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Debbie Allen

Celebrity

Debbie Allen: Biography

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Birth Name: Deborrah Kaye Allen
Birth Place: Houston, TX
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 01/16/1950, Capricorn
Profession: Dancer; director; actor

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Debbie Allen Fast Facts:

In 1964 became the first black dancer to gain entry to the Houston Foundation for Ballet.
Made her Broadway debut in 1971 as a member of the chorus in Purlie.
Became a principal dancer and assistant to George Faison, the founder of the Universal Dance Experience, in 1972.
Was featured in both film versions (1980 and 2009) and the TV version of Fame.
Authored two children's books: Dancing in the Wings and Brothers of the Knight.
Founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, a nonprofit dance studio located in Los Angeles.
Made her theatrical directorial debut in March 2008 with the Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, which featured an all-black cast.

Debbie Allen Relationships:
Norm Nixon - Husband
Norman Nixon Jr. - Son
Vivian Nichole Nixon - Daughter
Win Wilford - Ex-husband
Andrew Allen - Father
Vivian Ayers Allen - Mother
Phylicia Rashad - Sister
Andrew Allen Jr. - Brother
Hugh Allen - Brother
Debbie Allen Awards:
1984 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
1985 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
1989 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Nominee
1990 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Nominee
1984 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
1986 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
1982 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
1983 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
1984 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
1985 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
1980 Tony: Actress (Featured Role--Musical) - Nominee
1989 Emmy: Outstanding Directing in a Variety or Music Program - Nominee
1983 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Winner
1991 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Winner
1992 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography - Nominee
1993 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography - Nominee
1986 Tony: Actress (Musical) - Nominee
1995 Emmy: Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography - Nominee
1999 Emmy: Outstanding Choreography - Nominee
1985 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Nominee
1985 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics - Nominee
1984 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Nominee
1983 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Winner
1982 Emmy: Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Winner
College:
Howard University, Washington, DC (BFA, 1971)