, BETSY BEERS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KAREY BURKE (PRESIDENT, ABC ENTERTAINMENT), KIM RAVER, GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI, CAMILLA LUDDINGTON, KELLY MCCREARY, JAKE BORELLI, LINDA KLEIN (CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)
Date:
10/15/2019
From: Photo Flash: ABC's GREY'S ANATOMY Celebrates 350 Episodes
CHANDRA WILSON, ALEX BLUE DAVIS, JAICY ELLIOT, CHRIS CARMACK, ELLEN POMPEO, JAMES PICKENS JR., JUSTIN CHAMBERS, KRISTA VERNOFF (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), DEBBIE ALLEN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KEVIN MCKIDD, SHONDA RHIMES (CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), JESSE WILLIAMS, BETSY BEERS (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), KIM RAVER, GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI, KELLY MCCREARY, CAMILLA LUDDINGTON, JAKE BORELLI, LINDA KLEIN (CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER), ALEX LANDI
Date:
10/15/2019
From: Photo Flash: ABC's GREY'S ANATOMY Celebrates 350 Episodes
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1986
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Performer 5 [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Performer 5 [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Productions
Movies
Fame
[ 1980 ] Lydia
[ 1980 ] Lydia
Ragtime
[ 1981 ] Sarah
[ 1981 ] Sarah
Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling
[ 1986 ] Michelle
[ 1986 ] Michelle
Mona Must Die
[ 1994 ] Betty
[ 1994 ] Betty
Blank Check
[ 1994 ] Yvonne
[ 1994 ] Yvonne
Out-of-Sync
[ 1995 ] Manicurist
[ 1995 ] Manicurist
Forget Paris
[ 1995 ] choreographer
[ 1995 ] choreographer
Amistad
[ 1997 ] producer
[ 1997 ] producer
Everything's Jake
[ 2000 ] Librarian
[ 2000 ] Librarian
The Painting
[ 2001 ] Bertha Lee Gilmore
[ 2001 ] Bertha Lee Gilmore
All About You
[ 2001 ] Ruth
[ 2001 ] Ruth
Tournament of Dreams
[ 2007 ] Rhonda Dillins
[ 2007 ] Rhonda Dillins
Next Day Air
[ 2009 ] Ms. Jackson
[ 2009 ] Ms. Jackson
A Star for Rose
[ 2013 ] Rose
[ 2013 ] Rose
A Jazzman's Blues
[ 2022 ] choreographer
[ 2022 ] choreographer
A Motown Christmas
[ 2024 ] executive producer
[ 2024 ] executive producer
Grey's Anatomy
[ 2024 ] executive producer
[ 2024 ] executive producer
A Motown Christmas
[ 2024 ] executive producer
[ 2024 ] executive producer
Grey's Anatomy
[ 2024 ] executive producer
[ 2024 ] executive producer
TV Shows
A Different World
Dr. Langhorne, Debbie Allen
Dr. Langhorne, Debbie Allen
Everybody Hates Chris
Gun Woman, Mother
Gun Woman, Mother
Fame
Lydia Grant, The Good Witch of the South
Lydia Grant, The Good Witch of the South
Grey's Anatomy
Dr. Catherine Avery
Dr. Catherine Avery
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Lola, Precious
Lola, Precious
In the House
Jackie Warren
Jackie Warren
S.W.A.T.
Charice Harrelson
Charice Harrelson
The Love Boat
Reesa Marlowe, Selena Moore
Reesa Marlowe, Selena Moore
Grey's Anatomy
[ 2005-2025 ] executive producer
[ 2005-2025 ] executive producer
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
Video: Debbie Allen Previews Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-25 13:04:46
Video: SEEN & HEARD: THE HISTORY OF BLACK TELEVISION HBO Documentary Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-08-28 15:43:51
Videos: Watch Tituss Burgess, Lin-Manuel Miranda & More Perform at the Kennedy Center Honors
by Michael Major - 2023-12-28 09:27:56
Video: Go Inside the Belasco As AIN'T NO MO' Announces Its Broadway Extension!
by A.A. Cristi - 2022-12-15 22:11:24
VIDEO: Tyler Perry Produces New Music Video for A JAZZMAN'S BLUES
by Michael Major - 2022-11-14 13:04:08
VIDEO: Solea Pfeiffer & Joshua Boone Star in Tyler Perry's A JAZZMAN'S BLUES Trailer
by Michael Major - 2022-08-23 09:16:09
VIDEO: How FUNNY GIRL's Jared Grimes Tapped His Way to a Tony Nomination
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-06-08 10:30:20
VIDEO: Jesse Williams & Jesse Tyler Ferguson Play the 'Broadway BFF Test' on WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE
by Michael Major - 2022-05-10 09:34:06
BWW Exclusive: Debbie Allen Guest Stars on THE PROUD FAMILY: LOUDER & PROUDER
by Michael Major - 2022-04-19 12:26:49
VIDEO: Dick Van Dyke & Chita Rivera Discuss Their Lives in the Theater
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-10-01 17:54:06
VIDEO: Dick Van Dyke on His Career in New Kennedy Center Honors Interview Clip
by Stephi Wild - 2021-07-13 06:55:10
VIDEO: Vanessa Hudgens Performs 'Fame' Honor Debbie Allen at the 2021 KENNEDY CENTER HONORS
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-06-07 10:42:10
VIDEO: Aaron Tveit, Laura Osnes, Derek Hough, & More Pay Tribute to Dick Van Dyke at THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS
by Sarah Leiber - 2021-06-07 10:34:58
VIDEO: Watch Broadway Unite for the BROADWAY BACKWARDS Finale!
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-04-01 09:38:52
VIDEO: Mariah Carey, Kerry Washington & More Honor Debbie Allen in Celebration of DANCE DREAMS: HOT CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-12-10 15:28:20
VIDEO: Debbie Allen Talks About Making THE NUTCRACKER Inclusive on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-11-24 10:36:07
VIDEO: See Debbie Allen in the Trailer for DANCE DREAMS: HOT CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-11-12 12:05:58
VIDEO: Christine Baranski Says Dolly Parton Plays a 'Sexy Foxy Angel' in CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-11-11 10:20:17
News
Video: Debbie Allen Previews Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Entertainment icon Debbie Allen, who is directing the forthcoming Broadway revival of Joe Turner's Come and Gone, recently visited Sherri to talk about her wide-spanning career. During the conversation, she previewed the new Broadway production and the August Wilson play shared how it came together. Watch the interview now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Entertainment icon Debbie Allen, who is directing the forthcoming Broadway revival of Joe Turner's Come and Gone, recently visited Sherri to talk about her wide-spanning career. During the conversation, she previewed the new Broadway production and the August Wilson play shared how it came together. Watch the interview now.
Bradley Stryker, Tripp Taylor, and More Join JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Nov 24, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone which will play Broadway's Barrymore Theatre. Learn more about the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 24, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone which will play Broadway's Barrymore Theatre. Learn more about the cast here!
Photos: Inside the 2025 Academy’s Governors Awards with Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez & More
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 17, 2025
On November 16, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences celebrated the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards in Hollywood, with attendees that included Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, and more. Take a look at photos here.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 17, 2025
On November 16, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences celebrated the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards in Hollywood, with attendees that included Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, and more. Take a look at photos here.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 11, 2025- THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opens On Broadway and More
by - Nov 11, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 11, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Nov 11, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 11, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Debbie Allen to Direct MAYA ANGELOU, PHENOMENAL WOMAN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025
Debbie Allen will direct Angelica Chéri’s Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou—a play with music that will be the first and only stage production about the iconic figure.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2025
Debbie Allen will direct Angelica Chéri’s Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou—a play with music that will be the first and only stage production about the iconic figure.
Richard A. Freeman, Jr. Named Artistic Director Of Dallas Black Dance Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 3, 2025
The Board of Directors of Dallas Black Dance Theatre have announced the appointment of Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as Artistic Director. Learn more about him here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 3, 2025
The Board of Directors of Dallas Black Dance Theatre have announced the appointment of Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as Artistic Director. Learn more about him here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 30, 2025- LIBERATION Opens On Broadway and More
by - Oct 30, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 30, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 30, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 30, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Will Play Broadway's Barrymore Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2025
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” and directed by Debbie Allen, will play Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2025
August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” and directed by Debbie Allen, will play Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre.
The Apollo Joins JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Producing Team
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
The legendary Apollo has joined the producing team of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. This production marks the Broadway producing debut of The Apollo. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
The legendary Apollo has joined the producing team of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. This production marks the Broadway producing debut of The Apollo. Learn more!
Chris Mann, Hugh Sheridan and More to Join Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
The City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee will present the return of one of Southern California’s most beloved holiday traditions – a sparkling and magical program of holiday décor and entertainment.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
The City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee will present the return of one of Southern California’s most beloved holiday traditions – a sparkling and magical program of holiday décor and entertainment.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 20, 2025- Go Inside RAGTIME Opening Night and More
by - Oct 20, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 20, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Oct 20, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 20, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Debbie Allen Joins Barbie Tribute Collection with New Doll
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 17, 2025
This month, Mattel is honoring Broadway performer Debbie Allen with a new doll as part of the ongoing Barbie Tribute Collection. The doll is on sale now.
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 17, 2025
This month, Mattel is honoring Broadway performer Debbie Allen with a new doll as part of the ongoing Barbie Tribute Collection. The doll is on sale now.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone Join JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
Kandi Burruss Will Join the Cast of & JULIET on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
Grammy Award winner and Tony Award and Emmy Award nominee Kandi Burruss will return to the stage this winter in the hit Broadway musical & Juliet. Burruss will join the cast as ‘Angélique’ for a limited engagement.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
Grammy Award winner and Tony Award and Emmy Award nominee Kandi Burruss will return to the stage this winter in the hit Broadway musical & Juliet. Burruss will join the cast as ‘Angélique’ for a limited engagement.
Misty Copeland's Farewell From ABT Will Get Free Simulcast
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025
Misty Copeland’s historic farewell from ABT at the Company’s Fall Gala will be streamed live to Alice Tully Hall. Learn more and see how to stream the event here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025
Misty Copeland’s historic farewell from ABT at the Company’s Fall Gala will be streamed live to Alice Tully Hall. Learn more and see how to stream the event here!
Review: NEVER TOO LATE at Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Gabby Ziccarelli - Oct 7, 2025
Never Too Late marks a milestone moment in the career of viral dance icon Kim Hale, who has inspired millions with her story of reconnecting with her love of dance later in life. Known to many as the 57-year-old dancing powerhouse who leapt into the internet spotlight mid-pandemic, Hale took center stage in a different way at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, by bringing her authenticity, humor, and heart to a live audience.
by Gabby Ziccarelli - Oct 7, 2025
Never Too Late marks a milestone moment in the career of viral dance icon Kim Hale, who has inspired millions with her story of reconnecting with her love of dance later in life. Known to many as the 57-year-old dancing powerhouse who leapt into the internet spotlight mid-pandemic, Hale took center stage in a different way at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, by bringing her authenticity, humor, and heart to a live audience.
Kandi Burruss Joins JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Producing Team
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2025
Grammy Award winner and Tony Award & Emmy Award nominee Kandi Burruss has joined the producing team of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Learn more about the production here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2025
Grammy Award winner and Tony Award & Emmy Award nominee Kandi Burruss has joined the producing team of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Learn more about the production here!
A Look Back at the RAGTIME Movie with Elizabeth McGovern & Mandy Patinkin
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 26, 2025
With Ragtime back on Broadway, we are taking a look back at the 1981 film adaptation of E.L. Doctorow's novel, which features a cast full of theater actors and a memorable score from composer Randy Newman.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 26, 2025
With Ragtime back on Broadway, we are taking a look back at the 1981 film adaptation of E.L. Doctorow's novel, which features a cast full of theater actors and a memorable score from composer Randy Newman.
Meet the Cast of RAGTIME, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025
Performances are now underway for Lincoln Center Theater's revival of Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Meet the cast of Ragtime here and learn all about the starry cast and talented ensemble's bio and credits!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025
Performances are now underway for Lincoln Center Theater's revival of Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Meet the cast of Ragtime here and learn all about the starry cast and talented ensemble's bio and credits!
Joffrey Ballet Welcomes First All-Grainger Academy Class Of New Company Artists For 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2025
The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater has added three dancers to the Joffrey roster for the 2025-26 season. Learn more about the new dancers here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2025
The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater has added three dancers to the Joffrey roster for the 2025-26 season. Learn more about the new dancers 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 several prestigious awards, including the Best Revival award at the Olivier Awards for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. She also received the Outstanding Choreography award for a Resident Production 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 her performance in West Side Story.
Videos