Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen (born Deborrah Kaye Allen on January 16, 1950 in Houston, Texas) is an American actress, choreographer, film director, television producer and a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

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She earned a B.A. degree in classical Greek literature, speech, and theater from Howard University and holds honorary doctorates from both her alma mater and the North Carolina School for the Arts. She has starred in film and on broadway she earned two Tony Award nominations.

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Allen both choreographed and acted in the 1980 movie Fame and its follow-up 1982 television show of the same name for which she won two Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe Award. She then spun-off the Fame franchise into a reality show in 2003 but it met with only limited success .

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She has directed many television programs including the sitcom, A Different World, choreographed the Academy Award show for five consecutive years, and has developed and produced films as Amistad with Steven Spielberg.

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She teaches young dancers at her Debbie Allen Dance Academy. She also taught choreography to former L.A. Laker dancer-turned singer, Paula Abdul.

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

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Allen is also the sister of actress Phylicia Rashad, aka Phylicia Ayers-Allen, and is married to former NBA player Norm Nixon.

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January 16: January 16 is the 16th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 349 days remaining (350 in leap years)....

1950: 1950 was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar)....

Houston, Texas: Houston is the largest city within the state of Texas, fourth in the United States, and the second-largest economic area of the Gulf Coast region. The city is the county seat of Harris County, the third most populous county in the country. A portion of southwest Houston extends into F...

Debbie Allen related Images and Photos (experimental)

Allen Iverson	Allen Iverson	Allen Iverson	Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson	Allen Iverson	Lily Allen: Alright, Still	Lily Allen: Alright, Still
Lily Allen: Alright, Still	Kris Allen: Kris Allen CD	Rex Allen	Debbie's View