Debbie Allen

Deborah Kaye Allen (born January 16, 1950) is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, singer, director, producer, and a former member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. She has been nominated for 22 Emmy Awards (winning five), and two Tony Awards. She has won a Golden Globe Award, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991. In 2025, she received an Academy Honorary Award. Allen is best known for her work in the musical-drama television series Fame (1982–1987), where she portrayed dance teacher Lydia Grant, and served as the series' principal choreographer. For this role in 1983, she received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy and two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography and also received four nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Allen later began working as director and producer, most notably producing and directing 83 of 144 episodes of the NBC comedy series A Different World (1988–1993). She returned to acting, playing the leading role in the NBC sitcom In the House from 1995 to 1996, and in 2011, began playing Dr. Catherine Avery in the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy also serving as an executive producer/director. She has directed more than 50 television and film productions. In 2001, Allen opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, where she currently teaches young dancers. She also taught choreography to former Los Angeles Lakers dancer-turned-singer, Paula Abdul. She is the younger sister of actress/director/singer Phylicia Rashad.

Infobox

Born

Deborah Kaye Allen (1950-01-16) January 16, 1950 (age 75)Houston, Texas, U.S.

Education

Howard University (BA)

Occupation(s)

Actress, dancer, choreographer, singer, television director, television producer

Years active

1969–present

Spouses

mw- Win Wilford (m. 1975; div. 1983) Norm Nixon (m. 1984)

Children

3, including Vivian Nixon

Relatives

Phylicia Rashad (sister) Condola Rashad (niece)

Website

Debbie Allen Dance AcademyDebbie Allen Twitter

Occupations

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Tables

· Filmography › Film

1979

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh

Role(s)

Ola

1980

Fame

Role(s)

Lydia Grant

1981

Ragtime

Role(s)

Sarah

1986

Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling

Role(s)

Michelle

1994

Blank Check

Role(s)

Yvonne

1995

Out-of-Sync

Role(s)

Manicurist

Notes

Director and producer

1997

Amistad

Notes

ProducerProducers Guild of America Visionary Award – Theatrical Motion PicturesNominated—Producers Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion PictureNominated—Satellite Award for Best Motion Picture, Drama

2000

Everything's Jake

Role(s)

Librarian

2001

All About You

Role(s)

Ruth

The Painting

Role(s)

Bertha Lee Gilmore

Notes

Executive producer

2005

Confessions of an Action Star

Role(s)

Herself / Deity

2007

Tournament of Dreams

Role(s)

Rhonda Dillins

2009

Next Day Air

Role(s)

Ms. Jackson

Fame

Role(s)

Principal Angela Simms

2013

A Star for Rose

Role(s)

Rose

Notes

Producer

2020

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Role(s)

Herself

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1979	The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh	Ola
1980	Fame	Lydia Grant
1981	Ragtime	Sarah
1986	Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling	Michelle
1994	Blank Check	Yvonne
1995	Out-of-Sync	Manicurist	Director and producer
1997	Amistad		ProducerProducers Guild of America Visionary Award – Theatrical Motion PicturesNominated—Producers Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion PictureNominated—Satellite Award for Best Motion Picture, Drama
2000	Everything's Jake	Librarian
2001	All About You	Ruth
2001	The Painting	Bertha Lee Gilmore	Executive producer
2005	Confessions of an Action Star	Herself / Deity
2007	Tournament of Dreams	Rhonda Dillins
2009	Next Day Air	Ms. Jackson
2009	Fame	Principal Angela Simms
2013	A Star for Rose	Rose	Producer
2020	Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker	Herself

· Filmography › Television

1976

Good Times

Role(s)

Diana Buchanan

Notes

Episodes: "J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 1 " and "J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 2"

1977

3 Girls 3

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

4 episodes

The Greatest Thing That Almost Happened

Role(s)

Julie Sutton

Notes

Television film

1979

Roots: The Next Generations

Role(s)

Nan Branch Haley

Notes

Episode: "Part VI (1939–1950)"

Ebony, Ivory & Jade

Role(s)

Claire 'Ebony' Bryant

Notes

Television film

1982

Alice at the Palace

Role(s)

Red Queen

Notes

Television film

1979–1983

Role(s)

The Love Boat

Notes

Selena Moore / Reesa Marlowe

1983

Women of San Quentin

Role(s)

Carol Freeman

Notes

Television film

Live... And in Person

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program

1984

Celebrity

Role(s)

Regina Brown

Notes

Miniseries

1985

Motown Returns to the Apollo

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics

1986

An All-Star Celebration Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program

1987

Square One Television

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

Season 1 Episode 10

1982–1987

Role(s)

Fame

Notes

Lydia Grant

1988

The Cosby Show

Role(s)

Emma

Notes

Episode: "If the Dress Fits, Wear It"

1991

Quantum Leap

Role(s)

Joanna Chapman

Notes

Episode: "Private Dancer - October 6, 1979"

Motown 30: What's Goin' On!

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

Sunday in Paris

Role(s)

Sunday Chase

Notes

Unsold TV pilot, also executive producer

1992

64th Academy Awards

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

Stompin' at the Savoy

Role(s)

Estelle

Notes

Television film, also director

1988–1993

Role(s)

A Different World

Notes

Dr. Langhorne/Herself

1993

65th Academy Awards

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

1995

67th Academy Awards

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Choreography in Film or TelevisionNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

1995–1996

Role(s)

In the House

Notes

Jackie Warren

1996

Touched by an Angel

Role(s)

Valerie Hill

Notes

Episode: "Sins of the Father"

1997

Happily Ever After Fairy Tales for every child

Role(s)

Ladybug

1999

71st Academy Awards

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

Michael Jordan: An American Hero

Role(s)

Deloris Jordan

Notes

Television film

2001

The Old Settler

Role(s)

Quilly

Notes

Television film, also executive producer

2003

The Division

Role(s)

Wanda

Notes

Episode: "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered"

2004

All of Us

Role(s)

Kate

Notes

Episode: "Parents Just Don't Understand"

2007–2014

Role(s)

So You Think You Can Dance

Notes

Herself - Guest Judge

2011

Grace

Role(s)

Helen Grace

Notes

Unsold TV pilot, also executive producer

2011–present

Role(s)

Grey's Anatomy

Notes

Dr. Catherine Avery Fox

2013

Let's Stay Together

Role(s)

Cougar

Notes

Episode: "Kita's Got a Gun"

2016

Dance Moms

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

Episodes: "Abby's Replaceable" and "Debbie Allen to the Rescue"

Jane the Virgin

Role(s)

Beverly Flores

Notes

Episode: "Chapter Forty-Three"

2018

Raven's Home

Role(s)

Aunt Maureen

Notes

Episode: "Switch or Treat"

2018–2025

Role(s)

S.W.A.T.

Notes

Charice Harrelson

2020

Grace and Frankie

Role(s)

Dorothy

Notes

Episode: "The Short Rib"

2022–2023

Role(s)

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder

Notes

Myrtie (voice)

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1976	Good Times	Diana Buchanan	Episodes: "J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 1 " and "J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 2"
1977	3 Girls 3	Herself	4 episodes
1977	The Greatest Thing That Almost Happened	Julie Sutton	Television film
1979	Roots: The Next Generations	Nan Branch Haley	Episode: "Part VI (1939–1950)"
1979	Ebony, Ivory & Jade	Claire 'Ebony' Bryant	Television film
1982	Alice at the Palace	Red Queen	Television film
1979–1983	The Love Boat	Selena Moore / Reesa Marlowe	3 episodes (1979 (S02,E22); 1983 (S06,E18-E19)
1983	Women of San Quentin	Carol Freeman	Television film
1983	Live... And in Person	Herself	TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program
1984	Celebrity	Regina Brown	Miniseries
1985	Motown Returns to the Apollo	Herself	TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics
1986	An All-Star Celebration Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.	Herself	TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program
1987	Square One Television	Herself	Season 1 Episode 10
1982–1987	Fame	Lydia Grant	Series regular, 136 episodes, also producerGolden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (1983)Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography (1982–1983)Golden Apple Award for Female Discovery of the Year (1982)NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama SeriesNominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (1984–1985)Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (1982–1985)Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography (1984–1985)
1988	The Cosby Show	Emma	Episode: "If the Dress Fits, Wear It"
1991	Quantum Leap	Joanna Chapman	Episode: "Private Dancer - October 6, 1979"
1991	Motown 30: What's Goin' On!	Herself	TV specialPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
1991	Sunday in Paris	Sunday Chase	Unsold TV pilot, also executive producer
1992	64th Academy Awards	Herself	TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
1992	Stompin' at the Savoy	Estelle	Television film, also director
1988–1993	A Different World	Dr. Langhorne/Herself	122 episodes, showrunner and producer
1993	65th Academy Awards	Herself	TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
1995	67th Academy Awards	Herself	TV specialNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Choreography in Film or TelevisionNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
1995–1996	In the House	Jackie Warren	Series regular, 26 episodes
1996	Touched by an Angel	Valerie Hill	Episode: "Sins of the Father"
1997	Happily Ever After Fairy Tales for every child	Ladybug		Debra	Episode: "Dating Games"
1999	71st Academy Awards	Herself	TV specialNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
1999	Michael Jordan: An American Hero	Deloris Jordan	Television film
2001	The Old Settler	Quilly	Television film, also executive producer
2003	The Division	Wanda	Episode: "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered"
2004	All of Us	Kate	Episode: "Parents Just Don't Understand"
2007–2014	So You Think You Can Dance	Herself - Guest Judge	21 episodes
2011	Grace	Helen Grace	Unsold TV pilot, also executive producer
2011–present	Grey's Anatomy	Dr. Catherine Avery Fox	Recurring role, also executive producerNominated—NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2014)
2013	Let's Stay Together	Cougar	Episode: "Kita's Got a Gun"
2016	Dance Moms	Herself	Episodes: "Abby's Replaceable" and "Debbie Allen to the Rescue"
2016	Jane the Virgin	Beverly Flores	Episode: "Chapter Forty-Three"
2018	Raven's Home	Aunt Maureen	Episode: "Switch or Treat"
2018–2025	S.W.A.T.	Charice Harrelson	Recurring role
2020	Grace and Frankie	Dorothy	Episode: "The Short Rib"
2022–2023	The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder	Myrtie (voice)	2 episodes

· Filmography › Director

1984

Janet Jackson: Dream Street

1984–1987

Role(s)

Fame

Notes

11 episodes

1987

The Bronx Zoo

Role(s)

Episode: "Lost and Found"

1987–1989

Role(s)

Family Ties

Notes

Episodes: "The Play's the Thing" and "Higher Love"

1989

The Debbie Allen Special

Role(s)

Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety SeriesNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

Polly

Role(s)

Television filmNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography

1990

Melba Moore: Lift Every Voice and Sing

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Role(s)

Episodes: "Bang the Drum, Ashley" and "The Fresh Prince Project"

Polly: Comin' Home!

Role(s)

Television film

1992

The Boys

Role(s)

Unsold TV pilot, also executive producer

Stompin' at the Savoy

Role(s)

Television film

1991–1993

Role(s)

Quantum Leap

Notes

Episodes: "Revenge of the Evil Leaper - September 16, 1987" and "Private Dancer - October 6, 1979"

1993

Sinbad: Afros and Bellbottoms

1988–1993

Role(s)

A Different World

Notes

83 episodes, producer in 122 episodes

1993–1994

Role(s)

The Sinbad Show

Notes

7 episodes

1997

Between Brothers

Role(s)

Episodes: "The List" and "The Big Three-Oh"

1997–1998

Role(s)

The Jamie Foxx Show

Notes

Episode: "Soul Mate to Cellmate" and "Misery Loves Company"

1998

Linc's

Role(s)

Episode: "March on Washington: Part 1"

Martin Luther King Special One Day

Role(s)

Television film, also executive producer

1999

Kirk Franklin: The Nu Nation Tour

2001

The Old Settler

Role(s)

Television film, also executive producer

2002

Cool Women

Role(s)

Nominated—Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Directing

2003

The Twilight Zone

Role(s)

Episode: "The Monsters Are on Maple Street"

The Parkers

Role(s)

Episode: "The Good, the Bad, and the Funny"

2004–2006

Role(s)

That's So Raven

Notes

5 episodes

2006

Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story

Role(s)

Television film

I Was a Network Star

Role(s)

Documentary film

2003–2007

Role(s)

All of Us

Notes

44 episodes

2005–2008

Role(s)

Girlfriends

Notes

9 episodes

2008

The Game

Role(s)

Episode: "Oh, What a Night"

2006–2009

Role(s)

Everybody Hates Chris

Notes

10 episodes

2010–2011

Role(s)

Hellcats

Notes

Episodes: "Land of 1,000 Dances" and "Pledging My Love"

2010–present

Role(s)

Grey's Anatomy

Notes

31 episodes Also executive producerNominated—NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

2013

The Client List

Role(s)

Episode: "Heaven's Just a Sin Away"

Army Wives

Role(s)

Episode: "Adjustment Period"

Let's Stay Together

Role(s)

3 episodes

2014

Witches of East End

Role(s)

Episode: "Boogie Knight"

How to Get Away with Murder

Role(s)

Episode: "He Has a Wife"

2015

Empire

Role(s)

Episode: "Who I Am"

2014–2015

Role(s)

Scandal

Notes

3 episodes

2014–2015

Role(s)

Jane the Virgin

Notes

Episodes: "Chapter Four" and "Chapter Twenty"

Survivor's Remorse

Role(s)

Episode: "Guts"

2016

Insecure

Role(s)

Episode: "Guilty as Fuck"

2018

Step Up: High Water

Role(s)

Episode: "Solo"

2020

Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square

Role(s)

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television MoviePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming

2021

The Ms. Pat Show

Role(s)

Episode: "Pilot: Duck"

Year	Title	Notes
1984	Janet Jackson: Dream Street
1984–1987	Fame	11 episodes
1987	The Bronx Zoo	Episode: "Lost and Found"
1987–1989	Family Ties	Episodes: "The Play's the Thing" and "Higher Love"
1989	The Debbie Allen Special	Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Variety SeriesNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
1989	Polly	Television filmNominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography
1990	Melba Moore: Lift Every Voice and Sing
1990	The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air	Episodes: "Bang the Drum, Ashley" and "The Fresh Prince Project"
1990	Polly: Comin' Home!	Television film
1992	The Boys	Unsold TV pilot, also executive producer
1992	Stompin' at the Savoy	Television film
1991–1993	Quantum Leap	Episodes: "Revenge of the Evil Leaper - September 16, 1987" and "Private Dancer - October 6, 1979"
1993	Sinbad: Afros and Bellbottoms
1988–1993	A Different World	83 episodes, producer in 122 episodes
1993–1994	The Sinbad Show	7 episodes
1997	Between Brothers	Episodes: "The List" and "The Big Three-Oh"
1997–1998	The Jamie Foxx Show	Episode: "Soul Mate to Cellmate" and "Misery Loves Company"
1998	Linc's	Episode: "March on Washington: Part 1"
1998	Martin Luther King Special One Day	Television film, also executive producer
1999	Kirk Franklin: The Nu Nation Tour
2001	The Old Settler	Television film, also executive producer
2002	Cool Women	Nominated—Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Directing
2003	The Twilight Zone	Episode: "The Monsters Are on Maple Street"
2003	The Parkers	Episode: "The Good, the Bad, and the Funny"
2004–2006	That's So Raven	5 episodes
2006	Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story	Television film
2006	I Was a Network Star	Documentary film
2003–2007	All of Us	44 episodes
2005–2008	Girlfriends	9 episodes
2008	The Game	Episode: "Oh, What a Night"
2006–2009	Everybody Hates Chris	10 episodes
2010–2011	Hellcats	Episodes: "Land of 1,000 Dances" and "Pledging My Love"
2010–present	Grey's Anatomy	31 episodes Also executive producerNominated—NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
2013	The Client List	Episode: "Heaven's Just a Sin Away"
2013	Army Wives	Episode: "Adjustment Period"
2013	Let's Stay Together	3 episodes
2014	Witches of East End	Episode: "Boogie Knight"
2014	How to Get Away with Murder	Episode: "He Has a Wife"
2015	Empire	Episode: "Who I Am"
2014–2015	Scandal	3 episodes
2014–2015	Jane the Virgin	Episodes: "Chapter Four" and "Chapter Twenty"
2015	Survivor's Remorse	Episode: "Guts"
2016	Insecure	Episode: "Guilty as Fuck"
2018	Step Up: High Water	Episode: "Solo"
2020	Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square	Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television MoviePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming
2021	The Ms. Pat Show	Episode: "Pilot: Duck"

· Awards and nominations › Academy Awards

2025

Academy Honorary Award

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

Honored

Year	Category	Nominated work	Result	Ref.
2025	Academy Honorary Award	Herself	Honored

· Awards and nominations › Drama Desk Awards

1980

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Role(s)

West Side Story

Notes

Won

1986

Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Role(s)

Sweet Charity

Notes

Nominated

Year	Category	Nominated work	Result	Ref.
1980	Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical	West Side Story	Won
1986	Outstanding Actress in a Musical	Sweet Charity	Nominated

· Awards and nominations › Emmy Awards

1982

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Role(s)

Fame

Notes

Nominated

Outstanding Achievement in Choreography

Role(s)

Won

1983

Won

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Role(s)

Nominated

1984

Nominated

Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program

Role(s)

Live...And In Person

Notes

Nominated

Outstanding Achievement in Choreography

Role(s)

Fame Takes a Look at Music '83

Notes

Nominated

1985

Fame

Role(s)

Nominated

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Role(s)

Nominated

Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics

Role(s)

Motown Returns to the Apollo

Notes

Nominated

1986

Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program

Role(s)

An All Star Celebration Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Notes

Nominated

1989

Outstanding Directing in a Variety or Music Program

Role(s)

The Debbie Allen Special

Notes

Nominated

Outstanding Achievement in Choreography

Role(s)

Nominated

1990

Polly The Magical World of Disney

Role(s)

Nominated

1991

Motown 30: What's Goin' On!

Role(s)

Won

1992

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography

Role(s)

The 64th Annual Academy Awards

Notes

Nominated

1993

The 65th Annual Academy Awards

Role(s)

Nominated

1995

The 67th Annual Academy Awards

Role(s)

Nominated

1999

Outstanding Choreography

Role(s)

The 71st Annual Academy Awards

Notes

Nominated

2001

Outstanding Special Class Directing

Role(s)

Cool Women

Notes

Nominated

2021

Outstanding Television Movie

Role(s)

Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square

Notes

Won

Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming

Role(s)

Won

Governors Award

Role(s)

Herself

Notes

Honored

2022

Hall of Fame

Role(s)

Inducted

Daytime Emmy Awards

Year	Category	Nominated work	Result	Ref.
Primetime Emmy Awards
1982	Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series	Fame	Nominated
1982	Outstanding Achievement in Choreography		Won
1983	Outstanding Achievement in Choreography		Won
1983	Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series		Nominated
1984	Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series		Nominated
	Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program	Live...And In Person	Nominated
	Outstanding Achievement in Choreography	Fame Takes a Look at Music '83	Nominated
1985	Outstanding Achievement in Choreography	Fame	Nominated
	Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series	Fame	Nominated
	Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics	Motown Returns to the Apollo	Nominated
1986	Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program	An All Star Celebration Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.	Nominated
1989	Outstanding Directing in a Variety or Music Program	The Debbie Allen Special	Nominated
1989	Outstanding Achievement in Choreography	The Debbie Allen Special	Nominated
1990		Polly The Magical World of Disney	Nominated
1991		Motown 30: What's Goin' On!	Won
1992	Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography	The 64th Annual Academy Awards	Nominated
1993		The 65th Annual Academy Awards	Nominated
1995		The 67th Annual Academy Awards	Nominated
1999	Outstanding Choreography	The 71st Annual Academy Awards	Nominated
2021	Outstanding Television Movie	Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square	Won
	Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming	Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square	Won
	Governors Award	Herself	Honored
2022	Hall of Fame	Herself	Inducted
Daytime Emmy Awards
2001	Outstanding Special Class Directing	Cool Women	Nominated

· Awards and nominations › Golden Globe Awards

1982

Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Role(s)

Fame

Notes

Won

1983

Nominated

1984

Nominated

Year	Category	Nominated work	Result	Ref.
1982	Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy	Fame	Won
1983			Nominated
1984			Nominated

· Awards and nominations › Tony Awards

1980

Best Featured Actress in a Musical

Role(s)

West Side Story

Notes

Nominated

1986

Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Role(s)

Sweet Charity

Notes

Nominated

Year	Category	Nominated work	Result	Ref.
1980	Best Featured Actress in a Musical	West Side Story	Nominated
1986	Best Leading Actress in a Musical	Sweet Charity	Nominated

References

"Current Members"
https://web.archive.org/web/20050116013127/http://www.pcah.gov/currentmembers.htm
"Debbie Allen, Culver City, California"
https://web.archive.org/web/20090117003910/http://www.pcah.gov/bios/debbie_allen.html
Television Academy
https://www.emmys.com/bios/debbie-allen
www.ibdb.com
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/debbie-allen-1014#Credits
www.goldenglobes.com
https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/debbie-allen
Variety
https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/tom-cruise-oscars-honorary-dolly-parton-1236433594/
"Debbie Allen To Serve As Executive Producer/Director On 'Grey's Anatomy'"
https://deadline.com/2015/05/debbie-allen-greys-anatomy-executive-producer-director-1201421336/
Los Angeles Wave
https://web.archive.org/web/20160907111414/http://wavenewspapers.com/black-history-profile-debbie-allen-born-to-dance/
Houston Chronicle
https://www.chron.com/life/article/Houston-born-actress-and-choreographer-Debbie-13535035.php
Lawrence, Muhammad. "One-woman dynamo". The Courier-Journal, September 12, 1999
"HB Studio - Notable Alumni | One of the Original Acting Studios in NYC"
https://hbstudio.org/about-hb-studio/alumni/
"1971 Bison Yearbook p 238"
https://hustorage.wrlc.org/disk1/ybkflip/dhu.hua.ybk_1971/mobile/
www.blackpast.org
http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/allen-debbie-1950
The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/29/arts/television-debbie-allen-chips-away-at-the-glass-ceiling.html
Biography
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BOTWC
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AllMusic
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Michael Billington (December 2, 2009) "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof" Archived December 1, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, The Gua
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/dolly-parton-is-releasing-a-brand-new-christmas-musical-this-december/ar-BB10O30N
Southern Living
https://www.southernliving.com/news/dolly-parton-new-christmas-movie-netflix-next-winter
"BASN's Hometown Hero"
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E! Online
https://www.eonline.com/news/1125221/naacp-image-awards-2020-winners-the-complete-list
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https://press.oscars.org/news/academy-honor-debbie-allen-tom-cruise-dolly-parton-and-wynn-thomas-2025-governors-awards
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https://www.dramadesk.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/1980-awards/
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https://www.dramadesk.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/1986-awards/
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https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/debbie-allen
"Debbie Allen"
https://goldenglobes.com/person/debbie-allen/
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https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/year/1980/category/any/show/any/
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https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/year/1986/category/any/show/any/
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Biography
https://www.biography.com/actor/debbie-allen
Award
https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/a/aa-an/debbie-allen/