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Deborrah Kaye “Debbie” Allen (born January 16, 1950) is an American actress, choreographer, television director, television producer, and a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.^[1][2] Her acting work includes the role of Lydia Grant in the 1982 TV series Fame. She is the sister of Phylicia Rashād.

Life and career

Early years

Allen was born in Houston, Texas, the youngest of four children to orthodontist Andrew Arthur Allen Sr. (a Louisiana Creole who died in 1984), and African American Vivian (née Ayers) Allen, a poet (Spice of Dawns and other books) and museum art director.^[3]

She went on to earn a B.A. degree in classical Greek literature, speech, and theater from Howard University. She holds honoris causa Doctors from Howard and the North Carolina School for the Arts. She currently teaches young dancers. She also taught choreography to former L.A. Laker dancer-turned-singer, Paula Abdul. Her daughter, Vivian Nixon, played Kalimba in the Broadway production of Hot Feet. She graduated from Jack Yates Senior high school.

Career

Debbie Allen made her Broadway debut in the chorus of Purlie. Ms. Allen also created the role of Beneatha in the Tony Award-winning musical Raisin. She first began receiving critical attention in 1980 for her appearance in the role of Anita in the Broadway revival of West Side Story which earned her a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award, she would receive a second Tony Award nomination in 1986 for her performance in the title role of Bob Fosse ‘s Sweet Charity. One of her earlier television appearances was in the TV sitcom Good Times in a memorable 2-part episode titled "J.J's Fiancee'." Allen portrayed J.J's drug-addicted fiancee, Diana.

Allen was first introduced as Lydia Grant in the 1980 film Fame. Although her role in the film was relatively small, Lydia would become a central figure in the television adaptation, which ran from 1982 to 1987. During the opening montage of each episode, Ms. Grant told her students: "You've got big dreams? You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying ... in sweat." Allen was also lead choreographer for the film and television series, winning two Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe Award. She then spun-off the Fame franchise into a reality show in 2003 but it was met only with limited success. She played the school principal in the 2009 adaptation of the film.

In an article from the Museum of Broadcast Communications, the Hollywood Reporter commented on Debbie Allen's impact as the producer-director of the television series, A Different World. The show dealt with the life of students at the fictional historically black college, Hillman, and ran for six seasons on NBC.^[4]

Debbie Allen was also selected to debut in the critically acclaimed Roots by Alex Haley where she plays the wife of Alex Haley in this film.

In 2008 she directed the all-African-American Broadway production of Tennessee Williams' Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, starring stage veterans James Earl Jones (Big Daddy), her sister Phylicia Rashād (Big Mama) and Anika Noni Rose (Maggie, the Cat), as well as film actor Terrence Howard, who made his Broadway debut as Brick. The production, with some roles recast, had a limited run (2009-April 2010) in London.^[5]

She also appears on So You Think You Can Dance as a judge.

She is the only actress to have appeared in all three incarnations of Fame, playing Lydia Grant in both the 1980 film and 1982 television series and playing the school principal Angela in the 2009 remake.

Allen also released two solo albums, 1986's Sweet Charity and 1989's Special Look which also had several singles off the album.

In 2001, Allen fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, California. Allen’s academy offers a comprehensive curriculum for boys and girls ages four to eighteen in all the major dance techniques including Classical Ballet, Modern, African, jazz, and Hip-Hop. In addition special workshops are held for concentration in the Peking Opera, Martial Arts dance techniques, Flamenco, Salsa, and Tap.

Debbie Allen became Dr. Allen when she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the North Carolina School of the Arts, as well as from her Alma Mater, Howard University.

Awards and honors

In 2001, Allen was appointed by President George W. Bush as a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.^[6]

For contributions to the television industry, Debbie Allen was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.^[7]

Allen was presented with the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement, at the 1992 UCLA Spring Sing.^[8]

A Culture Connect Ambassador, Ms Allen represented the U.S. in visits to Brazil, China, Italy, and India.

A Board Member of the American Film Institute.

Golden Globe for her role as “Lydia Grant” in the hit series Fame

Three-time Emmy Award winner for Choreography for the series Fame and The Motown 5th Anniversary Special.

10 Image Awards as a director, actress, choreographer and producer for Fame, A Different World, Motown 25, The Academy Awards, The Debbie Allen Special and Amistad.

Personal life

Allen is married to former NBA player Norm Nixon,^[9] and they are the parents of dancer Vivian Nichole Nixon, and basketball player Norman Ellard Nixon Jr. (Wofford College & Southern University). Allen was previously married to Win Wilford from 1975 to 1983.^[10][11][12]

She is the sister of actress Phylicia Rashād, and Tex Allen (Andrew Arthur Allen Jr, born 1945), noted jazz composer.^[3]

Work

See also

• The Kids from "Fame"

References

External links

• Debbie Allen at the Internet Broadway Database
• Debbie Allen at the Internet Movie Database
• Debbie Allen at Allmovie

• Museum of Broadcast Communications
• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof All African-American production website