Debbie Allen is an example of how dreams can come true. Everyday work, perseverance in achieving their goals, led this wonderful woman to outstanding results. She has everything - the recognition of colleagues and viewers, successful social activities, loving husband and children.
Childhood and youth
Deborah Kay Allen was born in Houston in 1950, January 16th. Debbie's father, Andrew Arthur Allen, was a dentist by profession. Mother, Vivian Iris was a man of art and was engaged in poetry.
Debbie Allen is American by nationality, but African blood also flows in her veins. Allen has older brothers and sister Felicia, with whom they worked together in the popular sitcom Cosby Show. Debbie was part of the production team, and Felicia played the main role.
In 1957, Debbie's parents decided to divorce. Vivian was left alone with the children, but continued her education in the prescribed manner. Children had to do homework in order to become independent. And for the development of creative abilities, my mother came up with various tasks in the field of literature, music, and painting.
In 1960, the mother decided to take the children to Mexico, to show them by example that they constantly need to strive for something new. At the same time, Vivian in a foreign country had absolutely no acquaintances, and she did not know the language. The family lived in Mexico for 2 years and returned to their homeland. Now mother and children were fluent in Spanish.
With her father Debbie Allen maintained a warm relationship until his death.
Dancing
Allen from the age of 3 began to dance. At the age of 5, she began to attend dancer courses.
At age 12, the girl passed tests at a local ballet school and performed remarkably. At that time, racism was still flourishing in America, and it was refused because of the dark skin color. After a couple of months, the choreographer at the Houston school, who was impressed by the young talent, enrolled her secretly from everyone. He was Russian by nationality.
At the age of 16, a young dancer was chosen to show dance technique at the art school, which operated at the University of North Carolina. But the girl was again denied. The wording said that her "body is not suitable for ballet dances."
Deborah was very wounded and decided to prove to everyone that she was not just a “black dancer”. Allen graduated from university and entered Howard University. There, her studies were also successful. As a result, Deborah has two bachelor's degrees and honors.
After graduation, Allen went to conquer Broadway.
Movie
In 1980, Debbie begins her career on the world famous stage. After the role of Anita in West Side Story, not only connoisseurs of theatrical art, but also critics drew attention to her. This led to a nomination for the Tony Avard Award and the receipt of the Drama Desk theater award.
The most famous role in the movie was Lilia Grant in the musical "Glory", for which Allen received the Golden Globe. It happened in 1983.
For 5 years, Deborah participated in the series based on "Glory". She was both an actress and the main choreographer. In 2009, the actress took part in the filming of the remake of "Glory." Performed roles in the films "Open Check" and "Ragtime." She also starred in the television series "In the House". Spectators praised her actress talent in Anatomy of Passion, where she plays the extravagant Catherine Avery.
Professional achievements
Nineteen times Emmy nominated actress Debbie Allen. Films in which she participated as an actress, director or dancer, appeal to both the audience and critics. Therefore, Deborah received this prestigious award three times.
In 1991, Allen was awarded the highest honor for her achievements - a star on the Hollywood Walk.
The director's career began simultaneously with the acting, and for all the time Debbie was the main one on the set more than 40 times. Her most famous works are The Quantum Leap, Family Ties, The Prince of Beverly Hills, and others.
The debut in the production sphere took place with the direct participation of Stephen Spielberg. The combination of the director's profession and producer talent brought success, and the comedy series "Another World" was released.
As a choreographer, Allen was involved in staging the Academy Awards 5 times.
In 2001, Deborah was included in the presidential committee for arts and humanities. At the same time, the Deborah Allen Dance Academy was opened in Los Angeles. The educational institution accepts talented children of all social layers from 4 to 18 years. Deborah herself leads some programs.
A family
Allen first married Winfried Wilford in 1975. After 8 years of marriage, the marriage broke up. The actress was not alone for long. A year later, basketball player Norman Nixon became the second and current spouse of Debbie Allen. A photo of a happy married couple can be seen in the article.
Married spouses have two children. The eldest daughter Vivian has followed in the footsteps of her mother and is a famous dancer. The son of Norman Nixon, Jr. inherited the actor’s talent from a famous mother.