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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

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STAGE CREDITS

Sweet Charity
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1986
Charity Hope Valentine
Charity
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]
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


MOVE|NYC| Will Present 4th Annual Darius Barnes Award of Excellence at 2026 Gala Photo
MOVE|NYC| Will Present 4th Annual Darius Barnes Award of Excellence at 2026 Gala
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2026

MOVE|NYC| will honor Bronx dancer Carlos Carrerras with the Darius Barnes Award of Excellence at its 'Dreams Fulfilled' gala at City Winery at Pier 57. Carrerras, a Juilliard-bound senior, has credits including the ON YOUR FEET! national tour.
Photos: Don Cheadle Visits JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE on Broadway Photo
Photos: Don Cheadle Visits JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 21, 2026

Don Cheadle recently paid a visit to Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway, and posed backstage with members of the cast after the performance. Check out photos here!
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List Photo
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026

Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
Photo Exclusive: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE On Broadway Starring Taraji P. Henson, Ce Photo
Photo Exclusive: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE On Broadway Starring Taraji P. Henson, Cedric 'the Entertainer' and More
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2026

August Wilson is back on Broadway and BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first look at Joe Turner's Come and Gone, now in previews at Barrymore Theatre. Check out photos of the production.
Video: Taraji P. Henson Shares Why She Joined Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Photo
Video: Taraji P. Henson Shares Why She Joined Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 20, 2026

Taraji P. Henson is making her Broadway debut in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, a new production of the August Wilson play helmed by renowned director and performer Debbie Allen. Watch her discuss the show and her relationship with Allen on TODAY.
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List Photo
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026

The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
Tyler Perry Joins Producing Team of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Photo
Tyler Perry Joins Producing Team of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026

Producer, director, writer, and actor Tyler Perry has joined the producing team of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway. Learn more here!
Shop JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Merch in BroadwayWorld's Theater Shop Photo
Shop JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Merch in BroadwayWorld's Theater Shop
by Michael Major - Apr 9, 2026

As August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone returns to Broadway, buy merch from the star-studded production! Be the first to buy merchandise from the show, including a beanie, music scarf, pin set, tote, mug, hoodie, and tee.
Dance Theatre of Harlem Will Perform HARLEM MOUSE/COUNTRY MOUSE at Lehman Center Photo
Dance Theatre of Harlem Will Perform HARLEM MOUSE/COUNTRY MOUSE at Lehman Center
by Stephi Wild - Apr 8, 2026

Dance Theatre of Harlem will present HARLEM MOUSE/COUNTRY MOUSE on May 17, 2026 at Lehman Center in the Bronx. The 90-minute story-ballet features Company Artists alongside 60+ DTH School students, with tickets starting at $20.
Video: Taraji P. Henson & Cedric 'The Entertainer' Are Getting Into Character for JOE Photo
Video: Taraji P. Henson & Cedric 'The Entertainer' Are Getting Into Character for JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Luka Vonier - Apr 3, 2026

In just a matter of weeks, August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone officially returns to Broadway when it opens at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on April 25. Watch in this video as the whole company chats more about what audiences can expect.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 2, 2026- MEXODUS and PRINCE F*GGOT Lead Lortel Nomin Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 2, 2026- MEXODUS and PRINCE F*GGOT Lead Lortel Nominations and More
by - Apr 2, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 2, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Joe Turner May Be Gone—But Debbie Allen Is Just Getting Started Photo
Joe Turner May Be Gone—But Debbie Allen Is Just Getting Started
by Luka Vonier - Apr 1, 2026

Joe Turner may be long gone, but Debbie Allen is very much back in the building. The stage and screen icon returns to Broadway this season at the helm of one of August Wilson's masterpieces, Joe Turner's Come and Gone. It's a play to which Debbie feels a special connection.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 1, 2026- JUST IN TIME Tops the Grosses and More Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 1, 2026- JUST IN TIME Tops the Grosses and More
by - Apr 1, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 1, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Inside the First Preview of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Photo
Photos: Inside the First Preview of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 31, 2026

August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone is now in previews at Barrymore Theatre, where it is now set to play through Sunday, July 26. Check out photos from inside the first preview performance here.
Video: JOE TURNER'S COME & GONE Takes First Bows on Broadway Photo
Video: JOE TURNER'S COME & GONE Takes First Bows on Broadway
by Michael Major - Mar 31, 2026

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” took their first bows on Broadway in August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone at the Barrymore Theatre. The Debbie Allen-directed production is now in previews. Watch the video!
Meet the Cast of THE BALUSTERS, Now Playing on Broadway! Photo
Meet the Cast of THE BALUSTERS, Now Playing on Broadway!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026

Performances are now underway for Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of The Balusters, a new play by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. Meet the cast of The Balusters here!
Photo: First Look at the Cast of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE; Production Extended Photo
Photo: First Look at the Cast of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE; Production Extended
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026

August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone has been extended for a second and final time. You can now get a first look at the cast in costume on the stage of the Barrymore Theatre.
Meet the Cast of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, Now Playing on Broadway! Photo
Meet the Cast of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, Now Playing on Broadway!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 30, 2026

Performances are now underway for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway! The show recently extended, and will now play through Sunday, July 19. Meet the cast here!
JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Launches Lottery and Rush Policies Photo
JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Launches Lottery and Rush Policies
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2026

The digital lottery, in-person rush, and in-person student rush policies have been announced for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Find out how to get discount tickets here!
Interview: Chloé Arnold of SYNCOPATED LADIES LIVE! at Ordway Center For The Performi Photo
Interview: Chloé Arnold of SYNCOPATED LADIES LIVE! at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
by Jared Fessler - Mar 26, 2026

With over 200 million views online and love from legends like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Whoopi Goldberg, the Syncopated Ladies have grown into way more than a dance group. They’ve created their own lane—bringing tap into today’s culture in a way that feels fresh, bold, and impossible to ignore.
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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 following awards: Best Revival (Olivier Awards) for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof; Outstanding Choreography, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Brothers of the Knight; and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for West Side Story.

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