Biography
Debbie Allen is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, director and producer. Born Deborah Kaye Allen on 16 January 1950 in Houston, Texas, she graduated from Howard University with a degree in drama. She began her career on Broadway and gained prominence as Lydia Grant in the film and television series Fame (1980 and 1982–87).
Allen has directed numerous television series, including episodes of Grey's Anatomy (from 2010), A Different World (1988–93 and a 2026 reboot episode) and Insecure (2016). She has also acted in recurring roles such as Dr Catherine Avery on Grey's Anatomy (from 2011) and served as an executive producer on that series. She is the younger sister of actress Phylicia Rashad.
