Debbie Allen: podcast appearances and interviews

Debbie Allen is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, singer, director, and producer. She is known for her work in the musical-drama television series Fame, where she portrayed dance teacher Lydia Grant and served as the series' principal choreographer. Her performance in this role earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 1983, along with two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography and four nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Allen has received multiple accolades throughout her career, including six Emmy Awards from twenty-two nominations, two Tony Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991 and an Academy Honorary Award in 2026. In addition to her acting, she has extensive experience in directing and producing television, notably producing and directing 83 episodes of the NBC series A Different World. Her return to acting includes roles such as Dr. Catherine Avery on ABC's Grey's Anatomy, where she also serves as an executive producer and director. Allen has directed over 50 television and film productions. Outside her television career, she founded the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles in 2001, where she teaches young dancers. She has also taught choreography to notable performers, including Paula Abdul. Debbie Allen is the younger sister of actress, director, and singer Phylicia Rashad.