GROWING BOLDER WITH
Debbie Allen 71 Jackie Carlin
When Debbie Allen was 12, she was denied admission to the Houston Ballet Academy because of the color of her skin. Several years later, her application to a major university dance academy was rejected because her body was “unsuited” for ballet—a comment commonly used in years past to discourage Black dancers. Fast forward six decades. Allen is a legendary choreographer, actress, director, producer and one of the most powerful executives in Hollywood. Her many awards include three Emmys, a Golden Globe, 10 Image Awards, the prestigious Olivier Theater Award; and most recently, she was named a 2020 Kennedy Center Honoree, the nation’s highest artistic award. Allen’s big break came in 1982 with the TV show “Fame,” in which she was both a star and choreographer. She has appeared in TV shows ranging from “The Love Boat” to “A Different World,” a show she also directed. She also has directed or produced “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Scandal,” and countless others. Since 2011, she’s had a recurring role on “Grey’s Anatomy,” where she also serves as Executive Producing Director. Despite her remarkable success, nothing has come easy for Allen. She has had to overcome the sexism and
racism prevalent in her industry. Now, Allen is also encountering ageism. “I respond to challenge with passion, persistence and energy,” she told Growing Bolder. “I’ve been told many times that my energy level is off the charts, which I think diminishes any negative perception that one might have about working with a 71-year-old actor, director, choreographer or producer.” Allen says she takes care of herself physically and makes it a point to be around people with positive attitudes. Allen doesn’t think about the future and won’t venture an opinion about what she’ll be doing in her 80s or 90s. “It’s all about the here and now,” she said. “That’s where I live and that’s what I focus on. I have no intention of slowing down and resting on my laurels, because there’s so much more to do.” With a legendary career that has spanned four decades, Allen is still going strong. “To make things happen, you must believe in yourself; and you must continue working to expand your talent and your technique, because just when you think you’re there, you’re not. There’s always something else you can learn. I’m still a student, and that’s what makes a difference.”
Rodin Eckenroth / Stringer via Getty Images
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