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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

Sweet Charity
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1986
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
Louis
[Off-Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1981
Performer
West Side Story
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1980
Anita
Alice
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1978
Alice
Ain't Misbehavin'
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Performer 5 [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]

Productions

Joe Turner's Come and Gone
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
Cat on a Hot Tin RoofCat on a Hot Tin Roof
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Director
Carrie
 
[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
A Motown Christmas
[ 2024 ] executive producer
Grey's Anatomy
[ 2024 ] executive producer
A Motown Christmas
[ 2024 ] executive producer
Grey's Anatomy
[ 2024 ] executive producer

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
Grey's Anatomy
[ 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

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News


What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances Photo
What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 4, 2026

Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2026 including plays, musicals, revivals, new shows and of course - stars! Be sure to check back for updates. We have all of the details!
​​Debbie Allen Dance Academy To Present The 15th Annual HOT CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER Photo
​​Debbie Allen Dance Academy To Present The 15th Annual HOT CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 8, 2025

Emmy, Golden Globe and Honorary Oscar Award winner Debbie Allen brings her acclaimed holiday spectacular, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA)'s 15th Annual Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.
Broadway Streaming Guide: Holidays 2025 - Where to Watch A VERY JONES CHRISTMAS MOVE Photo
Broadway Streaming Guide: Holidays 2025 - Where to Watch A VERY JONES CHRISTMAS MOVE & More
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 29, 2025

From the new Jonas Brothers Christmas special to musical classics like White Christmas, take a look here to find out which holiday streaming titles will bring a Broadway fan some extra joy this year.
Bradley Stryker, Tripp Taylor, and More Join JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Photo
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!
Debbie Allen to Direct MAYA ANGELOU, PHENOMENAL WOMAN Photo
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.
Richard A. Freeman, Jr. Named Artistic Director Of Dallas Black Dance Theatre Photo
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!
JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Will Play Broadway's Barrymore Theatre Photo
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.
Chris Mann, Hugh Sheridan and More to Join Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration Photo
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.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone Join JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Photo
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!
More News

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.

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