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Debbie Allen

Deborah Kaye Allen was born in Houston, Texas, to African-American parents, Vivian Elizabeth (Ayers), a poet and art director, and Andrew Arthur Allen, an orthodontist. As a child, Debbie, her older brother, Andrew (called Tex), and her older sister, actress Phylicia Rashad, lived in Mexico to escape US racism. Their mother decided to live there to give the Allen children a brief experience of not having to endure the chronic racism and segregation that was typical of Texas during the 1950s. Deb

English

Grey's Anatomy

2005
as Catherine Avery

Fame

1982
as Lydia Grant

In the House

1995
as Jackie Warren

Director

Episode A Different World
Liza Who-Little
1991
Episode A Different World
Don't Count Your Chickens Before They're Axed
1992
Episode A Different World
Great Expectations
1989
Episode A Different World
Perhaps Love
1990
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story
2017
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates the BFD
2008
Episode Between Brothers
The Big Three-Oh
1997
Episode A Different World
If I Should Die Before I Wake
1991
Episode Jane the Virgin
Chapter Twenty
2015
Episode Empire (2015)
Who I Am
2015
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Ex-Cons
2008
Episode A Different World
Risky Business
1989
Episode A Different World
A Campfire Story
1990
Episode Grey's Anatomy
With a Wonder and a Wild Desire
2018
Episode A Different World
I'm Dreaming of a Wayne Christmas
1990
Episode A Different World
When One Door Closes... (2)
1993
Episode The Sinbad Show
David's Van
1993
Episode The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
Robyn
2022
Episode A Different World
The Little Mister
1992
Episode A Different World
Everything Must Change
1990
Episode All of Us
Police...Open Up
2006
Episode Girlfriends
Deck the Halls With Bags and Folly
2007
Episode A Different World
Two Gentlemen of Hillman
1988
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Silent All These Years
2019
Episode All of Us
Playdate
2004
Episode A Different World
To Tell the Truth (1)
1991
Episode Girlfriends
Adapt to Adopt
2008
Episode Grey's Anatomy
This One's for the Girls
2024
Episode Fame
The Crimson Blade
1987
Episode All of Us
Pretty Woman
2006
Episode A Different World
Answered Prayers
1989
Episode Witches of East End
Boogie Knight
2014
Episode Grey's Anatomy
The Room Where It Happens
2016
Episode A Different World
Ms. Understanding
1991
Episode The Sinbad Show
I Coulda Been the Man
1993
Episode A Different World
There's No Place Like Home
1989
Episode A Different World
How Bittersweet It Is
1990
Episode All of Us
It Takes Three to Tango
2004
Episode A Different World
Do You Take This Woman? (2)
1991
Episode Family Ties
The Play's the Thing
1988
Episode Between Brothers
The List
1997
Episode That's So Raven
The Four Aces
2006
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Malvo
2006
Episode A Different World
Save the Best for Last (1)
1992
Episode A Different World
Hillman Isn't Through with You Yet
1990
Episode Insecure
Guilty as F**k
2016
Episode All of Us
Reunited and It Doesn't Feel That Good
2004
Episode A Different World
Some Enchanted Late Afternoon
1988
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Walking Tall
2015
Episode Scandal (2012)
Flesh and Blood
2014
Episode Family Ties
Higher Love
1987
Episode All of Us
Return of the Mack
2004
Episode A Different World
For Whom the Jingle Bell Tolls
1989
Episode Jane the Virgin
Chapter Four
2014
Episode A Different World
Blues for Nobody's Child
1990
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Put Me In, Coach
2011
Episode A Different World
Save the Best for Last (2)
1992
Episode Girlfriends
Stand and Deliver
2008
Episode All of Us
The Kiss Off
2004
Episode All of Us
Crime and Maybe Some Punishment
2006
Episode The Client List
Heaven's Just a Sin Away
2013
Episode A Different World
Dream Lover
1988
Episode A Different World
Breaking Up is Hard to Do
1989
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
2015
Episode All of Us
Everybody Loves Rain Man
2006
Episode A Different World
Faith, Hope and Charity (1)
1992
Episode A Different World
We've Only Just Begun
1991
Episode The Sinbad Show
It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To
1993
Episode A Different World
The Heat is On
1989
Episode All of Us
Basket Cases
2004
Episode A Different World
21 Candles
1990
Episode A Different World
Three Girls Three
1988
Episode A Different World
Under One Roof
1990
Episode All of Us
Parents Just Don't Understand
2004
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Here Comes the Sun (2)
2021
Episode A Different World
The Dwayne Mutiny
1991
Episode The Twilight Zone (2002)
The Monsters Are On Maple Street
2003
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Fake IDs
2009
Episode The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince Project
1990
Episode Grey's Anatomy
I'll Follow the Sun
2023
Episode A Different World
The Hat Makes the Man
1989
Episode A Different World
Honeymoon in L.A. (1)
1992
Episode A Different World
Faith, Hope and Charity (2)
1992
Episode The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Bang the Drum, Ashley
1990
Episode All of Us
The Return of Mars Blackmon
2004
Episode A Different World
Ex-Communication (a.k.a. Fiancée What?)
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Today Was a Fairytale
2021
Episode A Different World
Home is Where the Fire Is
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Jump into the Fog
2019
Episode A Different World
If You Like Pilgrim Coladas
1988
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Lasagna
2009
Episode A Different World
Original Teacher
1992
Episode A Different World
Whitley's Last Supper
1990
Episode A Different World
It's Showtime at Hillman
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
It's All Too Much
2021
Episode Fame
Lisa's Song
1984
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Nothing Left to Cling To
2019
Episode A Different World
For She's Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage
1989
Episode Girlfriends
Range of Emotions
2007
Episode That's So Raven
Boyz 'N Commotion
2005
Episode A Different World
To Have and Have Not
1989
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Happily Ever After?
2023
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Everything Has Changed
2022
Episode A Different World
College Kid
1993
Episode Grey's Anatomy
You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side
2016
Episode A Different World
A Stepping Stone
1988
Episode A Different World
Honeymoon in L.A. (2)
1992
Episode All of Us
Liar, Liar
2005
Episode A Different World
The Power of the Pen
1990
Episode A Different World
Almost Working Girl
1991
Episode The Sinbad Show
Keep The Faith
1994
Episode All of Us
It Was Fun While It Lasted
2007
Episode Girlfriends
Baghdad, My Bad
2007
Episode A Different World
The Goodwill Games
1990
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Tasha
2009
Episode A Different World
White Christmas
1992
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Disarm
2011
Episode Hellcats
Land of 1,000 Dances
2011
Episode The Sinbad Show
The Dog Episode
1994
Episode A Different World
Forever Hold Your Peace
1989
Episode All of Us
Not So Wonderful News
2005
Episode Grey's Anatomy
If Walls Could Talk
2024
Episode A Different World
It's Greek to Me
1989
Episode Scandal (2012)
Where's the Black Lady?
2015
Episode A Different World
Life with Father
1988
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Superstition
2006
Episode A Different World
Tales from the Exam Zone
1990
Episode The Sinbad Show
David Goes Skiing
1994
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Look Up Child
2021
Episode Girlfriends
Where Did Lynn-digo?
2007
Episode A Different World
To Whit, with Love
1993
Episode That's So Raven
A Goat's Tale
2004
Episode Grey's Anatomy
The Center Won't Hold
2020
Episode All of Us
Boxing
2004
Episode All of Us
Handle Your Business
2005
Episode A Different World
In the Eye of the Storm
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
All Tomorrow's Parties
2020
Episode A Different World
All's Fair
1988
Episode Step Up
Solo
2018
Episode All of Us
Sins of the Father
2007
Episode A Different World
The Thing About Women
1989
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Family Affair
2016
Episode How to Get Away with Murder
He Has a Wife
2014
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Ring of Fire
2017
Episode Fame
Of Cabbages and Kings
1987
Episode Grey's Anatomy
I'll Cover You
2022
Episode Quantum Leap
Revenge of the Evil Leaper
1993
Episode All of Us
She Blinded Me With Science
2007
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Not Responsible
2011
Episode All of Us
Jonny Come Lately (1)
2004
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Break Down the House
2017
Episode A Different World
Getaway (1)
1990
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Driving
2007
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Burn It Down
2024
Episode A Different World
Delusions of Daddyhood
1989
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Undo
2016
Episode All of Us
So I Creep
2005
Episode All of Us
The Wedding Singers
2007
Episode A Different World
Take This Job and Love It
1989
Episode The Jamie Foxx Show
Soul Mate to Cellmate
1998
Episode A Different World
Success, Lies and Videotape
1990
Episode A Different World
Rule Number One
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Girlfriend in a Coma
2019
Episode All of Us
Jonny Come Lately (2)
2004
Episode All of Us
Movin' On Up
2005
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Bed-Stuy
2007
Episode A Different World
Radio Free Hillman
1989
Episode Grey's Anatomy
The Makings of You
2022
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Somebody That I Used to Know
2013
Episode A Different World
Interior Desecration (a.k.a. Sofa, So Good)
1992
Episode Scandal (2012)
I'm Just a Bill
2015
Episode A Different World
Kiss You Back (1)
1992
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Where Do We Go from Here?
2015
Episode The Sinbad Show
My Daughter's Keeper
1993
Episode Grey's Anatomy
My Shot
2019
Episode The Bronx Zoo
Lost and Found
1987
Episode A Different World
No Means No
1989
Episode Quantum Leap
Private Dancer
1991
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Minimum Wage
2007
Episode A Different World
Happy Birthday to Moi
1993
Episode Hellcats
Pledging My Love
2010
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Never Felt So Alone
2024
Episode Grey's Anatomy
She Used to Be Mine
2024
Episode The Parkers
The Good, the Bad and the Funny
2003
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Leave a Light On
2020
Episode A Different World
A World Alike
1990
Episode All of Us
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
2004
Episode All of Us
Passing The Test
2005
Episode A Different World
Dr. War is Hell
1988
Episode Fame
Baby Remember My Name
1987
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Walk on the Ocean
2024
Episode Grey's Anatomy
All of Me
2018
Episode All of Us
A Family Affair
2004
Episode A Different World
Getaway (2)
1990
Episode A Different World
Baby, I'm a Star
1991
Episode That's So Raven
The Road to Audition
2004
Episode All of Us
Baby Got (Flash) Back
2005
Episode A Different World
Mind Your Own Business
1993
Episode Grey's Anatomy
You Are the Blood
2022
Episode A Different World
Wedding Bells from Hell
1989
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Bad Boys
2008
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Sympathy for the Parents
2010
Episode All of Us
Hollywood Swinging
2005
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates the First Kiss
2008
Episode The Game
Oh, What a Night
2008
Episode A Different World
It Happened One Night
1989
Episode That's So Raven
Be Prepared
2006
Episode A Different World
Citizen Wayne
1989
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Love the One You're With
2012
Episode The Jamie Foxx Show
Misery Loves Company
1997
Episode A Different World
A Word in Edgewise
1991
Episode All of Us
Wedding Dance
2004

Guest Star

Episode The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Molly Shannon, Debbie Allen
1999
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Why Try to Change Me Now
2016
Episode Grey's Anatomy
With a Little Help From My Friends
2021
Episode Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Elections
2006
Episode Grey's Anatomy
I'll Cover You
2022
Episode Grey's Anatomy
With a Wonder and a Wild Desire
2018
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Jack
2019
Episode Grey's Anatomy
It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
2016
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Roar
2016
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Rocket Fuel
2019
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Anybody Have a Map?
2018
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Love, Loss, and Legacy
2011
Episode Grey's Anatomy
I Wear the Face
2016
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Seal Our Fate
2013
Episode Battle of the Network Stars
Battle of the Network Stars XII
1982
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Day of Dread
2019
Episode The Cosby Show
If the Dress Fits, Wear It
1988
Episode Touched by an Angel
Sins of the Father
1996
Episode A Different World
Twelve Steps of Christmas
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Living in a House Divided
2022
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Back Where You Belong
2017
Episode A Different World
Honeymoon in L.A. (1)
1992
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Fire in the Sky
2019
Episode Grey's Anatomy
I Want You with Me
2013
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Never Again
2018
Episode Cardi Tries
Cardi Tries Ballet
2020
Episode A Different World
Ex-Communication (a.k.a. Fiancée What?)
1991
Episode Battle of the Network Stars
Battle of the Network Stars XIII
1982
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Invisible
2019
Episode The Talk
Debbie Allen
2015
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Unbreak My Heart
2016
Episode The Division
Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered
2003
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Put the Squeeze on Me
2022
Episode The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson
Jay Leno (guest host), Marilu Henner, Debbie Allen, Paul Provenza, Wilson Phillips
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Beautiful Dreamer
2018
Episode Grey's Anatomy
At Last
2016
Episode Great Performances
Spike & Co.: Do It Acapella
1990
Episode E! True Hollywood Story
Bob Fosse
1999
Episode Grey's Anatomy
This Is Why We Fight
2013
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Trigger Creep
2019
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Should I Stay or Should I Go
2022
Episode Good Times
J.J.'s Fiancee (1)
1976
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Los Huesos
2019
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Undo
2016
Episode Grey's Anatomy
Stronger Than Hate
2022
Episode The Sinbad Show
The Telethon
1994
Episode Good Times
J.J.'s Fiancee (2)
1976
Episode Cosby
Dating Games
1997
Episode Quantum Leap
Private Dancer
1991
Episode Grey's Anatomy
You Are the Blood
2022
Episode S.W.A.T. (2017)
Genesis
2023
Episode The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson
Jay Leno (guest host), Michael Moriarty, Debbie Allen, Chuck Martin, Kenny Rankin, Dan Siegel
1991
Episode The Dick Cavett Show
Lee Theodore, Buzz Miller, Debbie Allen, Hector Mercado
1980
Episode Grey's Anatomy
All of Me
2018
Episode Grey's Anatomy
When It Hurts So Bad
2016