To the Top

Debbie Allen faced so much criticism that she decided to focus more on her studies than dancing. With that she joined the honor roll program and went to graduate from Howard University with cum laud and a degree in drama.

Later on, Debbie Allen started her path to stardom by landing several roles on Broadway, which led to TV appearances and commercials. In 1971, Allen became a chorus member in the musical “Purlie”. The following year Allen followed George Falson, to the Universal Dance Experience, and became his principal dancer and assistant. In 1993, Allen returned to Broadway and played the role of Beneatha Younger in “Raisin”. In 1980, Allen began receiving recognition after her performance as Anita in the Broadway production “ West Side Story”. The next year Allen made her movie debut in the film “Ragtime” and then ended up in the spotlight after her performance and choreography in the hit film “Fame”.

The film, “Fame”, then turned into a series which earned her recognition by international audiences. Allen continued to make appearances in the following series and films: WomanofSanQuentin,JojoDancer,YourLifeisCalling, SweetCharity,and many more. In 1988, Allen went on to begin her directing and producing career when she first directed “A Different World”. Debbie Allen became more than a triple threat. Debbie Allen all in all is an actress, dancer, choreographer, producer, director, and singer-songwriter.