Debbie Allen Lydia Grant in Fame
Birth name: Deborrah Kaye Allen Biography for Debbie AllenShe graduated from Howard University and used her experiences from attending an historically Black College to inform her production and direction of the TV show "A Different World" (1987). She, her sister Phylicia Rashad, brother Tex and their mother spent over a year in Mexico when they were young. Her mother made the decision to go there to give her children a brief experience of not having to endure the chronic racism and segregation that was typical of Texas during Debbie's childhood. As a result of this experience, Debbie and her sister Phylicia are fluent in Spanish. Although her parents divorced, Debbie remained extremely close to her father, Arthur Allen, until his death. She and her sister had a production company called "D.A.D." which stood for "Doctor Allen's Daughters". Her Pulitzer-nominated poet mother is, however, the artistic and free spirit that has influenced and encouraged the remarkable creativity that so marks Allen as a performer. Her daughter, Vivian, was named for Debbie's mother, Vivian Ayers-Allen.
She has many talents since she is an actress, director, producer, and composer.
She spent part of her childhood in Mexico City with her brother, sister and mother. She graduated from Howard University.
She is a woman with overflowing activity that we can discover regularly on the small and on the big screen. Her most prestigious appearance, remains that of West Side Story, in which she knew once again, highlighting her dancer talents ...
Debbie Allen is an American actress, choreographer, director and producer known for her role as Lydia Grant in the Fame television series and for her performances in Broadway musicals like Sweet Charity and West Side Story. She is also a renowned choreographer and has won an Emmy Award for her choreographies in the Fame series. Born in 1950 in Houston, Texas, Debbie Allen grew up in a family of artists and followed dance and theater studies before starting her career in the world of entertainment. She was one of the first African-American actresses to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in Fame and continued to play in television series and films over the years. In addition to her acting career, Debbie Allen is also very involved in charitable and mentoring works for young artists. It is recognized for its talent and its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Filmography
TriviaHer husband, Norman Nixon, is a former NBA player with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
Received an Honorary doctorate from The North Carolina School of the Arts, the same institution that denied her admittance to its dance department when she was sixteen years old; she was told then that she had the wrong type of body for dance.
Has an Honorary doctorate from her alma mater Howard University.
Won 1992 & 1995 Essence Awards.
Won the first Lena Horne Award for Career Achievement at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.
Has twice been nominated for Tony Awards: in 1980, as Best Actress (Featured Role -Musical) for a revival of "West Side Story," and in 1986, as Best Actress (Musical) for playing the title character in a revival of Bob Fosse's "Sweet Charity."
Received a Drama Desk Award in 1979.
She has two honorary doctorates, one from the North Carolina School of the Arts and one from her alma mater Howard University.
Her most notable role to date, that of "Lydia Grant" on the TV Series "Fame" (1982), earned her three Emmy Nominations and one Golden Globe.
Founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Institute
Choreographed five Academy Award shows
Her father passed away ten days after he accompanied her to the Emmy Awards Ceremony in which she won for Best Choreography for "Fame" (1982).
Authored children's books entitled, "Brothers of the Knight" and "Dancing in the Wings".
Children with Norman Nixon: Vivian (b. 1984) and Norm Jr (b. 1987). Adopted Stepson, Devaughn
She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. FamilySpouse : Norman Nixon (27 April 1984 - present) 2 children, Win Wilford (1975 - 1983) (divorced)
Sister of Phylicia Rashad.
Ex-sister-in-law of Victor Willis and Ahmad Rashad. Author of the card
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